AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF DEKALB COUNTY, ARTICLE VIII, CHAPTER 13 BY AMENDING PROVISION RELATING TO SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND BATHING BEACHES.
Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Dekalb County, Georgia, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same that Article VIII, Chapter 13 shall be amended to adopt new swimming pools, spas and bathing beaches regulations.
Section 1. Article VIII of Chapter 13 shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with a New Article VIII as follows:
CHAPTER 13
ARTICLE VIII
SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND
BATHHOUSES*
DIVISION I. GENERALLY
Sec.13-181. Title and Purpose.
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(a) This article contains regulations establishing minimum standards governing the use and maintenance of swimming pools and structures; establishing minimum standards governing supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things, and conditions essential to make swimming pools and surrounding premises safe, sanitary and fit for human use; establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of swimming pools and structures; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators and attendants of swimming pools; authorizing the inspection of swimming pools and structures and providing for the condemnation of all swimming pools and structures deemed unfit for human use.
(b) This article shall be known and may be cited as the Dekalb County swimming pool regulations.
(c) The purpose of this article is to provide basic and uniform standards governing the construction and maintenance of swimming pools and related structures and premises located within Dekalb County, Georgia. Such purpose further provides the establishment of reasonable safeguards for the safety, health and welfare of the attendants and users thereof and of the general public.
Sec. 13-182. Definitions.
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The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Adult/adults means person(s) eighteen (18) years of age or older, or a person certified in life saving by the American Red Cross or by completion of an equivalent training course.
Barrier means a material object that separates or serves as a barricade, restricting free movement of adults, children and animals to the pool. Above ground pool walls do not meet this definition.
Child/children means person(s) under eighteen (18) years of age, excluding person(s) certified in life saving by the American Red Cross of by completion of an equivalent training course.
Design professional means an architect, landscape architect or engineer registered to practice in Georgia.
Locked means a fastening device operated by a key or combination or card device designated for unlocking function in order to secure the pool and prevent anyone from entering without permission.
Natural bathing beach means any structure containing a natural body of water for swimming, diving, or recreational purposes.
Natural public bathing beach means any natural or altered body of water such as but not limited to an artificial or natural pond, spring, lake, river or stream for swimming, diving or recreational bathing, for collective use by a number of persons, operated by any person, whether the owner, operator, lessee, licensee or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged, and all facilities incident thereto.
Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association and may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate.
Prime design professional means the design professional responsible for the entire project.
Private residential bathing beach means any natural body of water as defined above for a single-family residence under the control of an individual homeowner, the use of which is limited to swimming and bathing by members of the homeowner's family and/or their invited guests.
Private residential spa means any pool as defined below (Public Spa) but for a single- family residence under the control of the individual homeowner, the use of which is limited to members of the homeowner's family and/or their invited guests.
Private residential swimming pool means any swimming pool for a single-family residence under the control of an individual homeowner, the use of which is limited to swimming or bathing by members of the homeowner's family and/or invited guests.
Public spa (including hot tubs and recreational whirlpools) means any pool other than a private residential pool primarily designed for individual or small group bathing with circulated water which may employ tempered water, air-induced bubbles or a combination thereof, with the intent of producing a relaxing or therapeutic effect operated by any person, whether the owner, operator, lessee, licensee or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged, and all facilities incident thereto.
Public swimming pool means any swimming pool other than a private residential swimming pool, for collective use by numbers of persons for swimming or bathing operated by any person, as defined herein, whether the person be owner, operator, lessee, licensee or concessionaire, regardless of whether a fee is charged, and all facilities incident thereto.
Swimming pool means any structure intended for bathing or swimming purposes, made of concrete, masonry, metal, or other impervious material, located either indoors or outdoors, and provided with a controlled water supply.
Turnover rate means the number of times a quantity of water equal to the total capacity of the pool passes through the filters in a stated time (usually in turnovers per day).
Sec.
13-183. Applicability; permits; inspections; approval of plans.
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(a) Applicability. The provisions of this article are applicable to all swimming pools, both public and residential as hereinafter designated, located in DeKalb County, Georgia, provided, however, that both public and private residential swimming pools in existence on the effective date of this article, which have permits and are in compliance with the existing regulations, except in cases of major improvement and/or remodeling, shall be approved under this article; and provided further, that swimming pools which serve a restricted clientele only, such as hotels, motels, apartments. and condominiums, shall not be required to meet the requirements hereof relating to telephones, showers, toilets, lavatory facilities and dressing rooms where such facilities are readily available in nearby or closeby structures to all persons who may use the swimming pool.
(b) Permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a public swimming pool in DeKalb County, Georgia who does not possess an unrevoked permit from the director. Such permit shall be displayed at all times in a place designated by the director. Only persons who comply with all the requirements of this article shall be entitled to receive and retain such a permit. Such a permit may be temporarily suspended by the director upon the violation by the holder of any of the terms of this article; or revoked after an opportunity for a hearing by the director upon serious or repeated violation.
(c) Inspection of swimming pools. Periodically, the director shall inspect every operating public swimming pool located within DeKalb County, Georgia. In the event the director discovers the violation of any item relative to sanitation and safety, the director shall make a second inspection after the lapse of such time as the director deems necessary for the defect to be remedied, and the second inspection shall be used to determine compliance with the requirements of this article. Violations which constitute an immediate threat to health or safety shall result in immediate closure of the pool until such time as the violations have been corrected and approved by the director. Upon completion of the inspection, the management or its representative shall sign the inspection form indicating their presence during the inspection, and shall not necessarily indicate agreement with the findings thereon. A copy of the most recent inspection shall be retained by the management of the swimming pool and must be publicly displayed at all times.
(d) Plans and specifications. All plans and specifications, with the registration stamp and number of the design professional. for proposed new public and residential swimming pools or for substantial alteration or reconstruction of existing pools shall be first submitted to the director for the director's approval before any work can be undertaken. Plans and specifications for private residential swimming pools may be submitted by a contractor licensed by the county or a municipality within the county in lieu of a design professional. The plans shall be drawn to scale and shall be accompanied by complete specifications so as to permit a comprehensive review of the plans including the piping and hydraulic details and shall include:
A plan and sectional view with all the necessary dimensions of both the pool and surrounding area.
Complete site drainage details including diversion ditches for surface runoff.
A piping diagram showing all appurtenances, including treatment facilities in sufficient detail. as well as pertinent elevation data, to permit a hydraulic analysis of the system.
Specifications shall contain details of all treatment equipment, including performance characteristics of pumps, chlorinators, chemical feeders, filters, strainers, interceptors and related equipment.
All public swimming pools shall be provided with a recirculation and filtration system.
Sec. 13-184. Water Supply.
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(a) The water supply for all public and residential pools, showers, lavatories, drinking fountains and any other uses in conjunction with the pool shall be adequate in quantity and shall comply with all requirements of the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977 and the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the department of natural resources.
(b) The water distribution system serving the swimming pool shall be protected against backflow by means of an air gap, not less than two (2) service pipe diameters in width, between the service pipe and the flood rim of the receiving vessel. Approved devices for preventing backflow from the pool to the potable water supply may be required and shall be in compliance with the county plumbing codes.
Sec. 13-185.
Structure, Design, Materials.
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(a) Public and residential swimming pools shall be designed and constructed to withstand all structural stresses including external hydrostatic pressures and flotation.
(b) Public and residential swimming pools shall be constructed of inert and enduring materials, nontoxic to humans, which will provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface with no cracks or open joints, and shall be finished in a light color. Interior comers shall be coved with a minimum radius of one (1) inch.
(c) Waterslides, where used, shall conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act Regulations, subchapter B, part 1207 (Ret. 41FR 2751, January 19, 1976), safety standards for swimming pool slides.
Sec. 13-186. Shape, Slope,
Depth.
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Public swimming pools shall be designed and constructed so that efficient and safe control of the pool and bathers can be accomplished. Specifications are as follows:
(a) For water depth less than five (5) feet, the slope of the pool bottom shall be uniform and shall not exceed one (1) foot of slope in twelve (12) feet. For depths greater than five (5) feet, the slope shall not exceed one (1) foot in three (3) feet.
(b) The maximum depth at the shallow end of the pool shall not exceed three (3) feet six (6) inches except for competitive or special purpose pools.
(c) The minimum depth of water in the pool shall be three (3) feet except for special purpose pools, which when included as part of the pool shall be separated from the pool properly by means of a safety line supported by buoys and attached to the side walls.
(d) The depth of the water at the deepest point, at the shallow end, and at slope break in the pool bottom between the shallow and deep portions of the pool shall be permanently and conspicuously marked above the water at the pool sides and deck. Numerals shall be visible at night under artificial illumination where night swimming is permitted. Markers shall also be at least four (4) inches high, with a three-quarter-inch stroke and of a contrasting color with the background.
(e) Walls of a pool shall be either vertical for water depths of at least six (6) feet, or vertical for a distance of two (2) feet six (6) inches below the water level, below which the wall may be curved to the bottom with a radius equal to the difference between the depth and two (2) feet six (6) inches.
Sec. 13-187. Inlets and
outlets.
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(a) Inlets and outlets to public swimming pools shall be arranged so as to get effective and uniform circulation of the incoming water throughout the pool, as follows:
A sufficient number of inlets shall be provided to obtain adequate
circulation and prevent dead spots. Not less than three (3) inlets shall be
provided in spa and wading pools. A maximum spacing of twenty (20) feet shall
be provided between inlets around the pool perimeter. For pools over thirty
(30) feet wide, floor inlets shall be used and may be used in pools less than
thirty (30) feet wide.
Maximum flow rates (in gpm) through various fixed inlet branches shall be
not more than as listed below:
Size 1 " I V4" 1 Y2" 2"
GPM 10
20 30 50
All inlets shall be designed as adjustable orifices, or shall be
individually valved, and shall be submerged not less than twenty-four (24)
inches below overflow level to reduce the escape of disinfecting agents.
Inlets shall be flush with the pool wall or floor.
Two (2) or more outlets shall be provided at the deepest point of the pool
to permit the pool to be completely drained. Each low point in the pool shall
be adequately served by an outlet.
Outlets shall be spaced not more than thirty (30) feet nor less than (4)
feet apart and not more than fifteen (15) feet from the side walls.
The area of all outlet openings shall be covered with gratings or other
coverings which are tamperproof.
Net openings in each floor covering or grating shall be at least four (4) times the area of the discharge pipe or shall provide sufficient area so that the maximum velocity of the water passing the grate will not exceed one and one-half (1/2) feet per second. Gratings shall be designed to prevent the insertion of fingers or other body parts.
(b) In public swimming pools and in residential swimming pools, outlets shall not connect directly, to sewers but shall be installed in such manner that any sewage backing up from the sewer will overflow to waste and cannot reach the pool. Pool drainage, valves and pumps shall be sized to prevent surcharge of the sanitary sewer.
Sec. 13-188. Overflow
facilities.
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(a) Positive means shall be provided for continuous removal of scum, sputum and floating debris from the pool surface in public and residential swimming pools. Drainage from overflow facilities shall be discharged to waste or to a make-up or surge tank.
(b) Overflow gutters, where used, shall meet the following standards:
Overflow gutters shall extend completely around the swimming pool except at steps or recessed ladders. The lip of the gutter shall be level and shall be designed to serve as a handhold for bathers.
Overflow gutters shall be smooth, finished and of open, rollover or semirecessed type, except overflow gutters for water-level deck-type public swimming pools may be countersunk in a deck sloped to drain from the gutter and such gutters shall be covered by a flush-mounted grating.
Overflow gutters shall be designed to permit ready and effective cleaning and to prevent accidental entrapment of bathers' arms or legs.
Overflow gutter and outlet design shall provide for continuous removal of not less than fifty (50) percent of the recirculated water for return to the filter or to waste.
Overflow gutters shall be provided with drainage outlets of two (2) inches minimum diameter at intervals of not more than fifteen (15) feet. Outlets shall be covered by removable gratings.
(c) Skimmers, where used, shall comply in all respects with appropriate standards of the National Sanitation Foundation regarding materials,design, operation and safety and shall meet the following standards:
Skimmers may be used in lieu of overflow gutters provided the circulation system is designed to produce substantial circulatory movement of pool water for promotion of skimming and uniform disinfectant distribution and provided a handhold equivalent to bullnose coping with the outer two (2) inches not over two and one-half (2Y2) inches thick is extended around the pool perimeter not more than nine (9) inches above the normal water level.
Skimmers shall be designed for a flow-through rate of twenty (20) to thirty (30) gallons per minute and the total capacity of all skimmers in any pool shall be at least eighty (80) percent of the required filter flow of the recirculation system. Each skimmer shall be provided with a valve for equalization of flow.
Skimmers shall be built into the pool wall and the weir shall be automatically adjustable to water level variations over a range of at least four (4) inches. At least one (1) skimmer shall be located to oppose the prevailing wind.
Skimmers shall be designed and located to effectively remove floating materials from the water surface of the entire pool area. At least one (1) skimmer shall be provided for each five hundred (500) square feet of water surface area or fraction thereof.
Skimmers shall be provided with an easily removable and cleanable screen or basket to trap large solids.
Skimmers shall be designed or equipped to prevent air lock in the suction line. Equalizer lines, if used, shall be sized to meet capacity requirements of the filter and pump and in no case shall be less than two (2) inches in diameter. Equalizer lines shall be installed at least one (1) foot below the lowest weir level and equipped with valves or devices to remain closed at normal operating conditions but automatically open when water level drops two (2) inches below the lowest weir level.
Sec. 13-189. Hose
connections.
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Sufficient hose connections, at least three-fourths inch in diameter. shall be provided for cleaning the pool, decks, walls, toilets, dressing rooms and other flooded areas used in connection with public swimming pools and bathhouses. Hose connections shall be fitted with an approved vacuum breaker.
Sec.
13-190. Steps, ladders, handrails in public swimming pools.
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(a) Steps or ladders shall be provided at the shallow end of public swimming pools where the vertical distance from pool bottom to deck level is over two (2) feet. Recessed steps and handrails or ladders shall be provided at the deep portion of the pool and, if the pool is over thirty (30) feet wide, such steps and handrails or ladders shall be installed on each side. A ~ means of egress shall be provided for each seventy-five (75) feet of pool perimeter or fraction thereof.
(b) Steps shall be of nonslip design with minimum tread depth of twelve (12) inches and maximum rise of twelve (12) inches. Abrupt drops or submerged projections into the pool shall be guarded by handrails. At least the front four (4) inches of each step tread, including the deck edge, shall be a contrasting color visible from the deck.
(c) Ladders shall be corrosion-resistant and shall be equipped with nonslip treads. They shall be designed to provide a handhold and shall be rigidly installed with clearance between the ladder and the pool wall not less than three (3) inches nor more than six (6) inches.
(d) Steps inserted in the pool wall shall be of easily cleanable construction, designed to drain into the pool, and shall be at least fourteen (14) inches wide and five (5) inches deep and have a maximum of twelve-inch vertical spacing.
(e) Ladders within the swimming pool shall be equipped with a handrail at the top of both sides thereof, extending not less then twenty (20) inches or more than thirty-six (36) inches above the coping or edge of the deck.
Sec. 13-191. Wading pools.
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This section applies to public wading pools. Wading pools for nonswimming
children must be independent auxiliary pools. All applicable sections of this
article shall apply to wading pools.
Compliance with the following is
required:
(a) Wading pools shall be set apart from the shallow water area of a swimming pool by not less than six (6) feet of decking. Where wading pool adjoins any deep water area, a barrier at least four (4) feet high shall separate the two (2) pools. each with deck widths as required herein.
(b) Wading pools shall have a maximum depth of not more than twenty-four (24) inches nor less than eighteen (18) inches at the perimeter. The bottom shall be nonabrasive, shall have a nonslip finish. and shall be sloped toward the drains at not more than one (1) foot in twelve (12) feet.
(c) Wading pools shall be served by an independent recirculation system or a potable water source with turnover rates of once every two (2) hours or less. Wall inlets shall be located at one-half the water depth at the wall. A minimum of two (2) skimmers, when used, shall be provided.
(d) All wading pools shall have two (2) main drains per pool, covered by a twelve-inch by twelve- inch frame and safety grate.
Sec. 13-192. Spray
pools.
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This section applies to public spray pools. Spray pools are small, independent, artificial pools for nonswimming children into which water is sprayed but is not allowed to pond. Spray pools may be supplied by the swimming pool recirculation system or by water meeting the same quality requirements from other sources with all drainage to waste. All applicable sections of this article shall apply to public spray pools. Compliance with the following is required:
(a) Spray pool bottoms shall be nonabrasive, shall have a nonslip finish, and shall be sloped toward a drain at not more than three (3) inches in ten (10) feet nor less than one (1) inch in ten (10).
(b) All spray pools shall have two (2) main drains per pool covered by a twelve-inch by twelve-inch frame and safety grate.
Sec. 13-193. Deck
areas.
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(a) A clear and unobstructed paved deck or walkway shall extend completely around public swimming pools; deck width shall be at least five (5) feet measured from the pool side edge, except at the deep end where there is a diving board, the width shall be at least ten (10) feet, or at least three (3) feet unobstructed distance behind the diving board, whichever is greater.
(b) Deck drainage shall be conducted away from the public pool area and shall be pitched to drains designed to conduct drainage from the pool to points of disposal in a manner that will not create unsanitary, hazardous, or objectionable conditions. Decks shall be sloped no less than one- fourth inch per foot.
(c) Decks around public pools shall have a nonslip surface and shall be of a material and finish that can be cleaned by hosing.
(d) At all public and residential outdoor swimming pools (including in ground and above ground pools), spas and hot tubs, an effective fence or barrier, not less than four (4) feet high, with no external handholds, footholds or openings that may entrap body parts, shall be provided on the outer side of the walk area to prevent spectators in street attire from traversing the pool walk and prohibit access of unattended children and animals to the pool. There shall be no more than four (4) inches of clearance between the bottom of the fence barrier and ground surface or pool deck. Any gate shall be located at the shallow end of the pool and shall be self-closing and have a lockable self-latching device and shall be locked when no attendant or responsible adult is present. Where pools serve special purposes, as therapeutic pools, waiver of this requirement may be acceptable unless operator supervision is not maintained at all times.
Sec. 13-194. Diving
areas and equipment
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The dimensions of swimming pools in the diving area shall meet or exceed those specified in the current edition of Public Swimming Pools; Recommended Regulations for Design and Construction, Operation and Maintenance, American Public Health Association. Specifications are as follows:
(a) At least fifteen (15) feet of free and unobstructed headroom shall be provided above diving boards. A horizontal separation of ten (10) feet shall be provided between diving boards and side walls, except that this may be reduced to eight (8) feet for surface boards.
(b) Diving board steps and ladders shall be of corrosion-resistant material, easily cleanable and of nonslip design, and kept in good repair. Handrails shall be provided at all steps and ladders leading to diving boards with elevations one (1) meter or more above the water. Platforms and diving boards which are one (1) meter or more high shall be protected with guard railings.
(c) For swimming pools without diving boards, the bottom slope and depths shall conform to the requirement of section 13-186, paragraph (1). For these pools and for water depths of five (5) feet and less in other pools, the deck at the pool edge shall be marked with the words "NO DIVING ALLOWED" or with the approved international no-diving symbol, visible and readable from any position on the deck.
Sec. 13-195. Electrical
materials.
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All electrical materials and workmanship at public and residential swimming pools shall be in compliance with the county electrical code and the following:
(a) Where underwater lighting is used, not less than one-half watts per square foot shall be employed. Underwater lighting for competitive pools shall meet the respective competitive organization's requirements.
(b) Where underwater lighting is used, and night swimming is permitted, not less than six-tenths watt per square foot of lighting shall be provided for the deck area and should be directed toward the deck area away from the pool surface.
(c) Where underwater lighting is not used. and night swimming is permitted, area and pool lighting combined shall be not less than two (2) watts per square foot of deck area.
(d) Overhead wiring, whether utility-owned or facility-owned. shall conform to the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
(e) Lighting in dressing rooms, toilet rooms, equipment rooms, chemical rooms, concessions, and related areas shall be in compliance with the DeKalb County Electrical Code.
Sec. 13-196.
Recirculation and filtration system.
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(a) The entire recirculation and filtration system shall be designed for continuous operation and shall have sufficient capacity to clarify the entire pool volume of public pools every six (6) hours or less, and residential pools every eight (8) hours or less, thus providing at least four (4) and three (3) turnovers respectively daily. Where separate wading pools are provided for children, recirculation capacity shall provide for complete turnover of the wading pool content every two (2) hours or less.
(b) A rate-of-flow indicator, reading in gallons per minute, and a flow-regulating valve shall be installed and located so that the rate of recirculation and backwash rate will be indicated and can be controlled.
(c) All recirculation and filtration equipment that requires adjustment and maintenance, and sight- glasses, dials or meters that must be recorded, shall be readily accessible and have unobstructed clearance from walls, ceilings, and other equipment. and shall be well lighted.
(d) Swimming pool heaters, when used. shall be certified by a nationally recognized organization and shall be in compliance with the applicable DeKalb County codes.
Sec. 13-197. Pumping equipment.
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Pumps and motors used for public and residential swimming pools shall have sufficient capacity to provide the required number of turnovers specified in section 13-196 and to provide adequate flow and head to backwash filters at rates set forth below:
(a) Recirculation pumps shall be located below the pool water level to provide positive pressure on the suction side. or a positive priming method shall be provided.
(b) Requirements for filtration shall be based upon the maximum head loss developed immediately prior to backwashing the filters.
Sec. 13-198. Hair and lint
strainer.
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In public swimming pools, a strainer shall be provided on the suction side of the pump to prevent hair, lint, and other matter from reaching the pump and filters. Strainers shall be corrosion resistant, with openings not over one-eighth inch wide, providing a free flow area at least four (4) times the area of the pump suction line and shall be readily accessible for frequent cleaning.
Sec. 13-199. Suction cleaner.
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In public swimming pools, a suction cleaner, either built-in or portable type, shall be provided for removing sediment from the pool floor and shall be capable of reaching all parts of the pool floor. Built-in cleaners shall provide sufficient connections in the pool walls at least eight (8) inches below the waterline. Portable or jet-type units shall be provided With backflow protection for the water system.
Sec. 13-200. Piping.
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In public and residential swimming pools, pool piping shall be detailed on the plans as to size and material. Buried flexible plastic pipe shall not be used. Piping shall be of nontoxic material, resistant to corrosion, and able to withstand operating pressures. Plastic pipe, when used, shall be NSF approved. Piping shall be in compliance with the DeKalb County plumbing code and the following:
(a) Piping shall be designed to carry the required quantity of water at a maximum velocity not to exceed six (6) teet per second on piping to the suction side of the recirculation pump and not to exceed ten (10) feet per second in discharge lines.
(b) Piping shall be positively supported to prevent settlement which may cause air pockets or sediment traps or rupture of lines. Piping shall be provided with uniform slope and with positive means of draining water to prevent damage from freezing.
(c) Valves shall be provided to cut off flow during cleaning or inspection of strainers and pumps.
Sec.
13-201. Disinfectant feeders in public swimming pools.
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(a) Every pool and spa shall be required to have at least one (1) unit of disinfectant agent equipment. Additional units may be required to maintain chemical and physical parameters of the pool water.
(b) Equipment and piping used to apply disinfectant chemicals to the water shall be of such size, design and material that they may be cleaned. Feeders shall not be cross-connected with potable water systems. Materials used for such equipment and piping shall be resistant to the action of chemicals to be used therein.
(c) A means of disinfecting the pool water which provides a residual agent in the pool water shall be used. The disinfecting agent shall be subject to simple field tests for determination of concentration. CWorinators or other disinfectant feeders shall be capable of supplying at least the equivalent of one (1) pound of available cWorine per eight (8) hours per ten thousand (10,000) gallons of pool capacity; rate of feed shall be adjustable and shall be indicated on the feeder.
(d) Chlorinators or other disinfectant feeders shall be of sturdy construction and materials which will withstand wear, corrosion or attack by disinfectant solutions or vapors and which are not adversely affected by repeated adjustments or other conditions anticipated in the use of the device.
The feeder shall be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance and shall be designed and constructed to minimize stoppage from chemicals used. Feeder design shall include fail-safe features to prevent the disinfectant feeding directly to the pool or its components under any type of failure of equipment or maintenance.
(e) Disinfectant feeders shall have a graduated and clearly marked dosage adjustment to provide flows from full capacity to ten (10) percent of such capacity. The device shall be capable of continuous delivery within ten (10) percent of the dosage at any setting.
(f) When the disinfectant is introduced at the suction side of the pump, a device shall be provided to prevent air lock of the pump or recirculation system.
(g) When chlorine gas is used the following additional features shall be provided:
(h) When a hypochlorite solution is to be fed through hypochlorinator equipment. such equipment shall also provide the following additional features:
Sec.
13-202. Filtration equipment in public swimming pools.
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Filters shall be capable of maintaining water in the pool which meets physical standards set forth in section 13-207. Sufficient filtering area shall be provided to meet the design pump capacity as required by section 13-207. Filters shall comply in all respects with appropriate standards of the National Sanitation Foundation regarding materials, design, operation and safety, and the
following:
(a) A sight glass shall be installed on the waste discharge line of pressure filters to observe the progress of filter washing. The filter system shall be provided with influent and effluent pressure, vacuum or compound gauges as are required to indicate the condition of the filter and gauges shall be provided with shutoff cocks. Air-relief valves shall be provided at the high point of the filter. In vacuum filter installations where the circulating pump is two (2) horsepower or higher, an adjustable high vacuum shutoff shall be provided to prevent damage to the pump by cavitation.
(b) Rapid sand filters shall be designed for a filter rate to the swimming pool of not more than three (3) gallons per minute per square foot of bed area at a time of maximum head loss with sufficient area to meet the design rate of flow required by the prescribed turnover.
(c) Diatomaceous earth filters shall be designed for a filter rate to the swimming pool of not more than two (2) gallons per square foot of effective filtering surface without continuous body feed. and not greater than two and one-half (2 1/2) gallons per minute per square foot with continuous body feed.
(d) High rate sand filters shall be designed for a filter rate to the swimming pool of not less than five (5) gallons per minute per square foot and not more than twenty-five (25) gallons per minute per square foot of filtering surface and shall meet the standards set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section.
(e) Cartridge filters shall be designed for a filter area to the swimming pool of not more than three hundred seventy-five thousandths (0.375) gallons per minute per square foot of effective filter area for surface type and not more than three (3) gallons per minute per square foot of effective filter area tor depth type. In addition:
Sec. 13-203. Make-up
water facilities.
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All public swimming pools shall be equipped with provisions for adding make-up water to compensate for water loss through evaporation and to waste so that a constant water level is maintained while the pool is in operation to enable continuous flow into skimmers or overflow gutters.
Sec. 13-204. Bathhouses.
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(a) Bathhouses containing dressing rooms, showers, toilets, and lavatories shall be required for public swimming pools. Bathhouses shall be in compliance with all codes applicable to the area. Where there are no local codes, the Georgia Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas, and Electrical codes shall prevail.
(b) The requirements for bathhouse facilities may be waived for swimming pools located on the premises of motels, hotels or other transient residences, and apartment and other multifamily complexes where such facilities are available in adjacent structures and the swimming pool use is restricted to the employees, occupants and guests of such establishments. The governing authority shall determine any bathhouse requirements for such establishments.
(c) Bathhouses may also contain public areas, manager's area, first-aid room, and like areas.
(d) Where bathhouses are used by both sexes at the same time, separate and clearly labeled dressing rooms separated by a tight partition shall be provided for each sex; entrances and exits shall be screened to break the line of sight.
Sec. 13-205. Bathhouse
facilities.
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The facilities in bathhouses at public swimming pools shall conform to the following:
(a) Dressing room floors shall be easily cleanable, of a nonslip finish, impervious to moisture and
sloped to drain. Walls and partitions shall be constructed of easily cleanable materials and junctions of walls and floors shall be coved.
(b) Dressing rooms, toilet rooms, and shower rooms shall be ventilated. by natural or artificial means to effectively eliminate odors and condensation.
(c) Showers, toilets, drinking fountains, and lavatory facilities shall be provided in accordance with the following schedule and shall be based on pool capacity computations set forth in section 13- 206, or on scheduled use periods as at schools.
|
Males |
Females | ||
| Water Closets | 1/75 | 1/50 | |
| Urinals | 1/75 | ||
| Lavatories | 1/100 | 1/100 | |
| Showers | 1/50 | 1/50 | |
| Drinking Fountain | Minimum of 1 to be located in swimming pool area | ||
(d) Toilet and shower room floors shall be constructed of impervious materials with no open cracks or joints, have an easily cleanable, nonslip finish and pitch toward a drain. Juncture of walls and floors shall be coved.
(e) The location of dressing rooms shall be arranged so that bathers leaving a dressing room must pass the toilets and showers en route to the swimming pool.
(f) Showers and lavatories shall be supplied with warm water at a temperature of ninety (90) degrees to one hundred ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit from a single source. Hot water temperature control devices shall not be available for patrons.
(g) Any food service facilities associated with the bathhouse or swimming pool must meet the requirements of the code of DeKalb County, Georgia, Chapter 13, Section X.
Sec. 13-206. User load
computation.
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The user load computation for public swimming pools shall be as follows:
(a) In computing user loading, those portions of the swimming pool five (5) feet or less in depth
shall be designated as nonswimmer areas and those portions over five (5) feet in depth shall be designated as a swimmer areas.
(b) To compute the in-pool swimmer and bather capacity, swimming pool areas shall be determined as follows:
Sec.
13-207. Disinfection and water quality in public swimming pools.
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(a) The chemical, physical, and bacteriological quality of public swimming pool water shall be such that it is sanitary, clear and safe for swimming.
(b) Swimming pools, when open or in use, shall be continuously disinfected by a chemical which imparts an easily measured free available residual effect. When chlorine is used without a stabilizing chemical such as cyanuric acid, and the source of residual chlorine is from elemental chlorine or a hypochlorite solution, a free chlorine residual of one (1.0) ppm minimum and a maximum of no more than five (5.0) ppm throughout the pool for a non- cyanuric acid chlorine compound. If other halogens are used, residuals of equivalent disinfecting strength shall be maintained. A testing kit for measuring the concentration of the disinfectant, accurate within one-tenth (0.1) ppm shall be provided at each swimming pool. When cyanuric acid is used as a stabilizing agent for residual chlorine, or if the source of residual chlorine is from a chlorinated cyanurate, a chlorine residual of at least one (1) ppm shall be maintained with cyanuric acid residuals of twenty-five (25)ppm and at least one and one-half (1.5) ppm chlorine shall be maintained with cyanuric acid residuals of fifty (50) ppm. The cyanurate level shall not be greater than one hundred (100) ppm. A testing kit for measuring the concentration of cyanuric acid, accurate within five (5) ppm shall be provided at each swimming pool using cyanuric acid or chlorinated cyanurates.
(c) Other disinfecting materials or methods shall be acceptable after they have been adequately demonstrated to provide a satisfactory residual effect which is easily measured and to otherwise be equally as effective under conditions of use as the chlorine concentration required herein, and not be dangerous to public health. create objectionable physiological effects. or impart toxic properties to the water. Bactericidal agents shall be registered by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and used in accordance with label directions.
(d) The swimming pool water shall be maintained in an alkaline condition as indicated by a pH of not less than 7.2 and not over 7.8. A pH testing kit, accurate within two-tenths (0.2) pH units, shall be provided by each swimming pool. The total alkalinity of the water shall be at least eighty (80) ppm and not over one hundred twenty-five (125) ppm.
(e) The water shall have sufficient clarity at all times so that a disc divided into alternate black and red quadrants, two (2) inches in diameter, is readily visible when placed on a white field at the ~& deepest point of the swimming pool.
(f) In the event the Director determines the need for water sampling of a pool, not more than fifteen (15) percent of the samples covering any considerable period of time, as determined by the board of health, shall either (a) contain more than two hundred (200) bacteria per milliliter, as determined by the standard thirty-five-degree centigrade agar plate count, or (b) show positive test (confirmed test) for coliform organisms in any of the five (5) ten-milliliter portions of a sample or more than one (1) coliform organism per fifty (50) milliliters when the membrane filter test is used. All samples shall be collected, dechlorinated and examined in accordance with the procedures outlined in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA).
(g) Chemicals used for algae control and in the control of water quality shall be registered by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency as applicable and used in accordance with label directions.
Sec.
13-208. Operation and maintenance of public swimming pools.
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(a) Every public swimming pool shall be under the direct close supervision of a trained pool operator competent to operate the swimming pool in full compliance with all requirements hereof relating to pool operation and maintenance.
(b) The operator of each pool open for use shall keep daily records of pool operations including total bather load, peak bather loads, volume of fresh water, filter influent and effluent pressure gauge readings, rate of flow meter readings, amount of chemical used, disinfectant residuals, pH readings, algae control measures taken, alkalinity, maintenance and malfunctioning of equipment including cleaning of filters, and such additional records as may be required. Such records shall be kept available for inspection by the board of health for a period of at least one (1) year.
(c) Routine daily and weekly operating procedures shall be posted in a location frequented by the operator. Manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment shall be kept on the premises and available for the operator's use.
(d) Pumps, filters, disinfectant chemical feeders, flow indicators, gauges, and all related parts of the pool water purification system shall be kept in operation whenever the pool is available for use, and at such additional periods as may be necessary to maintain the water in the pool in a clear and disinfected condition.
(e) Floating scum, sputum and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in the pool. The sides and bottom of pools, decks and other surfaces shall be kept free of slime and algae to prevent unnecessary slipperiness and danger of injuries or drownings, and shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep in a clean condition when the cylinder is connected to a chlorinator. A valve stem wrench shall be maintained on chlorine cylinders connected to chlorinators so that the supply can be shut off quickly in emergencies.
(g) Replacement canisters for the chlorine respirator shall be provided and a record kept of all respirator usage to ensure that the respirator will be serviceable when needed. The respirator replacement canisters, and record of usage shall be kept in a closed container located outside the chlorinator room.
(h) Dressing rooms, showers, toilet rooms and fixtures, equipment rooms and equipment, concession and spectator areas, and all parts of the pool enclosure shall be kept clean and in good repair. Walls, ceilings and equipment shall be painted as often as necessary to minimize deterioration. The entire pool area shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and free of litter and vermin.
(i) Soap shall be provided at showers and lavatories.
(j) Bathing suits and towels provided by the pool management shall be laundered and sanitized after each use.
Sec.
13-209. Bather supervision in public swimming pools.
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(a) One (1) or more attendants shall be on duty at all times the pool is open for use and shall enforce all rules of safety and sanitation. At least one (1) trained first aider competent in first aid and rescue methods and in use of artificial respiration and other resuscitative measures shall be among pool personnel.
(b) No bather shall be permitted to enter a swimming pool or swimming pool enclosure unless an attendant is present except where pools serve restricted clientele only, such as motels, apartment houses or similar installations. In such cases where no attendant service is provided a warning sign shall be placed in clear view and shall state in clearly legible letters at least four (4) inches high "Warning-No Attendant on Duty." In addition the sign shall also state "Children shall not use pool without an adult in attendance. Unattended solo bathing is prohibited."
(c) Visitors and spectators shall be kept separated from spaces used by bathers.
(d) No food, drink, bottles or wrappers shall be permitted in the immediate area of the swimming pool or on the decks surrounding the pool.
(e) Bathers should take a cleaning shower, using warm water and soap, before entering the pool and before returning to the pool following use of the toilet.
(f) Persons having an infectious or communicable disease shall be excluded from public swimming pools. Persons with open blisters or cuts shall be warned of infection and advised not to use the pool.
(g) No running, boisterous or rough play, except supervised water sports, shall be permitted in the pool enclosures, dressing rooms, shower rooms or other areas.
(h) Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, etc., in the swimming pool shall be strictly prohibited.
(i) Dogs and other pets shall not be permitted in swimming pools or on pool premises.
(j) Suitable placards embodying provisions of this section shall be conspicuously posted in the swimming pool enclosure and in the dressing rooms and offices at all swimming pools. Placards shall also state the maximum user loads in the various areas of the swimming pool.
Sec.
13-210. Safety precautions in public swimming pools.
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(a) Lifesaving and emergency first aid equipment and facilities shall be provided at all swimming pools. There shall be posted in the immediate vicinity of the pool the location of the nearest telephone with a reference that emergency phone numbers are posted at that location.
(b) A lifeline shall be provided at or near the break of grade between the shallow and deep portions of a public swimming pool with its position marked with colored floats at not greater than five- foot spacing. A lifeline shall be three-fourths-inch minimum in diameter, and its terminals shall be securely anchored, of corrosion-resistant material, and of a type which will be recessed or have no projection which will constitute a hazard.
(c) Every swimming pool shall be equipped for safety and rescue with one (1) or more light but strong poles, or shepherd's crook, having a blunt end and which is not less than sixteen (16) feet in length for making reaching assists or rescues.
(d) Every pool shall be equipped with one (1) or more throwing buoys of not more than eighteen (18) inches in diameter attached to a one-fourth-inch line at least equal in length to the maximum width of the pool plus ten (10) feet.
(e) Lifesaving equipment described in subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be mounted in conspicuous places near the pool edge, readily accessible, its function plainly marked, and kept in good repair. Bathers or others shall not be permitted to tamper with it, use it for any purpose other than its intended use, or remove it from its established location.
(f) Every swimming pool shall be equipped with a standard twenty-four-unit first aid kit. The kit shall be kept filled and readily accessible for emergency use. A backboard is advisable for isolated areas and for large pools.
(g) Swimming pools over eighteen hundred (1,800) square feet of water surface shall have at least one (1) elevated lifeguard chair for each three thousand (3,000) square feet of pool surface or fraction thereof. If a pool is more than forty (40) feet wide and requires more than one (1) lifeguard stand, these stands shall be located on opposite sides of the pool.
Sec. 13-211. Wastewater
discharge.
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Direct discharge of polluted waters, such as drainage from overflow facilities, filter backwash waters or contaminated pool drainage from any public or residential pool shall not be made to any outlet or to any portion of the public storm drain system, or to any natural stream or to any body of water or ground surface within jurisdiction of the board, unless other approved by the director; excepting that discharge from private residential pools may be discharged on the ground surface provided the discharge is confined to the pool owner's property and does not result in a nuisance condition.
Sec. 13-212. Public spas.
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(a) Applicability. The provisions of this section and sections 13-181 through 13-211 shall apply to public spas, except in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this section and sections 13-181 through 13-211, the provisions of this section control.
(b) Shape, slope, depth. The maximum water depth shall be four (4) feet measured from the waterline.
(c) Inlets and outlets. Water outlets shall be designed so that each pumping system in the spa or hot tub (filter system(s) or booster system(s) if so equipped) provides one (1) of the following alternatives:
(d) Steps, ladders, handrails. The maximum depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be two (2) feet measured from the waterline. A seat or bench may be part of steps.
(e) Recirculation and filtration system.
(g) Bathhouse facilities.
(h) Bather supervision. In such cases where no attendant service is provided, a warning sign shall be placed in clear view and shall state in clearly legible letters at least four (4) inches high "Warning-No Attendant on Duty." In addition, the sign shall also state "Children shall not use the spa without an adult in attendance. Unattended solo bathing is prohibited. Limit use periods to fifteen (15) minutes or less. Persons taking medication for health conditions and pregnant women should consult a physician before using the spa.
(i) Safety precautions.
(j) User load computation. The maximum load shall be one (1) person for each ten (10) square feet of spa surface area.
Sec. 13-213.
Recreational water slide flumes.
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(a) Recreational water slide flumes shall meet Georgia Department of Labor rules, Chapter 300-8- 1.
(b) Water quality shall conform to Section 13-207.
Sec. 13-214.
Natural public bathing beaches.
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(a) Applicability. The provisions of this section and sections 13-181 through 13-120 apply to natural public bathing beaches, except in the event of a conflict between the provisions of this section and sections 13-181 through 13-210, the provisions of this section control.
(b) Plans and specifications. Section 13-183 shall apply to facilities incident to the natural public beach.
(c) Water supply. Section 13-184 shall apply to facilities incident to the natural public beach.
(d) Structure, design, materials. For water depths up to four (4) feet six (6) inches, the beach bottom shall consist of stabilized sand and/or gravel and the bottom slope shall not exceed one (1) foot in fifteen (15) feet.
(e) Water depth. The water depth surrounding any diving float or fixed platform not more than two (2) meters above the water surface shall not be less than nine (9) feet for a distance of not less than twelve (12) feet from all sides of the float or platform.
(f) Electrical material. Section 13-195 shall apply to natural public beaches.
(g) Bathhouses and facilities. Sections 13-204 and 13-205 shall apply to natural public beaches except the governing authority may exclude the shower requirements.
(h) User load computation. The user load determination shall be made during the preliminary design phase. The owner (operator), prime design professional and the governing authority shall agree on beach capacities depending on the establishment or area served.
(i) Disinfection and water quality. The natural public beach water quality shall meet or exceed standards established by the department of natural resources, Rules and Regulations for Water Quality Control: Criteria for All Waters, and Specific Criteria for Classified Water Usage - Recreation. The location of the beach shall be on a body of water classified as "recreational" as determined by the department of natural resources. Water quality testing, by the owner or operator, to show compliance with these requirements shall be conducted as may be required by the governing authority.
(j) Operation and maintenance. Section 13-208 shall apply to natural public beaches.
(k) Bather supervision. Section 13-209 shall apply to natural public beaches.
(l) Safety precautions. Section 13-210 shall apply to natural public beaches. In addition:
Sec. 13-215. Condemnation.
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The owner of any swimming pool, spa or appurtenant structure deemed unfit for human use of which has been abandoned and constitutes a threat to public health or safety shall abate the threat via maintenance, demolition, and / or filling in of the pool or spa with inert materials.
Sec. 13-216 - 13-226.
Reserved.
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DIVISION 2. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 13-227. Variance.
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This chapter shall be administered by the Director of Health who shall have the authority to grant a variance from the requirements of this chapter as follows:
In granting a variance, the Director may attach thereto any conditions which may be deemed advisable so that the purpose of this chapter will be served and the public health, safety and welfare secured.
Sec. 13-228. Severability.
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Should any court of this State or of the United States declare any section, part, paragraph or clause of this chapter unconstitutional or invalid for any cause or reason, then such decision shall affect only that section, part, paragraph, or clause so declared to be unconstitutional and invalid, and shall not affect any other section, part, paragraph or clause of this chapter.
Sec. 13-229-245.
Reserved.
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AN ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA, CHAPTER 13, ARTICLE VIII, PERTAINING TO SWIMMING POOL REGULATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County, Georgia. and it is hereby ordained by the authority of same. that Chapter 13, Article VIII of the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, is amended to read as follows:
PART I.
Section 13-182 is amended by adding a definition. in the appropriate alphabetical order, to read as follows:
Barrier means a material object that separates or serves as a barricade, restricting free movement of adults, children and animals to the pool. Above ground pool walls do not meet this definition.
Section 13-193(d) is amended by deleting the first sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the following sentence to read as follows:
At all public swimming pools and residential outdoor swimming pools (including in ground and above ground pools), spas and hot tubs, an effective fence or barrier, not less than four (4) feet high, with no external handholds or footholds or openings that may entrap body parts, shall be provided on the outer side of the walk area to prevent spectators in street attire from traversing the pool walk and prohibit access of unattended children and animals in the pool.
Section 13-201 is amended by relettering existing subparagraphs (a) through (g) as (b) through (h) and adding a subparagraph, to be lettered (a),and to read as follows:
(a) Every pool and spa shall be required to have at least one (I) unit of disinfectant agent equipment. Additional units may be required to maintain chemical and physical parameters of the pool water.
Section 13-207(b) is amended by deleting the second sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the following sentence to read as follows:
When chlorine is used without a stabilizing chemical such as cyanuric acid, and the source of residual chlorine is from elemental chlorine or a hypochlorite solution, a free chlorine residual of one (1.0) ppm minimum and a maximum of no more than five (5.0) ppm shall be maintained throughout the pool for a non-cyanuric acid chlorine compound.
Section 13-207( d) is amended by deleting the current provision and inserting a new provision to read as follows:
The swimming pool water shall be maintained in an alkaline condition as indicated by a pH of not less than 7,2 and not over 7.8. A pH testing kit, accurate within two-tenths (0.2) pH units, shall ' be provided at each swimming pool. The total alkalinity of the water shall be at least eighty (80) ppm and not over one hundred twenty-five (125) ppm.
PART II.
This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of Commissioners and approval by the Chief Executive Officer.
PART III.
Should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional such decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole nor any part thereof other than the part so declared to be invalid or unconstitutional - All ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict with this ordinance are repealed.