Extracted text (via pymupdf_layout)
33024 characters
Report to the Board of Supervisors Prepared by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Board of Health (BOH) Meeting Date: July 22, 2013 Board of Supervisors Hearing Date: September 25, 2013 Case #/Title: ES-2013-005/Revision to Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC) Chapter VI, Bathing Places – Public and Semipublic Swimming Pools – Pool Construction Requirements Supervisor Districts: All Districts Applicant: Department Initiated Support/Opposition: No opposition has been expressed regarding this case. Stakeholder meetings were conducted on March 26, 2013 and May 22, 2013, at which no stakeholders were present. No comments have been received via the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program (EROP) website. Request: This code revision clarifies certain pool construction requirements to prevent varied interpretations. No fee changes are requested. Department Recommendation: Approve BOH Recommendation: Approve per Department recommended language Executive Summary: Revise MCEHC Chapter VI, to clarify pool construction requirements language to address instances of differing code interpretations by contractors and the Department due to lack of specificity, e.g., specify placement of “no diving tiles” at each depth marker in pools and minimum of two depth markers on the deck and at the waterline in spas. Specify size, color and location of tiles that must be placed on underwater steps, replacing requirement that steps must be “clearly visible.” In Section 14, Zero Depth Entry Pools, add to heading paragraph the missing references to complying with design requirements for public and semipublic pools, Sections 6 and 7. This proposed regulatory change is following the EROP policy and workflow process. Page 1 of 2 The County Manager briefed the Board of Supervisors in February 2013. Following passage of the Maricopa County Resolution, “Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens”, the County Manager authorized the Department to proceed with this case. An initial stakeholder meeting was conducted March 26, 2013 at which no stakeholders were present. Then on April 22, 2013, the Department presented a Staff Report for this case to the Board of Health (BOH) at which the BOH voted in support of the Department initiating this case. The Department conducted a follow-up stakeholder meeting on May 22, 2013 at which no stakeholders were present. On July 22, 2013, the Department presented a Staff Report for this case to the BOH at which the BOH voted to recommend that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed revision to the MCEHC. No comments have been received via the EROP website. Presented by: John Kolman, R.S., MBA, Director Attachments: Report to BOH (July 22, 2013) – (39 Pages) Page 2 of 2 Report to the Board of Health To Make Recommendations To Board of Supervisors Prepared by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Case #/Title: ES-2013-005/Revision to Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC) Chapter VI, Bathing Places – Public and Semipublic Swimming Pools – Pool Construction Requirements Meeting Date: July 22, 2013 Supervisor Districts: All Districts Applicant: Department Request: This code revision clarifies certain pool construction requirements to prevent varied interpretations. No fee changes are requested. Support/Opposition: No opposition has been expressed regarding this case. Stakeholder meetings were conducted on March 26, 2013 and May 22, 2013, at which no stakeholders were present. No comments have been received via the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program (EROP) website. Department Recommendation: Approve Discussion: Revise MCEHC Chapter VI, to clarify pool construction requirements language to address instances of differing code interpretations by contractors and the Department due to lack of specificity, e.g., specify placement of “no diving tiles” at each depth marker in pools and minimum of two depth markers on the deck and at the waterline in spas. Specify size, color and location of tiles that must be placed on underwater steps, replacing requirement that steps must be “clearly visible.” In Section 14, Zero Depth Entry Pools, add to heading paragraph the missing references to complying with design requirements for public and semipublic pools, Sections 6 and 7. This proposed regulatory change is following the EROP policy and workflow process. The County Manager briefed the Board of Supervisors in February 2013. Following passage of the Maricopa County Resolution, “Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens”, the County Manager authorized the Department to proceed with this case. Page 1 of 2 An initial stakeholder meeting was conducted March 26, 2013 at which no stakeholders were present. Then on April 22, 2013, the Department presented a Staff Report for this case to the Board of Health (BOH) at which the BOH voted in support of the Department initiating this case. The Department conducted a follow-up stakeholder meeting on May 22, 2013 at which no stakeholders were present. No comments have been received via the EROP website. Department Recommendation: Staff recommends the Board of Health approve the proposed revision to the MCEHC. Presented by: John Kolman, R.S., MBA, Director Attachments: Maricopa County Resolution, “Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens” (2 Pages) County Manager Case Approval (1 Page) Proposed Code Revision Language (4 Pages) Presentation – Stakeholder Meeting (5/22/13) – (4 Pages) Report to BOH (4/22/13) – (26 Pages) Page 2 of 2 RESOLUTION Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens WHEREAS, creating a predictable regulatory climate that promotes job creation and a healthy economy is critical to the well-being of the county’s residents and businesses; and WHEREAS, county government plays a critical role in encouraging economic recovery; and WHEREAS, Maricopa County is committed to full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and enforcement of such as may be required; and WHEREAS, Maricopa County is further committed to streamlining regulations, improving regulatory processes, and decreasing regulatory burdens while protecting the public health, safety and the environment; and WHEREAS, the regulated community and the general public is encouraged to bring forward ideas to reduce regulatory burdens and create regulatory efficiencies; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has previously demonstrated its commitment to regulatory fairness and transparency by adopting the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program, a program that provides unprecedented communication and participation regarding regulatory changes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, directs the following: 1. All county departments are prohibited from initiating any regulatory ordinance, rule or regulation changes except as permitted by this Resolution. It is the objective of this Resolution to eliminate any unnecessary increased regulatory burdens or costs for employers, citizens, or political subdivisions of Arizona. 2. Paragraph 1 does not apply to regulatory changes for any one or more of the following reasons: a. To lessen or ease a regulatory burden b. To prevent an immediate or significant threat to public health, peace or safety c. To avoid a violation of a court order or federal law that would result in sanctions by a court or the federal government for failure to make the regulatory change d. To comply with a federal statutory or regulatory requirement or a state statutory requirement e. Fee initiations or adjustments necessary to provide adequate, timely or required service 3. A county department shall not initiate any regulatory changes outlined in Paragraph 2, sections a – e, without written authorization from the County Manager. 4. This Resolution does not confer any rights, legal, administrative or otherwise upon any persons and shall not be used as a basis for challenges to any county ordinances, rules, regulations, approvals, denials, permits, licenses, or other County actions or inactions. 5. This Resolution shall remain in effect until 2016, unless repealed, amended or reauthorized by the Board of Supervisors. ADOPTED by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County, Arizona, this ____ day of _____________2013. _________________________________ Andrew Kunasek, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: _________________________________ Fran McCarroll, Clerk of the Board APPROVED AS TO FORM: _________________________________ Deputy County Attorney 2 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 3 GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 10. No Change REGULATION 11. Drains a. Pools shall be equipped with at least two (2), main drains located in the deepest portion that are separated by a minimum of WITH CENTERS AT LEAST three (3) feet APART and that are constructed to prevent suction entrapment under all operating conditions. Each drain shall be covered by an anti-vortex cover or an approved grate that has a minimum diagonal measurement of 24 inches, which is not readily removable by bathers and has safe openings of at least four (4) times the area of the drain pipe. EACH DRAIN PIPE CONNECTION SHALL BE UNDER THE CENTER OF THE DRAIN COVER. b. to e. No Change REGULATION 12. to REGULATION 21. No Change REGULATION 22. Signs a. Diving equipment is prohibited in a public or semipublic swimming pool that does not meet the minimum requirements for a diving board in Section 6, Regulation 6, of this Code. If a public or semipublic swimming pool does not meet the dimensional requirements prescribed in Section 6, Regulation 6 of this code for diving, the owner shall prominently display at least one (1) sign that cautions users of the swimming pool that diving is prohibited. The warning sign shall state “CAUTION SHALLOW WATER NO DIVING” in letters that are four (4) inches or larger or display the international symbol for no diving. Diving from the deck of a public or semipublic swimming pool into water that is less than five (5) feet deep shall be prohibited. Warning markers indicating in words or symbols that diving is prohibited shall be placed on the deck, ADJACENT TO EACH WATER DEPTH MARKER, within 18 inches of the side of the shallow area of the swimming pool. A warning marker shall be positioned so that a person standing on the deck facing the water can read it. b. to d. No Change REGULATION 23. No Change 1 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 6 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS REGULATION 1. No Change REGULATION 2. No Change REGULATION 3. Ladders, Steps, and Recessed Treads At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. Where the deep section is greater than 20 feet in width, two (2) ladders, located on opposite sides of the deep section are required. A minimum of two (2) means of egress will be required in all pools. There shall be at least one (1) ladder or stair for each 75 feet of perimeter. Preformed step holes and suitable handrails may be substituted for ladders. At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. a. Steps must be permanently marked so as to be clearly visible from above or below the SWIMMING pool surface. THE EDGES OF THE STEPS SHALL BE CLEARLY OUTLINED WITH A SHARPLY CONTRASTING COLORED TILE OR OTHER MATERIAL THAT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM THE DECK ADJACENT TO THE STEPS. THE TILE OR OTHER MATERIAL SHALL BE AT A MINIMUM, A CONTINUOUS 1-INCH BAND OR 2-INCH SQUARE CHIPS SPACED NO MORE THAN 8-INCHES APART, WHEN MEASURED BETWEEN THE EDGE OF THE CHIPS. andSTEPS shall not project into the pool in a manner, which will create a hazard. Steps may be constructed only in the shallow area of a public or semipublic swimming pool. All tread surfaces on steps shall have slip-resistant surfaces. Step treads shall have a minimum unobstructed horizontal depth of ten (10) inches. Risers shall have a maximum uniform height of 12 inches, with the bottom riser height allowed to vary plus or minus two (±2) inches from the uniform riser height. The location of stairs, ladders, and recessed treads shall not interfere with racing lanes. A set of steps shall be provided in a public or semipublic spa. Handrails shall be provided at one side or in the center of all stairways. Handrails shall be installed in such a way that they can be removed only with tools. A beach entry may be substituted for steps in the shallow end of the pool. REGULATION 4. to REGULATION 14. No Change 2 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 9 SPAS REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 9. No Change REGULATION 10. Depth Markers Depth markers for a public or semipublic spa shall comply with all of the following: a. A public or semipublic spa shall have permanent depth markers with numbers that are a minimum of four (4) inches high. Depth markers shall be plainly and conspicuously visible from all points of entry. b. The maximum depth of a public or semipublic spa shall be clearly indicated by depth markers. c. There shall be a minimum of two (2) depth markers ON THE DECK AND TWO (2) DEPTH MARKERS AT THE WATERLINE at each public or semipublic spa. d. to g. No Change 3 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 14 D. ZERO DEPTH ENTRY POOLS In addition to complying with the Regulations in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 AND EITHER 6 (PUBLIC POOLS) OR 7 (SEMI-PUBLIC POOLS) of this Chapter, Zero Depth Entry Pools shall comply with the following Regulations: REGULATION 1. Circulation System a. to c. No Change REGULATION 2. Floor a. No Change b. No Change REGULATION 3. Handrails No Change 4 Report to the Board of Health To Initiate Regulatory Change Prepared by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Case #/Title: ES-2012-005: Revision to Maricopa County Environmental Health Code, Chapter 6 , Bathing Places – Public and Semipublic Swimming Pools – Pool Construction Requirements Meeting Date: April 22, 2013 Supervisor Districts: All Districts Applicant: Department Request: This code revision will clarify certain pool construction requirements to prevent varied interpretations. No fee changes are requested. Support/Opposition: No opposition has been expressed regarding this case. A stakeholder meeting was conducted on March 26, 2013 at which no stakeholders were present. Department Recommendation: Initiate Discussion: Revise Chapter 6, to clarify pool construction requirements language to address instances of differing code interpretations by contractors and the Department due to lack of specificity, e.g., specify placement of “no diving tiles” at each depth marker in pools and minimum of two depth markers on the deck and at the waterline in spas. Specify size, color and location of tiles that must be placed on underwater steps, replacing requirement that steps must be “clearly visible.” In Section 14, Zero Depth Entry Pools, add to heading paragraph the missing references to complying with design requirements for public and semipublic pools, Sections 6 and 7. This proposed regulatory change will follow the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach policy and workflow process. The County Manager briefed the brief the Board of Supervisors in February 2013. A stakeholder meeting was conducted on March 26, 2013. No stakeholders attended. Page 1 of 2 Department Recommendation: Staff recommends the Board of Health approve initiation of the proposed revision to the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. Presented by: John Kolman, R.S., MBA, Director Attachments: Proposed Code Revision Language (4 Pages) Presentation – Stakeholder Meeting (3/26/13) – (20 Pages) Page 2 of 2 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 3 GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 10. No Change REGULATION 11. Drains a. Pools shall be equipped with at least two (2), main drains located in the deepest portion that are separated by a minimum of WITH CENTERS AT LEAST three (3) feet APART and that are constructed to prevent suction entrapment under all operating conditions. Each drain shall be covered by an anti-vortex cover or an approved grate that has a minimum diagonal measurement of 24 inches, which is not readily removable by bathers and has safe openings of at least four (4) times the area of the drain pipe. EACH DRAIN PIPE CONNECTION SHALL BE UNDER THE CENTER OF THE DRAIN COVER. b. to e. No Change REGULATION 12. to REGULATION 21. No Change REGULATION 22. Signs a. Diving equipment is prohibited in a public or semipublic swimming pool that does not meet the minimum requirements for a diving board in Section 6, Regulation 6, of this Code. If a public or semipublic swimming pool does not meet the dimensional requirements prescribed in Section 6, Regulation 6 of this code for diving, the owner shall prominently display at least one (1) sign that cautions users of the swimming pool that diving is prohibited. The warning sign shall state “CAUTION SHALLOW WATER NO DIVING” in letters that are four (4) inches or larger or display the international symbol for no diving. Diving from the deck of a public or semipublic swimming pool into water that is less than five (5) feet deep shall be prohibited. Warning markers indicating in words or symbols that diving is prohibited shall be placed on the deck, ADJACENT TO EACH WATER DEPTH MARKER, within 18 inches of the side of the shallow area of the swimming pool. A warning marker shall be positioned so that a person standing on the deck facing the water can read it. b. to d. No Change REGULATION 23. No Change 1 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 6 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS REGULATION 1. No Change REGULATION 2. No Change REGULATION 3. Ladders, Steps, and Recessed Treads At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. Where the deep section is greater than 20 feet in width, two (2) ladders, located on opposite sides of the deep section are required. A minimum of two (2) means of egress will be required in all pools. There shall be at least one (1) ladder or stair for each 75 feet of perimeter. Preformed step holes and suitable handrails may be substituted for ladders. At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. a. Steps must be permanently marked so as to be clearly visible from above or below the SWIMMING pool surface. THE EDGES OF THE STEPS SHALL BE CLEARLY OUTLINED WITH A SHARPLY CONTRASTING COLORED TILE OR OTHER MATERIAL THAT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM THE DECK ADJACENT TO THE STEPS. THE TILE OR OTHER MATERIAL SHALL BE AT A MINIMUM, A CONTINUOUS 1-INCH BAND OR 2-INCH SQUARE CHIPS SPACED NO MORE THAN 8-INCHES APART, WHEN MEASURED BETWEEN THE EDGE OF THE CHIPS. andSTEPS shall not project into the pool in a manner, which will create a hazard. Steps may be constructed only in the shallow area of a public or semipublic swimming pool. All tread surfaces on steps shall have slip-resistant surfaces. Step treads shall have a minimum unobstructed horizontal depth of ten (10) inches. Risers shall have a maximum uniform height of 12 inches, with the bottom riser height allowed to vary plus or minus two (±2) inches from the uniform riser height. The location of stairs, ladders, and recessed treads shall not interfere with racing lanes. A set of steps shall be provided in a public or semipublic spa. Handrails shall be provided at one side or in the center of all stairways. Handrails shall be installed in such a way that they can be removed only with tools. A beach entry may be substituted for steps in the shallow end of the pool. REGULATION 4. to REGULATION 14. No Change 2 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 9 SPAS REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 9. No Change REGULATION 10. Depth Markers Depth markers for a public or semipublic spa shall comply with all of the following: a. A public or semipublic spa shall have permanent depth markers with numbers that are a minimum of four (4) inches high. Depth markers shall be plainly and conspicuously visible from all points of entry. b. The maximum depth of a public or semipublic spa shall be clearly indicated by depth markers. c. There shall be a minimum of two (2) depth markers ON THE DECK AND TWO (2) DEPTH MARKERS AT THE WATERLINE at each public or semipublic spa. d. to g. No Change 3 MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 14 D. ZERO DEPTH ENTRY POOLS In addition to complying with the Regulations in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 AND EITHER 6 (PUBLIC POOLS) OR 7 (SEMI-PUBLIC POOLS) of this Chapter, Zero Depth Entry Pools shall comply with the following Regulations: REGULATION 1. Circulation System a. to c. No Change REGULATION 2. Floor a. No Change b. No Change REGULATION 3. Handrails No Change 4 Initial Stakeholder Meeting Proposed Revisions Maricopa County Environmental Health Code ES-2013-005 Revision to Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 6, Bathing Places Public and Semipublic Swimming Pools Pool Construction Requirements Maricopa County Environmental Services Department March 26, 2013 Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Working with our community to ensure a safe and healthy environment VISION STATEMENT: As the recognized regional environmental leader, we will develop and foster innovative environmental health protection programs for the safety of our residents and their environment. MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Environmental Services Department is to provide safe food, water, waste disposal and vector borne disease reduction controls to the people of Maricopa County so that they may enjoy living in a healthy and safe community. MARICOPA COUNTY ENHANCED REGULATORY OUTREACH PROGRAM Maricopa County has five regulatory departments that seek to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Because we understand that regulations and rulemaking decisions, discussions, and meetings can be confusing, we developed the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program that allows citizens to easily monitor and engage in the adoption and amendment of all regulations. AIR QUALITY • ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES • FLOOD CONTROL • PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT • TRANSPORTATION http://www.maricopa.gov/regulations/ FOLLOW MARICOPA COUNTY’S REGULATORY ADOPTION PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP Step 1 County Manager Briefed Board of Supervisors Step 2 Conduct Stakeholder Workshop Step 3 Stakeholder Notification 2 Weeks Prior to Citizen’s Board or Commission Step 4 Public Meeting to Initiate Regulatory Change Step 5 Specific Departmental Processes Step 6 Stakeholder Notification 2 Weeks Prior to Citizen’s Board or Commission Step 7 Public Meeting to Make Recommendation to Board of Supervisors Step 8 Schedule BOS Public Hearing Step 9 Board of Supervisor Public Hearing Step 10 Item Adopted RECEIVE UP TO DATE NOTIFICATIONS – STAY INFORMED – Sign up today to receive notice from the five Maricopa County regulatory departments about calendar changes or where items are in the process by visiting: http://www.maricopa.gov/regulations/Notifications.aspx ENHANCED PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – STAY INVOLVED – Your comments are important! Feedback is compiled and presented to every voting body to help policymakers during the decision process. Submit comments for every proposed regulation going through this program by visiting: http://www.maricopa.gov/regulations/comments.aspx Case #/Title: ES-2012-005 Revision to Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 6 , Bathing Places – Public and Semipublic Swimming Pools Pool Construction Requirements Minor Revisions to Chapter 6 to clarify pool construction requirements Five Changes 1. Clarify That Split Drains Will Be Measured 36 Inches From Center To Center of Pipe. MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 3 General Design Standards and Specifications REGULATION 11. Drains a. Pools shall be equipped with at least two (2), main drains located in the deepest portion that are separated by a minimum of with centers at least three (3) feet apart and that are constructed to prevent suction entrapment under all operating conditions. Each drain shall be covered by an anti-vortex cover or an approved grate that has a minimum diagonal measurement of 24 inches, which is not readily removable by bathers and has safe openings of at least four (4) times the area of the drain pipe. Each drain pipe connection shall be under the center of the drain cover. b. Drains shall be spaced at intervals of not greater than one (1) each 20 feet of pool width in the deepest portion and not more than 15 feet from each side wall. c. A minimum of two (2) suction outlets shall be provided for each pump in a suction outlet system for a public or semipublic pool or spa. The suction outlets shall be separated by a minimum of three (3) feet or located on two (2) different planes (i.e. one suction outlet on the bottom and one (1) on a vertical wall or one (1) suction outlet each on two (2) separate vertical walls) as long as the three (3) foot separation is always maintained. The suction outlets shall be plumbed to draw water through them simultaneously through a common line to the pump. Suction outlets shall be plumbed to eliminate the possibility of entrapping suction, and be equipped with an approved anti-vortex cover. d. The total velocity of water through grate openings of the drain shall not exceed one and one-half (1 1/2) feet per second. e. No check valve may be installed between a suction outlet and a pump. 2. Clarify Where No Dive Placard Shall Be Placed On Deck Surfaces. MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 3 General Design Standards and Specifications REGULATION 22. Signs a. Diving equipment is prohibited in a public or semipublic swimming pool that does not meet the minimum requirements for a diving board in Section 6, Regulation 6, of this Code. If a public or semipublic swimming pool does not meet the dimensional requirements prescribed in Section 6, Regulation 6 of this code for diving, the owner shall prominently display at least one (1) sign that cautions users of the swimming pool that diving is prohibited. The warning sign shall state “CAUTION SHALLOW WATER NO DIVING” in letters that are four (4) inches or larger or display the international symbol for no diving. Diving from the deck of a public or semipublic swimming pool into water that is less than five (5) feet deep shall be prohibited. Warning markers indicating in words or symbols that diving is prohibited shall be placed on the deck, adjacent to each water depth marker, within 18 inches of the side of the shallow area of the swimming pool. A warning marker shall be positioned so that a person standing on the deck facing the water can read it. b. All persons shall be instructed before entering the pool, by means of suitable, clearly lettered signs properly located, to observe all safety regulations. c. The maximum bathing load for a public or semipublic swimming pool or spa shall be posted. d. When food preparation or food service equipment is allowed within the pool enclosure, a sign is required stating that no glass is allowed in the pool enclosure, that only paper and plastic service is allowed, and that no food or drink is allowed within four (4) feet of a semipublic pool or spa edge or ten (10) feet of a public pool or spa edge. 3. Clarify How Step Edges Shall Be Outlined in Pools. MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 6 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS REGULATION 3. Ladders, Steps, and Recessed Treads At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. Where the deep section is greater than 20 feet in width, two (2) ladders, located on opposite sides of the deep section are required. A minimum of two (2) means of egress will be required in all pools. There shall be at least one (1) ladder or stair for each 75 feet of perimeter. Preformed step holes and suitable handrails may be substituted for ladders. At least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each swimming pool. a. Steps must be permanently marked so as to be clearly visible from above or below the swimming pool surface. The edges of the steps shall be clearly outlined with a sharply contrasting colored tile or other material that is clearly visible from the deck adjacent to the steps. The tile or other material shall be at a minimum, a continuous 1-inch band or 2-inch square chips spaced no more than 8-inches apart, when measured between the edge of the chips. and Steps shall not project into the pool in a manner, which will create a hazard. Steps may be constructed only in the shallow area of a public or semipublic swimming pool. All tread surfaces on steps shall have slip-resistant surfaces. Step treads shall have a minimum unobstructed horizontal depth of ten (10) inches. Risers shall have a maximum uniform height of 12 inches, with the bottom riser height allowed to vary plus or minus two ( 2) inches from the uniform riser height. The location of stairs, ladders, and recessed treads shall not interfere with racing lanes. A set of steps shall be provided in a public or semipublic spa. Handrails shall be provided at one side or in the center of all stairways. Handrails shall be installed in such a way that they can be removed only with tools. A beach entry may be substituted for steps in the shallow end of the pool. 4. Clarify How Depth Markers Shall Be Installed in Spas. MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 9 SPAS REGULATION 10. Depth Markers Depth markers for a public or semipublic spa shall comply with all of the following: a. A public or semipublic spa shall have permanent depth markers with numbers that are a minimum of four (4) inches high. Depth markers shall be plainly and conspicuously visible from all points of entry. b. The maximum depth of a public or semipublic spa shall be clearly indicated by depth markers. c. There shall be a minimum of two (2) depth markers on the deck and two (2) depth markers at the waterline at each public or semipublic spa. d. Depth markers shall be spaced at no more than 25 foot intervals and shall be uniformly located around the perimeter of the spa. e. Depth markers shall be positioned on the deck within 18 inches of the side of the spa. A depth marker shall be positioned so that a person standing on the deck facing the water can read it. f. Depth markers that are on deck surfaces shall be made of slip-resistant material. g. Depth markers shall be in Arabic numerals of contrasting color to the background. 5. Clarify Health Code References For Zero Depth Entry Pools. MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE CHAPTER VI BATHING PLACES - PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS SECTION 14 Zero Depth Entry Pools In addition to complying with the Regulations in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and either 6 (public pools) or 7 (semi-public pools) of this Chapter, Zero Depth Entry Pools shall comply with the following Regulations: REGULATION 1. Circulation system a. A zero depth entry pool shall have a turnover rate for the area of the pool up to a depth of two (2) feet of at least once every hour. b. A zero depth entry pool shall be equipped with a trench drain running the entire length of the entry. It shall be covered with a removable grate to facilitate cleaning. The trench drain shall be located so that the water surface of the pool falls no higher than the middle of the grate. The grate shall be designed to eliminate the possibility of injury to bathers. c. There shall be a minimum of two (2) floor inlets, plumbed not more than 15 feet apart and no further than ten (10) feet from the zero depth entry. REGULATION 2. Floor a. At the entry, the deck/floor must slope toward the pool. The slope of the deck may not exceed one (1) foot in 12 feet. b. All floor materials must be non-slip to a minimum depth of two (2) feet. REGULATION 3. Handrails Handrails shall be provided at the ends of the zero depth entry. Thank you for your participation. We welcome your questions and comments. http://www.maricopa.gov/regulations/ Caroline Oppleman, M.S.P.H., R.S. Greg Maupin, P.E. Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 1001 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004