R392-302-35. Special Purpose Pools: Interactive Water Features

  (1) Interactive water features must meet all applicable requirements of all Sections of R392-302 in addition to those of this Section as they apply to special design features and uses of interactive water features.

  (a) Interactive water feature projects require consultation with the local health department having jurisdiction.

  (2) All parts of the interactive water feature shall be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated so there are no slip, fall, or other safety hazards, and shall meet the standards of the State Construction Code Title 15a, State Construction and Fire Codes Act.

  (3) Interactive water feature nozzles that spray from the ground level shall be flush with the ground, with openings no greater than one-half inch in diameter. Spray devices that extend above ground level shall be clearly visible.

  (4) Areas adjacent to the water feature collection zones shall be sloped away at a minimum of two percent from the interactive water feature to deck drains or other approved surface water disposal systems. A continuous deck at least 3 feet, 0.91 meters, wide as measured from the edge of the collection zones must extend completely around the interactive water feature.

  (5) Water discharged from all interactive water feature fountain or spray features shall freely drain by gravity flow through a main drain fitting to a below grade sump or collection system which discharges to a collector tank.

  (6) All interactive water feature foggers and misters that produce finely atomized mists shall be supplied directly from a potable water source and not from the underground reservoir.

  (7) The interactive water feature shall have an automated oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and pH controller installed and in operation whenever the feature is open for use. The controller shall be capable of maintaining disinfection and pH levels within the requirements for special purpose pools listed in Table 6. In addition, an approved secondary disinfection system the meets the requirements of in R392-302-38(4)(c) through (4)(f)(iii) shall be installed and in operation whenever the feature is open for use.

  (8) A sign that meets the requirement R392-302-39(1), (2) and (3)(c) stating:

  (a) The word "CAUTION" centered at the top of the sign.

  (b) No running on or around the interactive water feature.

  (c) Children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision.

  (d) No food, drink, glass or pets are allowed on or around the interactive water feature.

  (e) For the health of all users restrooms shall be used for the changing of diapers.

  (9) If the interactive water feature is operated at night, five foot-candles of light shall be provided in the all areas of the water feature. Lighting shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and approved for such use by UL or NSF.

  (10) Hydraulics.

  (a) The interactive water feature filter system shall be capable of filtering and treating the entire water volume of the water feature within 30 minutes.

  (b) The interactive water feature filter system shall draft from the collector tank and return filtered and treated water to the tank via a minimum of 4 equally spaced inlet fittings. Inlet spacing shall also meet the requirements of section R392-302-17.

  (c) The interactive water feature circulation system shall be on a separate loop and not directly interconnected with the interactive water feature pump.

  (d) The suction intake of the interactive water feature pump in the underground reservoir shall be located adjacent to the circulation return line and shall be located to maximize uniform circulation of the tank.

  (e) An automated water level controller shall be provided for the interactive water feature, and the drinking water line that supplies the feature shall meet the requirements of R392-302-4.

  (f) The water velocity through the feature nozzles of the interactive water features shall meet manufacturer's specifications and shall not exceed 20 feet per second.

  (g) The minimum size of the interactive water feature sump or collector tank shall be equal to the volume of 3 minutes of the combined flow of all feature pumps and the filter pump. Access lids or doors shall be provided to the sump and collector tank. The lids or doors shall be sized to allow easy maintenance and shall provide security from unauthorized access. Stairs or a ladder shall be provided as needed to ensure safe entry into the tank for cleaning and inspection.

  (h) The suction intake from the interactive water feature circulation pump shall be located in the lowest portion of the underground reservoir.

  (i) A means of vacuuming and completely draining the interactive water feature tank shall be provided.

  (11) An interactive water feature is exempt from:

  (a) The wall requirement of section R392-302-10;

  (b) The ladder, recessed step, stair, and handrail requirements of section R392-302-12;

  (c) The fencing and access barrier requirements of section R392-302-14;

  (d) The outlet requirements of section R392-302-18 except any submerged outlet that may create an entrapment hazard to users of the feature shall meet the requirements of R392-302-18(1)(a);

  (e) The overflow gutter and skimming device requirements of section R392-302-19;

  (f) The safety and lifesaving requirements of section R392-302-22, except that an interactive water feature shall be equipped with a first aid kit as required by subsection R392-302-22(3);

  (g) The restroom and shower facility requirements of section R392-302-25 as long as toilets, lavatories and changing tables are available within 150 feet;

  (h) The pool water clarity and temperature requirements of subsection R392-302-27(4);

  (i) The diving area requirement of R392-302-11 except R392-302-11(4)(a) and (b) may be required by the Local Health Officer if the Local Health Officer determines that a diving risk exists;

  (j) The depth marking and safety rope requirements of R392-302-15;

  (k) The underwater lighting requirements of R392-302-23(1),(2), and (3);

  (l) The supervision of bathers requirements of R392-302-30;

  (m) The bather load requirements of R392-302-7; and

  (n) The pool color requirements of R392-302-6(5).

  (12) All interactive water features shall be constructed with a collection zone that meets the requirements of R392-302-6. Vinyl liners that are not bonded to a collection zone surface are prohibited. A vinyl liner that is bonded to a collection zone shall have at least a 60 millimeter thickness. Sand, clay, or earth collection zones are prohibited.

  (a) The collection zone material of an interactive water feature must withstand the stresses associated with the normal uses of the interactive water feature and regular maintenance. The collection zone structure and associated tanks shall withstand, without any damage to the structure, the stresses of complete emptying of the interactive water feature and associated tanks without shoring or additional support.

  (b) The collection zone of an interactive water feature must be designed and constructed in a manner that provides a smooth, easily cleanable, non-abrasive, and slip resistant surface. The collection zone surfaces must be free of cracks or open joints with the exception of structural expansion joints or openings that allow water to drain to the collector tank. Openings that drain to the collector tank shall not pass a one-half inch sphere. The owner of a non-cementitious interactive water feature shall submit documentation with the plans required in R392-302-8 that the surface material has been tested and passed by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited testing facility using one of the following standards that is appropriate to the material used:

  (i) for pools built with prefabricated pool sections or pool members, the International Cast Products Association (ICPA) standard ANSI/ICPA SS-1-2001; or

  (ii) a standard that has been approved by the Department based on whether the standard is applicable to the surface and whether it determines compliance with the requirements of Section R392-302-6.