CHAPTER 15
SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
SWIMMING POOLS
641—15.1(135I) Applicability. These rules apply to swimming pools, spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools, and bathhouses connected to swimming pools owned or operated by local or state government, or commercial interests or private entities including, but not limited to, public or private school corporations, hotels, motels, camps, apartments, condominiums, health clubs and country clubs. These rules do not apply to a residential swimming pool or spa that is permanently installed in a single-family dwelling or to a therapeutic swimming pool or spa which is under the direct supervision of qualified medical personnel.
641—15.2(135I) Scope. These rules stipulate minimum safety and water quality requirements relating to the operation of swimming pools and spas; standards for construction; procedures for registration; qualifications for swimming pool and spa inspectors; qualifications for swimming pool and spa operators and lifeguards; and procedures for health departments to provide for the inspection of swimming pools and spas and enforcement of these rules. Swimming pools and spas which are in compliance with these rules are not relieved from the requirements of any other federal, state or local ordinances.
641—15.3(135I) Definitions.
“Air break” is a piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance or device discharges indirectly into a fixture, receptacle, or interceptor at a point below the flood-level rim of the receptacle.
“Air gap” means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from an inlet pipe and the flood-level rim of a receptacle or floor drain.
“Board of health” means a county, city, or district board of health.
“Body feed” means the continuous addition of controlled amounts of filtering aid during the operation of a diatomaceous earth filter to maintain a permeable filter cake. This is sometimes referred to as a “slurry feed.”
“Breakpoint chlorination” means the point in a rising chlorine residual at which the concentration of available chlorine becomes great enough to completely oxidize all organic matter and ammonia compounds in a swimming pool. Chlorine added thereafter will be in an uncombined, or in a free, state. It is characterized by a sudden drop in total residual available chlorine.
“Certified pool/spa operator” means someone who has successfully completed the Certified Pool/Spa Operator course offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, 10803 Gulfdale, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78216, or an equivalent course approved by the department.
“Construction” means the installation of a new swimming pool facility. Construction includes modifications to an existing facility which change the total recirculated water volume or the total water surface area by 20 percent or more.
“Deck” means a walkway immediately adjacent to a swimming pool.
“Deep water” means those areas of a swimming pool where the water is more than 5 feet deep.
“Department” means the Iowa department of public health.
“Engineering plans” means plans and specifications certified by an engineer or architect registered to practice in the state of Iowa.
“Equalizer pipe” means a line from below a swimming pool surface to the body of a skimmer which is designed to automatically prevent air from being drawn into the pump when the water level drops below the skimmer inlet.
“Fill and drain wading pool” means a wading pool having no recirculation system.
“Filter” means a mechanical device for removing suspended particles from the swimming pool water and refers to the complete mechanism including all component parts.
“Fountain” means a water fountain which is not established primarily for swimming or wading, but where swimming or wading is allowed and the fountain has a drain which is connected to a mechanical suction device for removing or recirculating the water.
“Hose bib” means a fresh water-threaded outlet for the purpose of attaching a typical garden hose.
“Hydrostatic relief valve” means a relief valve installed in the bottom of the swimming pool which is designed to operate automatically when the swimming pool is empty, relieving the groundwater pressure around the structure by allowing the groundwater into the swimming pool tank.
“Inlet” means a fitting or opening through which recirculation water enters the swimming pool.
“Lifeguard.”
1. “Certified lifeguard” means an individual who holds current certification in one of the following courses plus current certification in American Red Cross or equivalent first aid and American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR, or equivalent first aid and CPR certification approved by the department:
	●	American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
	●	American Red Cross Basic Lifeguarding
	●	American Red Cross Advanced Lifesaving (not recognized after June 1, 1993)
	●	YMCA Lifeguarding
	●	Boy Scout of America Lifeguard
2. “Licensed lifeguard” means an individual who holds current licensure from the National Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training Program in one of the following programs and current certification in American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR or an equivalent certification approved by the department:
	●	National Pool and Waterpark Pool Lifeguard
	●	National Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training
	●	National Pool and Waterpark Deep Water Lifeguard
“Main drain” means the outlet(s) at the deepest part of the swimming pool.
“Manufacturer’s specifications” means written guidelines established by a manufacturer for the installation and operation of the manufacturer’s equipment.
“Outlet” means a fitting or opening, including the main drain, through which recirculation water leaves the swimming pool.
“Perimeter overflow gutter” means a weir and trough around the perimeter of a swimming pool which is used to skim the surface of the water.
“Plunge pool” means a shallow pool designed to serve as a landing area at the base of a water slide.
“Priority plan review” means the review of plans and specifications submitted less than 15 days prior to construction or plans and specifications submitted according to 15.5(2)“c”(1).
“Recirculation system” means the pump, piping, filtration system, chemical feed systems and accessories provided for treating the swimming pool water to meet the water quality standards in these rules.
“Reconstruction” means the replacement or modification of a pool shell or deck, a pool recirculation system, a perimeter overflow gutter or skimmers, or a bathhouse associated with a public swimming pool so that the swimming pool may continue to be operated in a manner considered by the department to be free of health and safety hazards. Reconstruction does not include the replacement of equipment or piping previously approved by the department, providing that the type and size of the equipment are not revised, nor does it include normal maintenance or repair.
“Residential swimming pool” means any swimming pool which is used, or intended to be used, as a swimming pool in connection with a single-family residence and available only to the family of the householder and their private guests.
“Shallow water” means those areas of a swimming pool where the water is 5 feet deep or less.
“Shallow water guard.”
	1.	“Certified shallow water guard” means a person who has current certification in American Red Cross emergency water safety, current certification in American Red Cross standard first aid, and current certification in American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR, or equivalent first aid and CPR certification approved by the department.
	2.	“Licensed shallow water guard” means a person who holds current licensure from the National Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training Program as a National Pool and Waterpark Shallow Water Waterpark Lifeguard and current certification in American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR.
“Skimmer” means a device connected to the recirculation pump suction which is used to skim the swimming pool over a self-adjusting weir.
“Spa” means a bathing facility such as a hot tub or whirlpool designed for recreational or therapeutic use and which is designed not to be drained, cleaned, and refilled after each individual use. A spa is designed to provide a means of agitation. It may include, but is not limited to, hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold water, mineral baths, air induction systems, or any combination thereof. Rules 15.51(135I) to 15.53(135I) define minimum standards for the operation and design of spas.
“Speed slide” means a water slide which is designed to enter users into a plunge pool or other deceleration arrangement at a speed of 30 feet per second or more.
“Swimming pool” means a structure, chamber, or tank constructed of man-made material which contains water and is operated for the purpose of swimming, wading, or diving, such as a swimming pool, wading pool, water slide, wave pool, and associated facilities. The facility may be either publicly or privately owned. This includes, but is not limited to, any such facilities operated by cities, counties, public and private schools, hotels, motels, camps, apartments, condominiums, and health clubs and country clubs. “Swimming pool” does not include a decorative fountain which does not serve primarily as a wading or swimming pool and the drain of which fountain is not connected to any type of suction device for removing or recirculating the water.
	1.	“Class A swimming pool” means a swimming pool with a water surface area of 1,500 square feet or more, except for wading pools.
	2.	“Class B swimming pool” means a swimming pool with a water surface area of less than 1,500 square feet.
“Swimming pool slide” means any device used to enter a swimming pool by sliding down an inclined plane. “Swimming pool slide” as used in this chapter is equipment generally similar to a playground slide.
“Wading pool” means a swimming pool that is no more than 24 inches deep at any point which is primarily intended for use by young children for general recreation or training.
“Water slide” means a recreational ride which is a sloped trough-like or tubular structure using water as a lubricant and method of regulating rider velocity and which terminates in a plunge pool, swimming pool, or in a specially designed deceleration structure. “Water slide” includes appurtenant structures and devices, such as a plunge pool, pump reservoir, recirculation equipment, flume pumps, and access structures, when they are provided.
“Wave pool” means a swimming pool of special shape and design which is provided with wave-generating equipment.
“Zero-depth pool” means a swimming pool in which the pool floor intersects the water surface along at least one side of the pool. This definition does not include wading pools.
641—15.4(135I) All swimming pools. All swimming pools shall be operated in a safe, sanitary manner and meet the following operational standards.
	15.4(1)  Fountain.
	a. 	Fountains which are 18 inches deep or less shall meet the following:
	(1)	A single drain shall be at least 12 by 12 inches or have an antivortex drain cover. Multiple drains or another means of suction relief approved by the department may be used.
	(2)	Drain covers or grates shall be provided and anchored so the covers or grates can be removed only with tools.
	(3)	Equipment shall be provided for continuous feed of a disinfectant approved by the department.
	(4)	Disinfectant residuals shall be maintained in the ranges outlined in 15.4(3)“a”(1).
	(5)	The owner shall report any deaths or injuries as outlined in 15.4(8).
	b. 	Fountains which contain more than 18 inches of water shall meet the requirements of 15.4(2) to 15.4(8).
	c. 	Where wading is not allowed, the owner shall post a sign or signs which state that wading or swimming is not allowed.
	15.4(2)  Filtration and recirculation.
	a. 	Filtration. All swimming pools, except fill and drain wading pools, shall include a filtration system in good working condition which provides water clarity in compliance with the water quality standards of 15.4(3).
	b. 	The recirculation system of swimming pools shall meet the following requirements:
	(1)	During the operating season, pumps, filters, disinfectant feeders, flow indicators, gauges, and all related components of the swimming pool water recirculation system shall be kept in continuous operation 24 hours per day except for backwashing or servicing.
	(2)	The recirculation system shall have an operating pressure gauge located before the filter if it is a pressure filter system. A vacuum filter system shall have a vacuum gauge located between the filter and the pump.
	(3)	Swimming pools shall have a means for skimming the pool water surface.
	1.	Skimmers shall have an easily removed basket or screen upstream from any valve. Self-adjusting weirs shall be in place to provide skimming action.
	2.	Gutter or skimmer drainage shall be sufficient to minimize flooding and prevent backflow of skimmed water into the swimming pool.
	c. 	Wastewater. Backwash water from all swimming pools shall be discharged through an air break.
Note:  The Iowa department of natural resources prohibits discharging backwash water into Iowa waters without a discharge permit.
	d. 	Water supply. The water supplied to a swimming pool shall be from a water supply meeting the requirements of the Iowa department of natural resources for potable water.
	(1)	Water supplied to a swimming pool shall be discharged to the pool system through an air gap or a reduced-pressure principle backflow device meeting the American Water Works Association standard, C-511-89, “Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assembly.”
	(2)	Vacuum breaker backflow preventers shall be provided on all hose bibs serving a swimming pool, shower room, chlorine room, and filter room areas.
	e. 	Swimming pool water heaters.
	(1)	Electric water heaters shall bear the seal of UL, Underwriters Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois.
	(2)	Gas-fired water heaters shall be equipped with a pressure relief valve.
	(3)	Fuel-burning water heaters shall be vented to the outside in accordance with the Iowa state plumbing code.
	f. 	In addition to the requirements of this chapter, each fill and drain wading pool shall be drained at least once every 12 hours and left empty when the pool is not open for use.
	15.4(3)  Water quality.
	a. 	Disinfection.
	(1)	A free available chlorine residual of at least 1.0 ppm shall be maintained in all swimming pools. Bathers shall not be permitted in swimming pools when the disinfectant chlorine residual is greater than 5.0 ppm. If bromine is used, the residual shall be at least 2.5 ppm. Bathers shall not be permitted in swimming pools when the disinfectant bromine level is greater than 12.0 ppm.
	(2)	For each Class “A” swimming pool, a test of the disinfectant residual (free chlorine or bromine) shall be performed at least four times daily, once before use and at intervals not to exceed four hours while the pool is in use. For swimming pools at condominiums, apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing must be performed at least once each day that the swimming pool is available for use. For each Class “B” swimming pool, the test must be performed at least two times daily, once before use and at intervals not to exceed four hours while the pool is in use. Samples for disinfectant residual testing shall be collected at least 6 inches below the surface of the swimming pool water.
If a swimming pool is equipped with an automatic controller which provides digital, tape, or analog readings of the disinfectant level, then the operator may make visual readings and record the readings in the pool records. However, a minimum of two manual tests must be performed and recorded daily.
If any sample collected is below 0.5 ppm free chlorine or 1.0 ppm bromine, at least two additional samples shall be collected within 30 minutes from other areas of the swimming pool and tested for free chlorine or bromine.
A swimming pool shall be closed when three or more water samples collected and tested within 30 minutes from three different areas of the pool all have a free chlorine residual of less than 0.5 ppm and shall remain closed until a minimum of 1.0 ppm is obtained from all three locations. If bromine is used, the swimming pool shall be closed if all three tests have a residual of less than 1.0 ppm and remain closed until a minimum of 2.5 ppm is obtained. Results of all tests shall be recorded in the pool records.
	(3)	If cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine (sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or trichloro-s-triazinetrione) is used, the cyanuric acid level in all swimming pools shall be sampled weekly and shall be maintained at levels not greater than 80 ppm.
	(4)	Other disinfecting agents may be used as approved by the department.
	b. 	Swimming pool water shall be maintained to have a pH of 7.2 to 7.8. For each Class “A” swimming pool, the pH of the water shall be tested at least four times daily, once before use and at intervals not to exceed four hours while the pool is in use. For swimming pools at condominiums, apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing must be performed at least once each day that the swimming pool is available for use. For each Class “B” swimming pool, the pH of the water shall be tested at least two times daily, once before use and at intervals not to exceed four hours while the pool is in use. Samples for pH testing shall be collected at least 6 inches below the surface of the swimming pool water. Results of all tests shall be recorded in the pool records.
If a swimming pool is equipped with an automatic controller which provides tape, digital, or analog readings of the pH level, then the operator may make visual readings and record the readings in the pool records. However, a minimum of two manual tests must be performed and recorded daily.
	c. 	Water samples shall be collected and tested for total chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness a minimum of once per week and the results recorded in the swimming pool operational records.
	d. 	With the exception of plunge pools, a swimming pool shall be closed if a 6-inch disc of contrasting color on the bottom of the pool is not readily visible. If no disc is available, a swimming pool shall be closed if the main drain is not readily visible.
	e. 	A sample of water shall be collected from a swimming pool and analyzed for total coliform bacteria at least once during each month the swimming pool is open for use. The analysis shall be performed by a laboratory certified by the department of natural resources for the determination of total coliform bacteria in drinking water. If any sample is positive for total coliform bacteria, the following actions shall be taken to evaluate the cause and to ensure compliance with the water quality standards.
	(1)	Correct any deficiencies relative to:
	●	Chlorine residual
	●	Water clarity
	●	Filter backwashing or cleaning
	●	Swimming pool cleanliness
	(2)	Superchlorinate the swimming pool water to breakpoint.
	(3)	Submit at least one recheck sample collected at the time the swimming pool disinfectant level is at the level required in 15.4(3)“a.”
	(4)	If a recheck sample is positive for total coliform, the swimming pool shall be closed and not reopened until corrective measures are taken and a negative result is obtained.
	f. 	The operator shall have a functioning test kit capable of detecting free chlorine residual and combined chlorine residual in the range of 0.5 to 5 ppm (diethyl-p-phenylenediamine method), or bromine from 1.0 to 10.0 ppm, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. Test kits shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
	g. 	A person knowledgeable in testing water and in operating the water treatment equipment shall be available whenever a swimming pool is open for use.
	15.4(4)  Disinfection system and cleaning.
	a. 	Disinfectant system.
	(1)	Equipment for continuous feed of disinfectant to the swimming pool water shall be provided and shall be operational.
	(2)	Equipment for the continuous feed of a chemical for pH adjustment of the swimming pool water shall be provided for Class “A” swimming pools.
	(3)	Equipment and piping used to apply chemicals to the water shall be of such size, design, and material that they may be cleaned. All material used for such equipment and piping shall be resistant to the action of chemicals to be used.
	b. 	Cleaning.
	(1)	If circumstances warrant, swimming pools may be required to be drained and scrubbed with a disinfecting agent prior to further usage.
	(2)	A vacuum system shall be provided to remove dirt from the bottom of swimming pools.
	15.4(5)  Safety.
	a. 	Chemical safety.
	(1)	All chemicals shall be stored and handled in a safe manner in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
	(2)	Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be in the pool operation manual for all chemicals used at the pool.
	(3)	All chemicals shall be clearly labeled.
	(4)	A warning sign shall be placed on the door of rooms where chemicals are used or stored or where bulk containers are located.
	b. 	Stairs, ladders, recessed steps, and ramps.
	(1)	Ladders or recessed steps shall be provided in the deep portion of a swimming pool. Stairs, ladders, recessed steps, or ramps shall be provided in the shallow portion if the vertical distance from the bottom of the swimming pool to the deck is more than 2 feet.
	(2)	Ladders, ladder rungs and ramps shall be securely anchored.
	(3)	Stairs, ladder rungs, ramps or recessed steps shall be slip-resistant.
	(4)	If a swimming pool is over 30 feet wide, recessed steps, ladders, ramps, or stairs shall be installed on each side. If a stairway extends across 50 percent or more of the shallow end of the swimming pool, the swimming pool shall be considered in compliance with this subrule at that end.
	(5)	Where recessed steps are provided, securely anchored grab rails shall be provided.
	(6)	Where stairs or ramps are provided, they shall be equipped with a securely anchored handrail.
	(7)	When stairs are provided for entry to a swimming pool, a stripe at least one inch in width of color contrasting with the swimming pool floor shall be provided on the leading edge of each tread. The stripe shall be of slip-resistant material.
	c. 	Diving areas.
	(1)	No diving shall be permitted in areas of 5 feet of water depth or less except for purposes of competition or training. The diving shall be supervised by a lifeguard, swim instructor or swim coach.
	(2)	Starting blocks, when provided, shall only be used for competition or training purposes.
	(3)	Diving boards can be permitted only if the diving area dimensions conform to the appropriate minimum requirements indicated in Figure 1, Table 1 and Table 2. Alternative diving well configurations may be used, subject to the approval of the department.
	(4)	There shall be a completely unobstructed clear distance of 13 feet above the diving board, measured from the center of the front end of the board. This area shall extend at least 8 feet behind, 8 feet to each side, and 16 feet ahead of the measuring point.
	(5)	Diving boards and platforms over 3 meters in height are prohibited except where approved by the department.
	(6)	Diving boards and platforms shall have a slip-resistant surface.
	(7)	Where the top of a diving board or platform is more than 18 inches above the deck, stairs or a ladder shall be provided for access to the diving board or platform.
	(8)	Handrails shall be provided at all steps and ladders leading to diving boards which are more than 32 inches above the deck.
	(9)	Platforms and diving boards which are 32 inches or more above the swimming pool deck shall have guardrails at least 36 inches high extending to the edge of the deck. Guardrails shall have at least one horizontal midbar.
	(10)	Supports, platforms, and steps for diving boards shall be of substantial construction and of sufficient structural strength to safely carry the maximum anticipated loads.
Note:  the information contained in figure 1 and tables 1 and 2 is intended to be used for all swimming pools constructed prior to march 14, 1990. swimming pools constructed after march 14, 1990, shall meet the requirements contained in 15.5(13)“a.”
When determining distances set out in Tables 1 and 2, measurements shall be taken from the top center of the front edge of the diving board.

TABLE 1

DIVING BOARD
HEIGHT OVER
WATER	MAXIMUM
BOARD
LENGTH	MINIMUM DIMENSIONS	
		B1	B2	L1	L2	L3	
Deck Level to 2/3 Meter	10 feet	7′-0″	8′-6″	2′-6″	8′-0″	10′-6″	
Greater than 2/3 Meter to 3/4 Meter	12 feet	7′-6″	9′-0″	3′-0″	9′-0″	12′-0″	
Greater than 3/4 Meter to 1 Meter	16 feet	8′-6″	10′-0″	4′-0″	10′-0″	15′-0″	
Greater than 1 Meter to 3 Meters	16 feet	11′-0″	12′-0″	6′-0″	10′-6″	21′-0″	
TABLE 2

DIVING BOARD
HEIGHT	MINIMUM DISTANCE	
	TO POOL SIDE	TO 1 METER BOARD	TO 3 METER BOARD	
Deck Level to 1 Meter	9 feet	8 feet	10 feet	
Greater than 1 Meter	11 feet	10 feet	10 feet	
	d. 	Lifeguards and shallow water guards.
	(1)	Except for wading pools, lifeguards are required at municipal and school swimming pools of any size and other swimming pools having a water surface area of 1500 square feet or larger. Swimming pools operated by apartments, condominiums, country clubs, neighborhoods, or mobile home parks are exempt from lifeguard requirements.
	(2)	Shallow water guards may be used at plunge pools which are 4 feet or less in depth and at wading pools. Licensed shallow water guards are only to be used at facilities where an emergency medical technician (EMT) is on duty at all times when the facility is opened for use.
	(3)	Licensed lifeguards are only to be used at facilities where an EMT is on duty at the swimming pool at all times when the facility is opened for use.
	(4)	For open recreation swimming, there shall be at least one lifeguard guarding the pool at all times for up to 30 swimmers in the water; for over 30 swimmers in the water, there shall be at least two lifeguards on duty, one of which shall be guarding the pool at all times for up to 125 swimmers in the water. An additional lifeguard shall be provided for each additional 125 swimmers in the water or fraction thereof.
	(5)	For a structured swimming program, such as lap swim, competitive swimming, water exercise classes, swim lessons and physical education classes, a lifeguard is not required provided the program is supervised by an instructor, teacher, or coach who is a lifeguard or has current certification from the American Red Cross in emergency water safety, standard first aid, and CPR or equivalent training approved by the department.
	(6)	Water slide attendants. Each water slide shall have a minimum of two attendants, one stationed at the top of the slide and one at the bottom of the slide. The water slide attendants shall be either lifeguards or shallow water guards. Where the water slide attendant stationed at the bottom of a slide which empties into the shallow end of a swimming pool is a shallow water guard, the attendant shall only be responsible for guarding the water slide landing area.
	e. 	Lifeguard chairs. For outdoor swimming pools where lifeguards are required, at least one elevated lifeguard chair or station shall be provided for a swimming pool with a water surface area of 2000 to 4000 square feet inclusive; at least two chairs shall be provided if the area is 4001 to 6000 square feet; at least three chairs shall be provided if the area is 6001 or more square feet. Swimming pools are not required to have more than three lifeguard chairs or stations. This requirement does not apply to wave pools.
	f. 	Emergency equipment and facilities.
	(1)	Except for wading pools, a minimum of one unit of lifesaving equipment shall be provided for each 1500 square feet of water surface area or fraction thereof. A swimming pool is not required to have more than ten units of lifesaving equipment.
	(2)	A unit of lifesaving equipment consists of one of the following:
	1.	A U. S. Coast Guard-recognized ring buoy fitted with a one-fourth inch diameter line with a length of at least one-half the width of the pool, but no more than 60 feet, or
	2.	A life pole, or a “shepherd’s crook,” of at least 8 feet in length, and having blunted ends, or
	3.	A heaving line consisting of any strong lightweight line from 40 to 50 feet in length with a “monkey fist” or a similar weighted object attached to one end, or
	4.	A rescue buoy made of lightweight, hard, buoyant plastic with molded handgrips along each side and provided with a 4- to 6-foot tow rope and shoulder strap, or
	5.	A rescue tube made of a soft, strong, foam material 3 inches by 6 inches by 40 inches with a molded strap providing a ring at one end and a hook at the other. Attached to the end with the ring shall be a 6-foot-long towline with a shoulder strap, or
	6.	Any other piece of rescue equipment approved by the department.
Note:  rescue equipment identified in 15.4(5)“f”(2)“4” and 15.4(5)“f”(2)“5” above shall be used only at swimming pools where lifeguards are required.
	(3)	Lifesaving equipment shall be mounted in conspicuous places around the swimming pool deck during normal operations.
	(4)	Swimming pools shall be equipped with a first-aid kit which contains, at a minimum, a supply of the following:
	1.	Band-Aids
	2.	Bandage compress
	3.	Self-adhering gauze bandage
	(5)	A standard spine board with straps and an adjustable cervical collar shall be provided at each swimming pool where lifeguards are required.
	(6)	A gated exit of at least 36 inches in width shall be provided for emergency purposes.
	(7)	Except for wading pools, a designated emergency telephone capable of being operated without coins shall be available to users of swimming pools. When the telephone is not within the confines of the swimming pool enclosure, the location of the emergency telephone shall be posted at the entrance to the swimming pool enclosure and at least one place within the swimming pool enclosure.
	g. 	Water level in swimming pools shall be maintained at the skimming level.
	h. 	All outlets, including main drains, shall be designed to prevent human entrapment.
	(1)	All drains and outlets shall have grates with openings or slots no larger than one-half inch in width.
	(2)	Grating or drain covers shall not be removable without the use of tools.
	(3)	The main drain(s) shall be covered with a grate with a minimum area equal to 12-inch by 12-inch square, an antivortex plate or other drain covering as approved by the department.
	i. 	Surface finish and markings.
	(1)	The bottom and sides of the swimming pool shall be white or a light color. This does not prohibit painting or marking racing lines, stairs or turn targets with contrasting colors.
	(2)	The swimming pool walls and floor shall have a smooth surface in order to facilitate cleaning.
	(3)	The boundary between shallow and deep water (5 feet) shall be marked by a floatline with floats spaced no more than 5 feet apart. The floatline shall be installed within 12 inches of the shallow side of the boundary. When the slope of the floor of a swimming pool exceeds 1 foot vertical to 12 feet horizontal at a depth of less than 5 feet, the floatline shall be placed within 12 inches of the shallow edge of the slope change.
	(4)	A wave pool shall be equipped with a floatline with floats spaced no more than 5 feet apart. The floatline shall be located at least 6 feet from the deep end wall. Users shall not be permitted between the floatline and the deep end wall.
	j. 	Except for wading pools the water depth of all swimming pools shall be marked as follows:
	(1)	Markers shall be located on the deck no more than 3 feet from the edge of the swimming pool. The depth of a wave pool shall also be marked on the side walls of the wave pool, above the maximum static water level, where the depth is 3 feet or more, and on the deep end wall of the wave pool. Depth markers are not required at the zero-depth end of a wading pool, wave pool, or a zero-depth swimming pool.
	(2)	Depth markers shall be located at 1-foot depth intervals, but not more than 20 feet apart around the area of a swimming pool which has a water depth of 5 feet or less and around the area of a wave pool where the water depth is 3 feet or more. Depth markers are not required at a plunge pool on the flume discharge end or on the exit end if stairs are used for exit.
	(3)	Depth markers shall be located not more than 20 feet apart along the deep end of the swimming pool. “Deep Water” may be used in place of numerals as depth markers.
	(4)	The maximum depth of a wading pool shall be posted at the entrance to the wading pool and at one conspicuous location inside the wading pool enclosure in letters or numbers at least 2 inches high.
	(5)	All swimming pool areas where diving is not permitted shall be marked “No Diving” or equivalent wording or graphics on the pool deck within 3 feet from the edge of the swimming pool at intervals no greater than 25 feet around the perimeter of the area.
	(6)	All letter, number, or graphic markers shall be slip-resistant and of a color contrasting with the deck and at least 4 inches in height.
	(7)	The landing area for a swimming pool slide or a water slide that terminates in a swimming pool shall be delineated by a floatline or similar barrier.
	k. 	Deck safety.
	(1)	Decks shall be maintained slip-resistant and free of litter, obstructions, and tripping hazards.
	(2)	Glass objects, other than eyeglasses and safety glass doors and partitions, shall not be permitted in the immediate deck area.
	(3)	There shall be no underwater or overhead projections or obstructions which would endanger swimmer safety or interfere with proper swimming pool operation.
	l. 	Fencing.
	(1)	Except for fill and drain wading pools, swimming pools shall be protected by a fence, wall, building, enclosure, or solid wall made of durable material not less than 4 feet high.
	(2)	Fence, walls, or other means of enclosure shall have no openings, other than gateways and doorways, larger than 4 inches in any horizontal dimension and shall not be easily climbable by toddlers. Horizontal members or rails shall be at least 45 inches apart. Except where controlled entrances are provided, gates and doors shall be lockable, self-closing, and self-latching.
	(3)	If a wading pool is within 50 feet of a swimming pool it shall have a barrier at least 36 inches high separating it from the swimming pool.
	(4)	An indoor swimming pool shall be enclosed by a barrier at least 3 feet high by June 1, 1995, if there are sleeping rooms, hallways, apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas used by children which open directly into the swimming pool area. No opening in the barrier except for a gate or door shall permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates or doors shall be lockable, self-closing, and self-latching.
	(5)	All facilities with indoor swimming pools and which have secured entry to the facility shall be considered to have met the provisions of 15.4(5)“l”(1) and (2).
	(6)	Wave pools shall have a continuous barrier along the full length of each side of the wave pool. The barrier shall be at least 42 inches high and be installed between 2½ to 3 feet from the side of the wave pool. Wave pool users shall not be permitted in this area.
	m. 	Electrical.
	(1)	All electrical outlets in the deck, shower room, and the pump and filter room areas shall be protected by properly installed ground fault interrupter receptacles or breakers. Ground fault interrupters and breakers shall be tested at least once in each month that the swimming pool is operated. Testing dates and results shall be recorded in the pool records.
	(2)	Lighting.
	1.	Artificial lighting shall be provided at all swimming pools which are to be used at night or which do not have adequate natural lighting so that all portions of the swimming pool, including the bottom and main drain, may be clearly seen.
	2.	Underwater lights and fixtures shall be designed for their intended use. When the branch circuit supplying the fixtures is operating at more than 15 volts, the circuit shall be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. When underwater lights need to be repaired, the electricity shall be shut off until repairs are completed.
	3.	For outdoor swimming pools no electrical wiring, except for overhead illumination, shall pass over a swimming pool.
	n. 	Chlorine gas and carbon dioxide.
	(1)	Gas chlorine feed equipment and full and empty chlorine cylinders shall be housed in a room or building used exclusively for that purpose during the pool operation season. Gas chlorine installations constructed prior to March 14, 1990, that are housed within chain link fence or similar enclosures may be used provided that the chlorine cylinders are protected from direct sunlight and the applicable requirements below are met.
	1.	A gas chlorine room or building shall have an airtight exhaust system which takes its suction near the floor and discharges out-of-doors in a direction to minimize the exposure to swimming pool patrons. The system shall provide one air turnover every four minutes.
	2.	An air intake shall be provided near the ceiling.
	3.	The exhaust fan shall be operated from a switch in a nearby location outside the chlorine room or building. The switch shall be clearly labeled “Chlorine Exhaust Fan.”
	4.	Artificial lighting shall be provided in the chlorine room or building.
	5.	The door of a chlorine room or building shall be secured in an open position whenever the room is occupied.
	6.	A plastic bottle of commercial strength ammonia solution for leak detection shall be provided.
	7.	Rooms or buildings where chlorine is stored or used shall be placarded in accordance with 347—Chapter 140 of the Iowa Administrative Code.
	(2)	Chlorine and carbon dioxide(CO2) cylinders.
	1.	Gas chlorine and CO2 cylinders shall be anchored with safety chains or straps to prevent their falling over.
	2.	Storage space shall be provided so that chlorine cylinders are not subject to direct sunlight.
	3.	Chlorinators shall be designed to prevent the backflow of water or moisture into the chlorine gas cylinder.
	4.	An automatic shut-off shall be provided to shut off gas chlorinators and pH pumps when the recirculation pump is shut down.
	o. 	Water slides.
	(1)	Water slide support structures shall be free of obvious structural defects.
	(2)	Plunge pool depth shall be at least 3 feet and no more than 4 feet at the end of the flume and for at least 15 feet beyond the end of the flume.
	(3)	The internal surface of a flume shall be smooth and continuous for its entire length.
	(4)	The flume shall have no sharp edges within reach of a user while in the proper sliding position.
	15.4(6)  Showers, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities. Bathers using a swimming pool shall have access to showers, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities that are clean and free of debris. If a bathhouse is provided, the following shall be met:
	a. 	Floors shall be of a slip-resistant surface.
	b. 	Floors shall provide adequate drainage to prevent standing water.
	c. 	Olefin or other approved carpeting may be permitted in locker room or dressing room areas provided there is an adequate drip area between the carpeting and the shower room, toilet facilities, swimming pool, or other area where water can accumulate.
	d. 	All lavatories, showers, and sanitary facilities shall be functional.
	15.4(7)  Management, notifications, and records.
	a. 	As of June 1, 1993, each swimming pool facility shall employ a certified pool/spa operator. One certified swimming pool/spa operator may be responsible for a maximum of three swimming pool/spa facilities. Condominium associations, apartments and homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units are exempt from this rule.
	b. 	A legible conspicuously posted “Pool Rules—Caution” sign describing health and safety rules shall be placed at a minimum of two locations within the swimming pool enclosure. The sign shall include statements which require the following actions by pool users:
	(1)	No diving in the shallow end of the swimming pool and in other areas where it is marked “NO DIVING.”
	(2)	No horseplay in or around the swimming pool.
	(3)	No running on the deck.
	c. 	Management may adopt and post such other rules as it deems necessary to provide for user safety and the proper operation of the facility.
	d. 	Additional caution signs shall be posted at the entry of swimming pools and wading pools where lifeguards are not required. Signs at swimming pools shall state that lifeguards are not on duty and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Signs at wading pools shall state that lifeguards are not on duty and children must be accompanied by an adult.
	e. 	Water slides shall have additional safety rules or restrictions to users posted which address the following as applicable: use limits, attire, riding restrictions, water depth at exit, special rules to accommodate unique aspects of the attraction, and special warnings as to the relative degree of difficulty.
	f. 	The operator of a swimming pool shall maintain operational records at the swimming pool for the previous 12 months and make these records available upon request by a swimming pool inspector. These records shall contain a day-by-day account of swimming pool operation—particularly the following information. During the operating season, the following documentation shall be kept at the swimming pool:
	(1)	Results of pH, free available chlorine or bromine residual, cyanuric acid (if used), total alkalinity, total chlorine, calcium hardness tests, and any other test results.
	(2)	Results of microbiological analyses.
	(3)	Reports of complaints, accidents, injuries, and illness.
	(4)	A description of maintenance or repairs completed and corrections in operation or design.
	(5)	Filter backwashing, cleaning or changing of filters.
	(6)	Monthly ground fault interrupter test results.
	(7)	Dates of review of lifeguard staffing plan.
	(8)	Dates of review of Material Safety Data Sheets.
	(9)	Dates of review of emergency plan.
	(10)	Copies of the Certified Swimming Pool Operator certificate and copies of all lifeguarding, first aid, emergency water safety, and CPR certificates.
	g. 	A permanent manual for the operation of the swimming pool shall be provided. It shall include at a minimum:
	(1)	Operating and maintenance instructions for each type of filter, pump and safety device.
	(2)	Operating and maintenance instructions for other equipment used at the swimming pool.
	(3)	Water testing procedures.
	(4)	A schematic drawing of the pool recirculation system.
	(5)	Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets of all chemicals used at the swimming pool.
	h. 	A written emergency plan shall be prepared for handling chlorine gas accidents, injuries, or other serious incidents. The emergency plan shall be reviewed with the swimming pool staff at least annually. The dates of reviews and training shall be recorded in the pool records.
	i. 	A written lifeguard staffing plan shall be prepared and included in the operations manual. The plan shall include staffing assignments for all programs conducted at the pool to ensure that the pool is guarded at all times when swimmers are within the swimming pool enclosure. The plan shall be reviewed with staff at least annually and dates of review recorded in the pool records.
	15.4(8)  Reports. Swimming pool and spa operators shall report to the department, within one business day of occurrence, all deaths, near drownings, head, neck, spinal cord injuries, and any injury which renders a person unconscious or requires immediate medical attention.
641—15.5(135I) Construction and reconstruction. The construction or reconstruction of a swimming pool shall comply with the following standards. Nothing in these rules is intended to exempt swimming pools and associated structures from any applicable federal, state or local laws, rules, or ordinances. Applicable requirements may include, but are not limited to, the handicapped access and energy requirements of the state building code, the fire and life safety requirements of the state fire marshal, the rules of the Iowa department of employment services, and the rules of the Iowa department of natural resources.
	15.5(1)  Construction permit.
	a. 	No swimming pool shall be constructed or reconstructed without first receiving a permit from the department. Construction shall be completed within 24 months from the date the construction permit is issued unless an extension is granted in writing by the department.
	b. 	The owner of a proposed or existing swimming pool facility or a designated representative of the owner shall apply for a construction permit on forms provided by the department. The application shall be submitted to the department at least 15 days prior to the start of construction of a new swimming pool or the reconstruction of a swimming pool.
	c. 	Three sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted with the application. A nonrefundable plan review fee for each swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, wading pool, etc., shall be remitted with the application as required in 15.12(5).
	d. 	The owner of a newly constructed or reconstructed swimming pool facility, or the owner’s designated representative, shall notify the department in writing within 15 days after the completion of construction and prior to opening the pool.
	15.5(2)  Plans and specifications.
	a. 	Plans and specifications shall bear the seal and signature of an engineer or architect registered to practice in Iowa. This requirement may be waived by the department if the project is the addition or replacement of a chemical feed system, including a disinfection system, provided there is no effect on the recirculation flow rate or a requirement for structural modifications or additions to any building.
If the requirement for engineering plans is waived, the owner of the swimming pool assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the reconstruction complies with these rules and with any other applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and ordinances.
	b. 	Plans and specifications submitted shall contain sufficient information to demonstrate to the department that the proposed swimming pool will meet the requirements of this chapter. This shall include, but may not be limited to:
	(1)	The name and address of the owner and the name, address, and telephone number of the architect or engineer responsible for the plans and specifications.
	(2)	The location of the project by street address or other legal description.
	(3)	A site plan showing the pool in relation to buildings, streets, water and sewer service, gas service, and electrical service. The relative elevations of the deck, equipment room, and bathhouse floors, streets, sewer inverts, and the design operating pool water level shall be shown.
	(4)	Detailed scale drawings of the swimming pool and its appurtenances, including a plan view and cross sections at a scale of one-eighth inch per foot or larger. The location and type of inlets, overflow system, drains, the deck and deck drainage, the location and size of pool piping, the swimming pool ladders, stairs and deck equipment, including diving stands and boards, and fencing shall be shown.
	(5)	A plan showing the location, plan, and elevation of filters, pumps, chemical feeders, ventilation devices, heaters, surge tanks and additional drawings or schematics showing operating levels, backflow preventers, valves, piping, flow meters, pressure gauges, thermometers, the makeup water connection, and the drainage system for the disposal of filter backwash water.
	(6)	Plan and elevation drawings of bathhouse facilities including dressing rooms; lockers; showers, toilets and other plumbing fixtures; water supply; drain and vent systems; gas service; water heating equipment; electrical fixtures; and ventilation systems, if provided.
	(7)	Complete technical specifications for the construction of the swimming pool and its appurtenances.
	c. 	Priority plan review.
	(1)	Priority plan review may be requested by the owner or the owner’s representative. An appointment shall be made with the department for the examination of the plans.
	(2)	It shall be considered priority plan review when plans and specifications are received less than 15 days prior to the beginning of construction.
	(3)	The fee for priority plan review shall be 150 percent of the fee required by 15.12(5).
	d. 	No deviation from the plans and specifications or conditions of approval shall be made without prior approval of the department.
	15.5(3)  General design.
	a. 	Construction of fill and drain wading pools is prohibited.
	b. 	Swimming pools shall be constructed of materials which are inert, stable, nontoxic, watertight, and durable.
	c. 	Structural loading.
	(1)	Swimming pools shall be designed and constructed to withstand the anticipated structural loading. If maintenance of the structural integrity of the swimming pool requires specific operations or limits of operation, these shall be specified in the permanent operations manual required in 15.5(3)“f.”
	(2)	Except for aboveground swimming pools, a hydrostatic relief valve or a suitable underdrain system shall be provided.
	d. 	Water supply. The water supplied to a swimming pool shall be from a water supply meeting the requirements of the Iowa department of natural resources for potable water.
	(1)	Water supplied to a swimming pool shall be discharged to the pool system through an air gap or a reduced-pressure principle backflow device meeting the American Water Works Association standard, C-511-89, “Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assembly.”
	(2)	Vacuum breaker backflow preventers shall be provided on all hose bibs serving a swimming pool.
	e. 	No part of a swimming pool recirculation system may be directly connected to a sanitary sewer. An air break or an air gap shall be provided.
	f. 	The owner shall require that a permanent manual for the operation of the swimming pool facility be provided. It shall include operating and maintenance instructions for each type of filter, pump, safety device, and other equipment provided, and a schematic drawing of the swimming pool recirculation system.
	15.5(4)  Decks.
	a. 	Swimming pools shall be completely surrounded by a deck. The deck shall be at least 6 feet wide for Class “A” swimming pools and 4 feet wide for Class “B” swimming pools and shall extend at least 4 feet beyond the diving stands, lifeguard chairs, or any other deck equipment.
	b. 	Decks shall be constructed of impervious materials and shall be provided with a slip-resistant surface.
	c. 	Porous, nonfibrous deck coverings may be used, subject to department approval, provided:
	(1)	The covering allows drainage so that the covering and the deck underneath it do not remain wet or retain moisture.
	(2)	The covering is inert and will not support bacterial growth.
	(3)	The covering provides a slip-resistant surface.
	(4)	It is durable and cleanable.
	d. 	The deck of a swimming pool shall not drain to the pool or to the pool recirculation system except as provided in 15.5(15)“c” and 15.5(16)“b.”  For deck-level swimming pools (“rimflow” or “rollout” gutter), a maximum of 5 feet of deck may slope to the gutter.
	e. 	The deck slope shall be at least 1/8 inch per foot and no more than ½ inch per foot for drainage purposes.
	f. 	For outdoor swimming pools, a means shall be provided to prevent surface runoff from entering the swimming pool.
	g. 	The installation of a floor covering of synthetic material may be used only in separate sunbathing, patio, or refreshment areas, except as permitted by 15.5(4)“c.”
	h. 	Hose bibs shall be provided for flushing or cleaning of the deck areas.
	15.5(5) Recirculation.
	a. 	Two or more swimming pools may share the same recirculation system provided:
	(1)	The recirculation pump, filtration system, and piping shall be sized for the total recirculation flow rate required by 15.5(5)“b.”
	(2)	The flow to each pool shall be adjustable. A flow meter shall be provided for each pool.
	(3)	Each pool shall have a separate disinfection system with a capacity as required by 15.5(11)“a.”
	b. 	The recirculation flow rate shall be such that one pool volume is treated within a maximum of:
	(1)	Four hours for a swimming pool with a volume of 30,000 gallons or less.
	(2)	Six hours for a swimming pool with a volume of more than 30,000 gallons.
	(3)	Four hours for a wave pool.
	(4)	Four hours for a zero-depth pool (beach pool).
	(5)	Two hours for a wading pool.
	(6)	Two hours for a water slide plunge pool.
	(7)	For swimming pools with skimmers, the recirculation flow rate shall be at least 30 gallons per minute per skimmer or the recirculation flow rate defined above, whichever is greater.
	(8)	The recirculation flow rate for pools not specified in 15.5(5)“b”(1) to (7) shall be determined by the department.
	c. 	Recirculation pump.
	(1)	The pump or pumps shall supply the recirculation flow rate to obtain the turnover required at a total dynamic head of at least that given in “1,” “2,” and “3” below, unless lower heads are shown by the designer to be hydraulically appropriate. A valve for regulating the rate of flow shall be provided in the recirculation pump discharge piping.
	1.	40 feet for vacuum filters; or
	2.	60 feet for pressure sand; or
	3.	70 feet for pressure diatomaceous earth filters or cartridge filters.
	(2)	For sand filter systems, the pump(s) shall be of sufficient capacity to provide a backwash rate of at least 15 gallons per square foot of filter area per minute.
	(3)	If a pump is located at an elevation higher than the pool water surface, it shall be self-priming or the piping shall be arranged to prevent the loss of pump prime when the pump is stopped.
	(4)	Where vacuum filters are used, a vacuum limit control shall be provided on the pump suction line. The vacuum limit switch shall be set for a maximum vacuum of 18 inches of mercury.
	(5)	A compound vacuum-pressure gauge shall be installed on the pump suction line. A vacuum gauge may be used for pumps with suction lift. A pressure gauge shall be installed on the pump discharge line adjacent to the pump. Gauges shall be located where they may be easily read by the operator. Gauges shall have a face diameter of at least 2½ inches.
	(6)	On pressure filter systems a hair and lint strainer shall be installed on the suction side of the pump. The hair and lint strainer basket shall be easily removable for cleaning, changing, or inspection. A spare strainer basket shall be provided. This requirement may be waived for systems using vertical turbine pumps or pumps designed for solids handling.
	d. 	Swimming pool water heaters.
	(1)	A heating coil, pipe or steam hose shall not be installed in a swimming pool.
	(2)	Gas-fired pool water heaters shall comply with the requirements of ANSI-Z21.56b-90 as published by American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.
	(3)	Electric pool water heaters shall comply with UL 1261 as published by Underwriters Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois.
	(4)	A swimming pool water heater with an input of greater than 400,000 British thermal units per hour (117 kilowatts) shall have a water heating vessel constructed in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler Code, Section 8, as published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New York, New York.
	(5)	A thermometer shall be installed in the piping to measure the temperature of the water returning to the pool. The thermometer shall be located so that it may be read easily by an operator.
	(6)	Combustion and ventilation shall be provided for fuel-burning water heaters as required by the state plumbing code, 641—Chapter 25, Iowa Administrative Code.
	(7)	Fuel-burning water heaters shall be vented as required by the state plumbing code.
	e. 	Flow meters.
	(1)	Each swimming pool recirculation system shall be provided with a flow meter so that the recirculation flow rate can be determined.
	(2)	In a multiple pool system, a flow meter shall be provided for each pool.
	(3)	Flow meters shall be accurate within 10 percent of the actual flow rate in the range of one-half to one and one-half times the recirculation flow rate specified in 15.5(5)“b.”
	(4)	Flow meters shall be installed on a straight length of pipe with sufficient clearance from valves, elbows or other source of turbulence to attain the accuracy required by 15.5(5)“e”(3). The engineer may be required to provide documentation to demonstrate that the installation will meet the requirements of this subrule.
	f. 	Vacuum cleaning system.
	(1)	A swimming pool vacuum cleaning system capable of reaching all parts of the pool bottom shall be provided.
	(2)	A vacuum system may be provided which utilizes the attachment of a vacuum hose to the suction piping through a skimmer.
	(3)	Automatic vacuum systems may be used provided they are capable of removing all debris from the swimming pool bottom.
	15.5(6)  Filtration. Filters shall meet the standards prescribed in Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” published by NSF International, and the following requirements:
	a. 	Each pressure filter shall have a pressure gauge on the inlet side. Gauges shall be located so they may be read easily by the operator. Unless a gauge is part of a filter, it shall have a face diameter of at least 2½ inches. A differential pressure gauge which gives the difference in pressure between the inlet and outlet of the filter may be used in place of a pressure gauge.
	b. 	An air-relief valve shall be provided for each pressure filter.
	c. 	Backwash water from a pressure filter shall discharge through an observable free fall, or a sight glass shall be installed in the backwash discharge line.
	d. 	Backwash water shall be discharged through an air gap to a sanitary sewer or other point of discharge approved by the Iowa department of natural resources.
	e. 	Rapid sand filter.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 3 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (3 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	f. 	High-rate sand filter.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	g. 	Vacuum sand filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(3)	An equalization screen shall be provided to evenly distribute the filter influent over the surface of the filter sand.
	h. 	Sand filter media shall meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
	i. 	Diatomaceous earth filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not be greater than 1.5 gallons per minute per square foot (1.5 gpm/ft2) of effective filter area except that a maximum filtration rate of 2 gallons per minute per square foot (2 gpm/ft2) may be allowed where continuous “body feed” is provided.
	(2)	Diatomaceous earth filter systems shall have piping to allow recycling of the filter effluent during precoating.
	(3)	Diatomaceous earth filter wash shall be discharged to a sanitary sewer or other point of discharge approved by the Iowa department of natural resources. The backwash discharge may be subject to the requirements of the local sewage treatment facility.
	j. 	Cartridge filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 0.375 gallons per minute per square foot (0.375 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	A duplicate set of cartridges shall be provided.
	k. 	Other filter systems may be used as approved by the department.
	15.5(7)  Piping.
	a. 	Swimming pool piping shall conform to applicable nationally recognized standards and shall be specified for use within the limitations of the manufacturer’s specifications. Recirculation piping shall comply with the applicable requirements of ANSI/NSF Standard 61, “Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
	b. 	Swimming pool recirculation piping shall be sized so water velocities do not exceed 8 feet per second (8 ft/sec) for suction flow and 10 feet per second (10 ft/sec) for pressure flow. Gravity piping shall be sized so the head loss in piping, fittings, valves, etc., does not exceed the difference in water levels between the swimming pool and the operating level in the surge or filter tank at the recirculation flow rate.
	c. 	The piping for an overflow perimeter gutter system shall be designed to convey at least 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate. The piping for a skimmer system shall be designed to convey at least 100 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	d. 	The main drain and main drain piping shall be designed to convey 100 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	15.5(8)  Inlets.
	a. 	Wall inlets or floor inlets, or both, shall be provided for all swimming pools. Wading pools are exempt from this requirement.
	b. 	If wall inlets are used, they shall be spaced not over 20 feet apart with an inlet within 5 feet of each corner of the swimming pool.
	(1)	There shall be at least one inlet at each stairway or ramp leading into a swimming pool.
	(2)	Except for wading pools, wall inlets shall be located at least 6 inches below the design water surface.
	(3)	Wall inlets in pools with skimmers shall be directional flow-type inlets.
	c. 	Floor inlets shall be provided for those areas of a zero-depth swimming pool or wave pool where the water is less than 2 feet deep. Where used, floor inlets shall be uniformly spaced and not over 20 feet apart. A row of floor inlets shall be within 15 feet of each wall of the swimming pool. Floor inlets shall be flush with the pool floor.
	d. 	The inlet system shall be designed to provide adequate distribution of treated water throughout the pool. The engineer may be required to provide documentation of adequate distribution. The department can require dye testing of a pool.
	15.5(9)  Overflow system.
	a. 	Skimmers. Recessed automatic surface skimmers shall be listed by NSF International as meeting the standard prescribed in Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan. This subrule does not apply to prefabricated overflow gutter systems.
	(1)	Skimmers may be used for swimming pools which are no more than 30 feet wide.
	(2)	A swimming pool shall have at least one skimmer for each 500 square feet of surface area or fraction thereof.
	(3)	Each skimmer shall be designed for a flow-through rate of at least 30 gallons per minute or 3.75 gallons per minute per lineal inch of weir, whichever is greater. The combined capacity of all skimmers in a swimming pool shall not be less than the total recirculation rate.
	(4)	Skimmers shall have weirs that adjust automatically to variations in water level of at least 2 inches.
	(5)	Skimmers shall be equipped with a device to control flow through the skimmer.
	(6)	Skimmers shall have an operational equalizer valve and pipe.
	(7)	Skimmer pools shall have an approved handhold around the perimeter of the pool. The handhold shall not be more than 9 inches above the minimum skimmer operation level.
	b. 	Perimeter overflow gutters.
	(1)	A perimeter overflow gutter system is required for swimming pools greater than 30 feet in width, except for wave pools.
	(2)	The overflow weir shall extend completely around the swimming pool, except at stairs, ramps, or water slide flumes.
	(3)	The gutter shall be designed to serve as a handhold and to prevent entrapment.
	(4)	Drop boxes, converters, return piping, or flumes used to convey water from the gutter shall be designed to convey 125 percent of the recirculation rate. Drainage shall be sufficient to prevent backflow of skimmed water into the swimming pool.
	(5)	Gutter overflow systems shall be designed with an effective surge capacity within the gutter system and surge tank of not less than one gallon for each square foot of swimming pool surface area. In-pool surge may be permitted for prefabricated gutter systems, subject to the approval of the department.
	c. 	Alternative overflow systems. Overflow systems not meeting all of the requirements in 15.5(9)“a” or 15.5(9)“b” may be used if the designer can provide documentation that the alternative overflow system will skim the pool water surface at least as effectively as a skimmer system.
	15.5(10)  Main drain system.
	a. 	All swimming pools shall be provided with a main drain at the deepest point to permit the pool to be easily drained. The main drain shall be connected to the recirculation system. To provide protection to bathers against suction entrapment, one or more of the following arrangements shall be used:
	(1)	Multiple main drains may be used. Multiple main drains shall be at least 3 feet apart and shall be connected in parallel, or
	(2)	The main drain shall have an area of at least 144 square inches, or
	(3)	An antivortex main drain cover or other approved protective cover shall be provided.
	b. 	There shall be a control valve to adjust the flow between the main drain and the overflow system.
	c. 	Each main drain shall be covered with a grate or other approved cover which is designed to prevent bather entrapment. The water velocity through the grate shall be no more than 1½ feet per second or an approved antivortex cover shall be provided. The main drain cover shall be designed to be securely fastened to the pool so that it is not removable without tools.
	15.5(11)  Disinfection.
	a. 	A continuous feed disinfectant system shall be provided. The disinfectant feed system shall have the capacity to deliver at least 8 parts per million chlorine or bromine based on the recirculation flow rate required in 15.5(5)“b” for outdoor pools and 3 parts per million chlorine or bromine for indoor pools.
	b. 	Where applicable, disinfection feeders shall be listed by NSF International as having met the requirements of Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
	c. 	Disinfectant chemical feeders shall have a method of feed rate adjustment.
	d. 	The disinfectant system shall be installed so that chemical feed is stopped when the recirculation flow is interrupted.
	e. 	Gas chlorinators.
	(1)	The chlorine supply and gas feeding equipment shall be housed in a separate room or building.
	1.	No entrance or openable window to the chlorine room shall be to the inside of a building used other than for the storage of chlorine.
	2.	The chlorine room shall be provided with an exhaust system which takes its suction not more than 8 inches from the floor and discharges out-of-doors in a direction to minimize the exposure of swimming pool patrons to chlorine gas. The exhaust system shall be capable of producing 15 air changes per hour in the chlorine room.
	3.	An automatic chlorine leak detector and alarm system shall be provided in the chlorine room. The alarm system shall provide visual and audible alarm signals outside the chlorine room.
	4.	An air intake shall be provided near the ceiling of the chlorine room. The air intake and the exhaust system outlet shall be at least 4 feet apart.
	5.	The room shall have a window at least 12 inches square. The window glass shall be shatterproof.
	6.	The door of the chlorine enclosure shall open outward. The inside of the door shall be provided with panic hardware
	7.	The chlorine room shall have adequate lighting.
	8.	Electrical switches for the exhaust system and for the lighting shall be outside the chlorine room and adjacent to the door or in an adjoining room.
	9.	An anchoring system shall be provided for full and empty chlorine cylinders.
	10.	Scales shall be provided for weighing the cylinders that are in use.
	(2)	The chlorinator shall be designed to prevent the backflow of water into the chlorine cylinder.
	f. 	Solution feed. Where positive displacement pumps are used to feed a solution of disinfectant, the disinfectant solution container shall have a capacity of at least one day’s supply at the rate specified in 15.5(11)“a,” except that when the system is designed to feed directly from 55-gallon shipping containers, larger solution containers will not be required.
	g. 	Erosion disinfectant feeders. Erosion disinfectant feeders shall be listed by NSF International as meeting the requirements of Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International. The storage capacity of an erosion feeder shall be at least one day’s supply of disinfectant at the rate specified in 15.5(11)“a.”
	h. 	A test kit capable of detecting the free chlorine residual (diethyl-p-phenylenediamine method or other method approved by the department) and a combined chlorine residual in the range of 0.5 to 5 ppm (or a bromine residual in the range of 1.0 to 10 ppm), pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid shall be provided.
	15.5(12) pH control.
	a. 	Class “A” swimming pools and water slide plunge pools shall be provided with a positive displacement chemical feeder for the addition of a pH control chemical to the pool recirculation system or with a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas feed system.
	b. 	Where applicable, pH control chemical feeders shall be listed by NSF International as meeting the requirements of Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International.
	c. 	Where carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as a method of pH control an anchoring system shall be provided for full and empty CO2 cylinders.
	15.5(13) Safety.
	a. 	Diving.
	(1)	Diving boards can be permitted only if the diving area dimensions conform to the minimum requirements indicated in Figure 2 and Tables 3 and 4. Alternative diving well configurations may be used, subject to the approval of the department, but the boundaries of the diving well shall be outside the boundaries prescribed in these rules.
Note:  the information contained in tables 3 and 4 is intended to be used where noncompetitive diving boards are used. when diving boards are used that have been advertised or promoted to be competitive diving boards, the diving well shall meet the standards of the national collegiate athletic association (ncaa) or the national federation of state high school associations (nfshsa).

TABLE 3

DIVING BOARD HEIGHT OVER WATER	MAXIMUM
BOARD
LENGTH	MINIMUM DIMENSIONS	MINIMUM WIDTH
OF POOL	
		D1	D2	L1	L2	L3	L4	PT. A	PT. B	PT. C	
Deck Level to 2/3 Meter (26 inches)	10 feet	7′-0″	8′-6″	2′-6″	8′-0″	10′-6″	21′-0″	16′-0″	18′-0″	18′-0″	
Greater than 2/3 Meter to 3/4
Meter (30 inches)	12 feet	7′-6″	9′-0″	3′-0″	9′-0″	12′-0″	24′-0″	18′-0″	20′-0″	20′-0″	
Greater than 3/4 Meter to 1
Meter (3 feet)	16 feet	8′-6″	10′-0″	4′-0″	10′-0″	15′-0″	29′-0″	20′-0″	22′-0″	22′-0″	
Greater than 1
Meter to 3
Meters (10 feet)	16 feet	11′-0″	12′-0″	6′-0″	10′-6″	21′-0″	37′-0″	22′-0″	24′-0″	24′-0″	
D3 minimum is 2′9″
R minimum is D2 - D3 — 3″
TABLE 4

DIVING BOARD HEIGHT	MINIMUM DISTANCE	
	TO POOL SIDE	TO 1 METER BOARD	TO 3 METER BOARD	
Deck Level to 1 Meter	10 feet	8 feet	10 feet	
Greater than 1 Meter	11 feet	10 feet	10 feet	
	(2)	There shall be a completely unobstructed clear distance of 13 feet above the diving board measured from the center of the front end of the board. This area shall extend at least 8 feet behind, 8 feet to each side, and 16 feet beyond the end of the diving board.
	(3)	Diving boards and platforms over 3 meters high are prohibited except where approved by the department.
	(4)	Diving boards and platforms shall have a slip-resistant surface.
	(5)	Diving board supports, ladders, and guardrails.
	1.	Supports, platforms, and steps for diving boards shall be of substantial construction and of sufficient structural strength to safely carry the maximum anticipated loads.
	2.	Ladders, steps, supports, handrails and guardrails shall be of corrosion-resistant materials or shall be provided with a corrosion-resistant coating. They shall be designed to have no exposed sharp edges. Ladder steps shall have a slip-resistant surface.
	3.	Handrails shall be provided at steps and ladders leading to diving boards and diving platforms. Guardrails shall be provided for diving boards or platforms which are more than 1 meter above the water. Guardrails for diving boards and platforms shall be at least 36 inches high and shall have at least one horizontal midbar and shall extend to the edge of the water.
	b. 	Stairs, ladders, and recessed steps.
	(1)	Ladders or recessed steps shall be provided in the deep portion of a swimming pool and in the shallow portion if the vertical distance from the bottom of the swimming pool to the deck is more than 2 feet. Stairs or ramps may be used instead of ladders or recessed steps at the shallow end of the swimming pool.
	(2)	If the swimming pool is more than 30 feet wide, stairs, ramps, ladders, or recessed steps shall be provided on both sides of the pool. If a stairway extends across 50 percent or more of the shallow end of the swimming pool, the swimming pool shall be considered in compliance with this subrule at that end.
	(3)	The foot contact surfaces of stairs, ramps, ladder rungs, and recessed steps shall be slip-resistant.
	(4)	Ladders.
	1.	Ladders shall be provided with a handrail which extends from below the water surface to the top surface of the deck on each side of the ladder.
	2.	Ladders, treads, or supports shall be of a color contrasting with the swimming pool walls; however, stainless steel ladders may be used with stainless steel wall pools.
	(5)	Recessed steps.
	1.	Recessed steps shall have a tread depth of at least 5 inches, a tread width of at least 12 inches, and a uniform rise of no more than 12 inches.
	2.	Recessed steps shall be provided with a handrail or with deck-level grab rails on each side of the recessed steps.
	3.	Recessed steps shall drain to the pool.
	(6)	Stairs.
	1.	Stairs shall have a uniform tread depth of at least 12 inches and a uniform rise of no more than 10 inches. The area of each tread shall be at least 240 square inches.
	2.	Stairs shall be provided with at least one handrail for each 12 feet in width. Handrails shall be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the line defined by the front edge of the steps.
	(7)	Handrails and grab rails.
	1.	Ladders, handrails, and grab rails shall be designed to be securely anchored so that tools are required for their removal.
	2.	Ladders, handrails, and grab rails shall be of corrosion-resistant materials or provided with corrosion-resistant coatings. They shall have no exposed sharp edges.
	c. 	The bottom of the swimming pool shall slope toward the main drain(s). The slope of the swimming pool bottom where the water is less than 5 feet deep shall not exceed 1 foot vertical in 12 feet horizontal.
	(1)	Subject to the approval of the department, a swimming pool may be designed to have the change in slope (from 1:12 or less to a steeper slope) at a point where the water depth is less than 5 feet. The marking requirements of 15.5(13)“e”(3) and 15.5(13)“e”(4) shall apply and, if possible, depth markers which are clearly visible to persons in the pool shall be provided.
	(2)	For a wave pool, steeper slopes may be approved by the department if they are required for the proper function of the wave pool.
	d. 	Walls.
	(1)	Walls in the deep section of a swimming pool shall be vertical to a water depth of at least 2 feet 9 inches. If a transition radius is provided, it shall comply with Figure 2.

	(2)	The term “vertical” is interpreted to permit slopes not greater than 1 foot horizontal for each 5 feet of depth of side wall (11 degrees from vertical).
	(3)	Ledges, when provided, shall fall within an 11° line from vertical, starting at the water surface (Figure 3). Ledges shall be no less than 4 inches wide and no more than 8 inches wide. Ledges shall have a slip-resistant surface.
	e. 	Surface finish and markings.
	(1)	The swimming pool floor shall have a slip-resistant finish.
	(2)	The bottom and sides of the swimming pool shall be white or a light color. This does not prohibit painting or marking racing lines or turn targets.
	(3)	Where the slope of a swimming pool bottom in a shallow area changes from 1:12 or less to a slope greater than 1:12, or at the 5-foot depth line, the pool bottom and sides shall be marked with a stripe at least 4 inches wide in a color contrasting with the pool bottom and sides. Depending on the pool configuration, more than one stripe may be required.
	(4)	A floatline with floats no more than 5 feet apart shall be installed over or within 12 inches of the shallow side of the stripe required in 15.5(13)“e”(3).
	(5)	The landing area for a swimming pool slide or a water slide which does not terminate in a separate plunge pool shall be delineated by a floatline or similar barrier.
	(6)	When stairs are provided for entry to a swimming pool, a stripe at least 1 inch wide of a color contrasting with the swimming pool floor shall be provided on the leading edge of each tread. The stripe shall be of slip-resistant material.
	(7)	Depth markers.
	1.	Depth markers shall be painted or otherwise marked on the deck within 3 feet of the edge of the swimming pool. The depth of a wave pool shall also be marked on the side walls of the wave pool above the maximum static water level where the static water depth is 3 feet or more, and on the deep end wall of the wave pool. Depth markers are not required at the zero-depth end of a wading pool, wave pool, or a zero-depth swimming pool.
	2.	Depth markers shall be located at 1-foot depth intervals, but not more than 20 feet apart around the area of a swimming pool which has a water depth of 5 feet or less and around the area of a wave pool where the water depth is 3 feet or more. Depth markers are not required on the deck of a plunge pool on the flume discharge end or on the exit end if stairs are used for exit.
	3.	In the deep water areas of a swimming pool, depth markers shall be located as indicated below:
	●	Depth markers shall be located on both sides of the pool opposite the main drain(s) which indicate the maximum depth of the pool.
	●	If the distance between the main drain(s) and the 5-foot depth area is greater than 20 feet, one or more depth markers shall be located between the main drain(s) and the 5-foot area to maintain a distance of 20 feet or less between depth markers.
	●	Depth markers shall be located not more than 20 feet apart along the deep end of the swimming pool.
	●	“Deep Water” may be used in place of numerals as depth markers for all locations other than opposite the main drain.
4. All swimming pool areas where diving is not permitted shall be marked “No Diving” or equivalent wording or graphics on the pool deck within 3 feet from the edge of the swimming pool at intervals no greater than 25 feet around the perimeter of the area.
	5.	The maximum depth of a wading pool shall be posted in lettering a minimum of 2 inches high at the entrance to the wading pool area or at least one conspicuous location inside the wading pool enclosure. “No Diving” or equivalent wording or graphics 2 inches or more in height shall be marked at either location specified above.
	6.	All letter, number, or graphic markers shall be slip-resistant of a contrasting color and at least 4 inches in height.
	f. 	Lifeguard chairs. At swimming pools where lifeguards are required, one elevated lifeguard chair or station shall be provided for swimming pools with a water surface area of 2000 to 4000 square feet inclusive; two chairs shall be provided if the area is from 4001 to 6000 square feet; three chairs shall be provided if the area is 6001 square feet or more. A swimming pool is not required to have more than three lifeguard chairs or stations. This requirement does not apply to wave pools.
	g. 	Emergency equipment and facilities.
	(1)	A minimum of one unit of lifesaving equipment shall be provided for each 1500 square feet of water surface area or fraction thereof. A swimming pool is not required to have more than ten units of lifesaving equipment.
	(2)	A unit of lifesaving equipment consists of at least one of the following:
	1.	A U.S. Coast Guard-recognized ring buoy fitted with a ¼-inch-diameter line with a length at least one-half the width of the pool, but no more than 60 feet, or
	2.	A life pole with a “shepherd’s crook,” having blunted ends with minimum length of 8 feet, or
	3.	A rescue buoy which is made of a hard, buoyant plastic and is provided with molded handgrips along each side, a shoulder strap, and a towing rope between 4 and 6 feet long, or
	4.	A heaving line made of any strong, lightweight rope which is at least 40 feet long and equipped with a “monkey fist” or similar weighted object attached to one end, or
	5.	A rescue tube made of a soft, strong foam material 3 inches by 6 inches by 40 inches with a molded strap providing a ring at one end and a hook at the other. Attached to the ring end shall be a 6-foot-long towline with a shoulder strap, or
	6.	Any other piece of rescue equipment approved by the department.
Note:  rescue equipment identified in 15.5(13)“g”(2)“3” and 15.5(13)“g”(2)“5” above shall be used only at swimming pools where lifeguards are required.
	(3)	Whenever lifeguard chairs are provided, each shall be equipped with at least one unit of lifesaving equipment.
	(4)	A standard spine board with straps and an adjustable cervical collar shall be provided at each swimming pool where lifeguards are required by rule.
	h. 	Pool enclosure.
	(1)	An outdoor swimming pool shall be enclosed by fencing, walls, or building made of durable material at least 4 feet high.
	(2)	Fence, walls, or other means of enclosure shall have no openings other than gateways and doorways larger than 4 inches in any horizontal dimension and not easily climbable by toddlers. Horizontal members or rails shall be at least 45 inches apart. Except where a controlled entrance to the swimming pool is provided, gates or doors into the pool area shall be self-closing and self-latching.
	(3)	Except as modified by 15.5(13)“h”(4), all facilities with indoor swimming pools which have secured entry shall be considered to have met the provisions of 15.5(13)“h”(2).
	(4)	For indoor swimming pools, if there are sleeping rooms, hallways, apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas used by children which open directly into the swimming pool area, the swimming pool shall be enclosed by a barrier at least 3 feet high. No opening in the barrier, except for a gate or door, shall permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates or doors shall be provided and be lockable, self-closing, and self-latching.
	i. 	Electrical. Construction or reconstruction shall meet the requirements in Section 680 of the National Electrical Code, 70-90, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
	j. 	Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be provided at indoor swimming pools and at outdoor swimming pools which are to be used after sunset in accordance with the following:
	(1)	Underwater lighting of at least 8.35 lumens or 0.5 watts per square foot of water surface area, located to provide illumination of the entire swimming pool bottom, and area lighting of at least 10 lumens or 0.6 watts per square foot of deck area.
	(2)	If underwater lights are not provided, overhead lighting of at least 33.5 lumens or 2.0 watts per square foot of swimming pool water surface area shall be provided.
	k. 	Swimming pool slides shall meet the requirements of the January 1, 1986, product standard of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CFR Title 16, Part 1207). Swimming pool slides shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
	15.5(14) Wading pool. Wading pools constructed or reconstructed after March 14, 1990, shall comply with the applicable provisions of 15.5(1) to 15.5(13), except as modified below.
	a. 	When a wading pool is constructed within 50 feet of a Class “A” or Class “B” swimming pool, wave pool, or plunge pool:
	(1)	The area of the swimming pool, wave pool, or plunge pool nearest the wading pool shall be shallow water.
	(2)	The wading pool shall be separated from the adjacent pool by a barrier or fence at least 36 inches high which meets the requirements of 15.5(13)“h.” At least one 36-inch-wide gate or opening shall be provided between the wading pool and the other pool.
	b. 	A wading pool shall be surrounded by at least 4 feet of deck.
	c. 	Overflow system.
	(1)	Intermittent fixed weir overflow structures, including gutters, overflow fixtures, and drains at zero depth may be used. They shall have a hydraulic capacity of at least 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate. The engineer or architect shall be responsible for demonstrating that the overflow system will provide adequate skimming.
	(2)	If skimmers are used, there shall be at least one skimmer for every 500 square feet of water surface area or fraction thereof.
	1.	The recirculation flow rate shall be at least 3.75 gallons per minute per lineal inch of skimmer weir or as required in 15.5(5)“b,” whichever is greater.
	2.	The skimmer(s) suction line may be connected to the main drain line in lieu of an equalizer pipe.
	3.	A skimmer(s) may be used in combination with overflow drains in a zero-depth wading pool.
	d. 	Inlets shall be designed to distribute the treated water so as to eliminate dead spots and to move debris to the outlets. Wall and floor inlets or other means may be used, alone or in combination. The engineer or architect shall be responsible for demonstrating that the inlet system will provide adequate recirculation.
	15.5(15) Wave pools. Wave pools constructed after March 14, 1990, shall comply with the applicable provisions of 15.5(1) to 15.5(13), except as modified below.
	a. 	Perimeter overflow gutters and skimmers are not required on the deep end wall where the wave generation equipment is located.
	b. 	There shall be an overflow drain or weir across the full width of the zero-depth end of the wave pool. Full length is interpreted to allow construction joints at each end of the drain. The combined length of the joints shall be no more than 10 percent of the length of the end of the pool.
The drain shall be covered with a grate designed to prevent entrapment. The grate shall be designed so that it is securely fastened to the pool floor and cannot be removed without a tool or tools.
	c. 	The deck above the overflow drain at the zero-depth end of the pool may slope to the overflow drain for a distance no greater than 15 feet. The deck slope shall be no greater than 1 foot vertical to 12 feet horizontal.
	d. 	There shall be a perimeter overflow gutter or overflow fittings along both sides of the wave pool where the water is 3 feet deep or more.
	(1)	If a perimeter overflow gutter is used, it shall be designed to prevent entrapment during wave action. Overflow grates shall be securely fastened so they will not be dislodged by wave action.
	(2)	Overflow fittings need not be continuous, but they shall be spaced no more than 10 feet apart.
	e. 	The combined hydraulic capacity of the overflow drain and the gutter or overflow outlets shall be at least 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	f. 	A main drain or drains shall be provided which comply with the requirements of 15.5(10).
	g. 	Openings or connections between the wave pool and the wave generation equipment shall be designed to prevent entrapment of swimmers.
	h. 	There shall be a continuous barrier along the full length of each side of a wave pool. The barrier shall be at least 42 inches high and installed no more than 3 feet from the side of the wave pool.
	i. 	Emergency switches, which will stop the wave action, shall be provided in at least four locations on the deck of the wave pool. Switch locations shall be marked by signs or contrasting bright colors.
	j. 	Wave pools shall be equipped with a floatline with floats spaced no more than 5 feet apart. The floatline shall be located at least 6 feet from the deep end wall. Users shall not be permitted between the floatline and the deep end wall.
	15.5(16) Zero-depth swimming pools. Zero-depth swimming pools constructed or reconstructed after March 14, 1990, shall comply with the applicable provisions of 15.5(1) to 15.5(13), except as modified below.
	a. 	There shall be an overflow drain or weir across the full width of the zero-depth end of the swimming pool. Full length is interpreted to allow construction joints at each end of the drain. The combined length of the joints shall be no more than 10 percent of the length of the end of the pool.
	(1)	The drain shall be covered with a grate designed to prevent entrapment. The grate shall be designed so that it is not removable without a tool.
	(2)	The drain and its associated piping shall be designed to convey at least 50 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	b. 	The deck above the overflow drain at the zero-depth end of the pool may slope to the overflow drain for a distance no greater than 15 feet. The deck slope shall be no greater than 1 foot vertical to 12 feet horizontal.
	c. 	A perimeter overflow gutter shall be provided. The gutter may be interrupted in the area where the water is less than 2 feet deep provided:
	(1)	The perimeter overflow gutter and overflow drain shall be around no less than 60 percent of the total pool perimeter.
	(2)	The hydraulic capacity of the perimeter overflow gutter system, combined with the overflow drain, shall be at least 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	15.5(17) Water slides. Water slides constructed or reconstructed after March 14, 1990, shall comply with the applicable provisions of 15.5(1) to 15.5(13) and the following:
	a. 	A water slide flume shall comply with the following:
	(1)	The flume shall be perpendicular to the plunge or swimming pool wall for at least 10 feet from its end.
	(2)	The flume shall be sloped no more than 1 foot vertical per 10 feet horizontal for at least 10 feet before its end.
	(3)	The flume shall terminate between 6 inches below and 2 inches above the design water level in the plunge or swimming pool.
	(4)	There shall be at least 5 feet between the side of the plunge or swimming pool and the side of the flume. Adjacent flumes shall be at least 10 feet apart on center.
	(5)	The internal surface of a flume shall be smooth and continuous.
	(6)	The flume shall be designed so that users cannot be thrown out of the flume and to minimize user collisions with the sides of the flume.
	(7)	The flume shall have no sharp edges within reach of a user while the user is in the proper riding position.
	(8)	The flume path shall be designed to prevent users from becoming airborne while in the ride.
	b. 	The landing area for a water slide flume shall comply with the following:
	(1)	The water depth shall be at least 3 feet and no more than 4 feet at the end of the flume and for at least 15 feet beyond the end of the flume.
	(2)	The landing area floor may slope up to a minimum of 2 feet water depth subject to (1) above. The slope shall be no greater than 1 foot vertical to 12 feet horizontal.
	(3)	There shall be at least 20 feet between the end of the flume and any barrier or steps.
	(4)	If the water slide flume ends in a swimming pool, the landing area shall be divided from the rest of the swimming pool by floatlines or other approved methods.
	c. 	Speed slides shall provide for the safe deceleration of the user. Run-out systems or special plunge pool entry systems shall control the body position of the user relative to the slide to provide for a safe exit from the ride.
	d. 	The deck around a water slide plunge pool shall be at least 4 feet wide, except on the side where the flume enters the pool. A walkway which is at least 4 feet wide and meets the requirements of a deck shall be provided between the plunge pool and the slide steps.
	e. 	Intermittent fixed weir overflow structures may be used for a separate plunge pool if:
	(1)	The plunge pool is no more than 30 feet wide.
	(2)	Floor inlets are provided according to the requirements of 15.5(8)“c.”
	(3)	The hydraulic capacity of the combined overflow structures and the appurtenant piping is at least 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate. The department may require more hydraulic capacity based on the specific design of the plunge pool systems.
	f. 	If a pump reservoir or surge tank is provided, it shall have a capacity of at least one minute of the combined recirculation and flume flow. Openings between the plunge pool and the pump reservoir or surge tank shall be designed and constructed to prevent entrapment of users.
	g. 	If the water slide flume ends in a swimming pool, the water level shall not be lowered more than 1 inch when the flume pump(s) is operating.
	h. 	If the flume pump intake is in a plunge pool or in a swimming pool, it shall be located away from normal water slide user traffic areas. A flume pump intake shall be designed to prevent suction entrapment by one of the following methods:
	(1)	Multiple intakes may be used. Intakes shall be at least 3 feet apart. The intakes shall be covered with grates or other protective covers approved by the department. Water velocity through the intake covers shall not exceed 1½ feet per second.
	(2)	The intake shall have an area of at least 144 square inches. The intake shall be covered by a grate or other protective cover approved by the department. Water velocity through the intake cover shall not exceed 1½ feet per second.
	i. 	Intake covers shall be designed to prevent user entrapment. They shall be securely fastened to the pool or to the intake pipe so they cannot be removed without tools.
	j. 	Support structures for the water slide and for any access stairs or ramps shall be designed and constructed to withstand the anticipated structural loading, both static and dynamic, including wind forces.
	k. 	Stairways providing access to the top of a water slide shall be at least 2 feet wide. Stair surfaces shall be slip-resistant and cleanable. Stairways shall comply with the applicable requirements of state and local building codes and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
	l. 	Water slide attractions differing substantially from the standards in this subrule may be approved if the design engineer provides sufficient information to demonstrate to the department that the slide and its landing area can be operated safely.
	15.5(18)  Multisection water recreation pools.
	a. 	The recirculation flow rate for a multisection water recreation pool shall be determined by computing the recirculation flow rate for each section of the pool in accordance with 15.5(5)“b” and adding the flow rates.
	b. 	Each section of a multisection water recreation pool shall be separated from the other sections by a floatline meeting the requirements of 15.5(13)“e”(4).
	15.5(19)  Showers, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities.
	a. 	Bather preparation facilities shall be provided at swimming pools except where the swimming pool is intended to serve living units such as hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, dormitories, subdivisions, mobile home parks, or resident institutions.
	b. 	Swimming pool patron load. If a bathhouse is provided, the patron load for determining the minimum sanitary fixtures (Table 5) is:
	(1)	One individual per 15 square feet of water surface in shallow area.
	(2)	One individual per 20 square feet of water surface in deep areas with the exclusion of 300 square feet of water surface for each diving board.
	(3)	For each swimming pool slide, 200 square feet shall be excluded and, for each water slide which terminates in the swimming pool, 300 square feet shall be excluded in determining the patron load.
	c. 	Bathhouses.
	(1)	Bathhouses shall be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of the Iowa state building code, 661—Chapter 16, Iowa Administrative Code.
	(2)	Bathhouse floors shall have a slip-resistant finish and shall slope to drain at least 1/8 inch per foot. Except as provided in 15.5(19)“c”(3), floor coverings shall comply with the requirements of 15.5(4)“c.”
	(3)	Olefin, or other approved carpeting, may be permitted in locker room or dressing room areas provided:
	1.	There is an adequate drip area between the carpeting and the shower room, toilet facilities, swimming pool, or other areas where water can accumulate.
	2.	Drip areas shall be constructed of materials as described in 15.5(4)“b” and 15.5(4)“c.”
	(4)	Bathhouse fixtures shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.
TABLE 5
FIXTURES REQUIRED

Patron
Load	Male	Female	
	Showers	Toilets	Urinals	Lavatories	Showers	Toilets	Lavatories	
1 -	100	1	1	1	1	1	2	1	
101 -	200	2	1	2	1	2	3	1	
201 -	300	3	1	3	1	3	4	1	
301 -	400	4	2	3	2	4	5	2	
401 -	500	5	3	3	2	5	6	2	
501 -	1000	6	3	4	2	6	7	2	
	(5)	All indoor swimming pool areas, bathhouses, dressing rooms, shower rooms, and toilets shall be ventilated by natural or mechanical means to eliminate the accumulation of condensation and odor.
	d. 	Showers and lavatories.
	(1)	Showers shall be supplied with water at a temperature of at least 90°F and no more than 110°F and at a rate of no more than three gallons per minute per shower head.
	(2)	Soap dispensers or bar soap trays shall be provided at each lavatory and in the showers.
	(3)	Glass soap dispensers are prohibited.
	e. 	Hose bibs equipped with vacuum breaker backflow preventers shall be provided within the bathhouse.
	f. 	Swimming pool water heater.
	(1)	A heating coil, pipe or steam hose shall not be installed in a swimming pool.
	(2)	Gas-fired pool water heaters shall comply with the requirements of ANSI-Z21.56b-90 as published by American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.
	(3)	Electric pool water heaters shall comply with UL 1261 as published by Underwriters Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois.
	(4)	A swimming pool water heater with an input of greater than 400,000 British thermal units per hour (117 kilowatts) shall have a water heating vessel constructed in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler Code, Section 8, as published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New York, New York.
	(5)	A thermometer shall be installed in the piping to measure the temperature of the water returning to the swimming pool. The thermometer shall be located so that it may be read easily by an operator.
	(6)	Combustion and ventilation shall be provided for fuel-burning water heaters as required by the state plumbing code, 641—Chapter 25, Iowa Administrative Code.
	(7)	Fuel-burning water heaters shall be vented as required by the state plumbing code.
641—15.6(135I) Enforcement.
	15.6(1) Boards of health may inspect and enforce these rules according to contracts which are reached pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code chapters 28E and 135I.
	15.6(2) The department or contracting board of health shall take the following steps when enforcement of these rules is necessary.
	a. 	Provide written notification to the owner of the noncompliant facility as soon as possible after the violations are noted which:
	(1)	Cites each section of the Iowa Code or rules violated.
	(2)	Specifies the manner in which the owner or operator failed to comply.
	(3)	Specifies the steps required for correcting the violation.
	(4)	Requests a corrective action plan, including a time schedule for completion of the plan.
	(5)	Sets a reasonable time limit, not to exceed 30 days from the receipt of the notice, within which the owner of the facility must respond.
	b. 	The department or contracting board of health shall review the corrective action plan and approve it or require that it be modified.
	c. 	In cases where the owner of a swimming pool fails to comply with conditions of the written notice, the department or contracting board of health shall send a regulatory letter, via certified mail, advising the owner that unless action is taken within five days of receipt, the case shall be turned over to the city/county attorney for court action.
	d. 	In cases where voluntary action by the swimming pool owner is not forthcoming and court action is the only available avenue, such action shall be taken in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 135I.
641—15.7(135I) Variances. A variance to these rules may be granted only by the department. A variance can be granted only if sufficient information is provided to substantiate the need and propriety for the action.
	15.7(1) Requests for variances are to be in writing and filed with the contracting board of health for comment prior to being forwarded to the department.
	15.7(2) The grant or denial of a variance will take into consideration, but not be limited to, the following criteria:
	a. 	Substantially equal protection of health and safety shall be provided by a means other than that prescribed in the particular rule, or
	b. 	The degree of violation of the rule is sufficiently small so as not to pose a significant risk of injury to any individual, and the remedies necessary to alleviate this minor violation would incur substantial and unreasonable expense on the part of the person seeking a variance.
	15.7(3) Decisions shall be issued in writing by the department and shall include the reasons for denial or grant of the variance. Copies of decisions shall be filed with the department and the contracting board of health.
641—15.8(135I) Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 135I.5. Each day upon which a violation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
641—15.9(135I) Registration.
	15.9(1)  Swimming pool registration. No swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, or wading pool shall be operated in the state without being registered with the department.
	a. 	Initial registration. Effective July 12, 1990, each swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, and wading pool shall be registered separately on forms provided by the department. Newly constructed swimming pools, water slides, wave pools and wading pools shall be registered prior to opening. A $30 nonrefundable registration fee shall be remitted to the department with the application.
	b. 	Annual registration. Each swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, and wading pool shall be registered annually on or before May 1 for the period May 1 through April 30. A $30 nonrefundable registration fee shall be remitted to the department with the appropriate form.
	c. 	Penalty. For each month or portion thereof after May 1 that a swimming pool is not registered, the owner shall pay a $25 penalty.
	15.9(2)  Change in ownership. Within 30 days of the change in ownership of any swimming pool, the new owner shall furnish the department with the following information:
	a. 	Name of swimming pool and registration number.
	b. 	Name, address, and telephone number of new owner.
	c. 	Date the change in ownership took place.
641—15.10(135I) Training courses. As of March 14, 1990:
	15.10(1) A training course designed to fulfill the requirements of 15.11(135I) shall be approved by the department.
	15.10(2) At least 15 days prior to the course date, the course director shall submit at a minimum the following to the department:
	a. 	A course outline with a list of instructors and guest speakers and their qualifications.
	b. 	Date or dates the course is to be held.
	c. 	Place the course is to be held.
	d. 	Number of hours of instruction.
	e. 	Course agenda.
	15.10(3) The department shall approve or disapprove the course of instruction in writing.
	15.10(4) At the conclusion of the course of instruction, the course director shall furnish the department with a list of the persons who successfully completed the course. The instructor shall remit to the department the fee required by subrule 15.12(7).
641—15.11(135I) Swimming pool/spa operator qualifications. All swimming pool/spa operators shall meet the following qualifications:
	15.11(1) Prior to June 1, 1993, each swimming pool/spa operator shall have successfully completed a Certified Pool/Spa Operator course sanctioned by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, 10803 Gulfdale, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78216, or another course of instruction approved by the department. A copy of the completion certificate shall be maintained in the pool records.
	15.11(2) Prior to June 1, 1995, and prior to June 1 of each odd-numbered year thereafter, each operator shall obtain at least five hours of continuing education at courses approved by the department. A copy of the completion certificate shall be maintained in the pool records.
641—15.12(135I) Inspection fees. The following fees shall be billed to the owner of a swimming pool upon completion of an inspection. Inspection fees are due upon receipt of a notice of payment due.
When the swimming pool is located within the jurisdiction of a board of health which has a 28E Agreement with the department, the board of health may establish fees needed to defray the costs of inspection and enforcement under this chapter. Inspection fees billed by a contracted board of health shall be paid to the contracted board of health or its designee.
	15.12(1) Swimming pool inspection fees.
	a. 	Swimming pools with a surface area of 1500 sq/ft or more. $270
	b. 	Swimming pools with a surface area less than 1500 sq/ft. $170
	c. 	Water slides. $270
	(1)	Where two or more water slide flumes terminate in the same plunge pool, the following inspection fee schedule shall be followed:
2 Slides $315
3 Slides $360
4 Slides $405
	(2)	Where a water slide terminates in a swimming pool the inspection fee shall be $175.
	d. 	Wave pools. $270
	e. 	Wading pools. $ 45
	15.12(2) Where multiple pools, i.e., swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, wading pool, spa, or any combination thereof, are located within the same fenced compound or building, then a 10 percent total reduction in the inspection fee shall be applied.
	15.12(3) Special inspection fee. When the department or contracting board of health determines a special inspection is required, i.e., nonroutine follow-up inspection or inspections generated by complaints, the department or contracting board of health may charge a special inspection fee which shall be based on the actual cost of providing the inspection.
	15.12(4) Penalty. Inspection fees not received by the department within 45 days of the date of statement will be assessed a $25 penalty on each pool billed for each month or fraction thereof the payment is delinquent.
	15.12(5) Plan review fees.
	a. 	New construction. $350
	b. 	Reconstruction. $250
	15.12(6) Priority plan reviews shall be 150 percent of the fee in subrule 15.12(5).
	15.12(7) A $20 fee will be assessed to all persons successfully completing a training course designed to fulfill the requirements of 15.11(135I).
	15.12(8) Investigation fee. Whenever any work for which a permit is required has been commenced or completed without first obtaining a permit as required in 15.5(1), a special investigation may be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, may be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the priority plan review fee required in 15.12(6). The payment of the investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of these rules or from any penalty prescribed by law.
641—15.13(135I) 28E Agreements. Boards of health may make application to the department for authority to inspect swimming pools and enforce these rules. 28E Agreements shall be perpetual, subject to the conditions set forth by both parties.
	15.13(1) Application and review process. Applications are to be made to the Iowa Department of Public Health, Swimming Pool Program, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
	15.13(2) Each application shall include, at a minimum:
	a. 	A commitment that inspectors will meet the educational requirements of 15.11(135I). Persons who possess the credentials of a registered sanitarian (R.S.) or registered environmental health specialist (R.E.H.S.) from the National Environmental Health Association shall be considered as having met the educational requirements of subrule 15.11(2).
	b. 	A statement stating the ability of the board of health to provide inspections of all swimming pools within the contracted area.
	c. 	A statement stating the ability of the board of health to follow enforcement procedures contained in subrule 15.6(2).
	15.13(3) The contracting board of health shall reimburse the department for services which the department provides such as, but not limited to, training, publications, and local program certification.
641—15.14(135I) Application denial or partial denial—appeal.
	15.14(1) Denial or partial denial of an application shall be done in accordance with the requirements of Iowa Code section 17A.12. Notice to the applicant of denial or partial denial shall be served by restricted certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.
	15.14(2) Any request for appeal concerning denial or partial denial shall be submitted by the aggrieved party, in writing, to the department by certified mail, return receipt requested, within 30 days of the receipt of the department’s notice. The address is: Iowa Department of Public Health, Swimming Pool Program, Lucas State Office Building, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Prior to or at the hearing, the department may rescind the denial or partial denial. If no request for appeal is received within the 30-day time period, the department’s notice of denial or partial denial shall become the department’s final agency action.
	15.14(3) Upon receipt of an appeal that meets contested case status, the appeal shall be forwarded within five working days to the department of inspections and appeals, pursuant to the rules adopted by that agency regarding the transmission of contested cases. The information upon which the adverse action is based and any additional information which may be provided by the aggrieved party shall also be provided to the department of inspections and appeals.
641—15.15 to 15.50 Reserved.
SPAS
641—15.51(135I) Definitions.
“Air break” is a piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance, or device discharges indirectly into a fixture, receptacle, or interceptor at a point below the flood-level rim of the receptacle.
“Air gap” means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from an inlet pipe and the flood-level rim of a receptacle or floor drain.
“Board of health” means a county, city or district board of health.
“Body feed” means the continuous addition of controlled amounts of filtering aid during the operation of a diatomite-type filter to maintain a permeable filter cake. This is often referred to as a “slurry feed.”
“Certified pool/spa operator” means a person who has successfully completed the Certified Pool/Spa Operator course offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, 10803 Gulfdale, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78216, or an equivalent course as approved by the department.
“Construction” means the installation of a new spa after March 14, 1990. Construction includes modifications to an existing facility which change the total recirculated water volume or the total water surface area by 20 percent or more.
“Deck” means a walkway immediately adjacent to a spa.
“Department” means the Iowa department of public health.
“Engineering plans” means plans and specifications certified by an architect or engineer registered to practice in the state of Iowa.
“Equalizer pipe” means a line from below a spa water surface to the body of a skimmer, designed to automatically prevent air being drawn into the pump when the water level drops below the skimmer inlet.
“Filter” means a mechanical device for removing suspended particles from spa water and refers to the complete mechanism including all component parts.
“Hose bib” means a fresh water-threaded outlet for the purpose of attaching a typical garden hose.
“Inlet” means a fitting or opening through which recirculation water enters the spa.
“Main drain” means the outlet(s) at the deepest portion of the spa.
“Manufacturer’s specifications” means the written instructions and procedures provided by the manufacturer for the installation and operation of the manufacturer’s equipment.
“Outlet” means a fitting or opening, including the main drain and skimmer, through which water leaves a spa.
“Perimeter overflow gutter” means a weir and trough around the top of the perimeter of a spa which is used to skim the surface of the water.
“Priority plan review” means the review of any plans and specifications submitted less than 15 days prior to construction or plans and specifications submitted according to 15.53(2)“c.”
“Recirculation system” means the pump, piping, filtration system, chemical feed systems, and appurtenances provided for treating the spa water to meet the water quality standards in these rules.
“Reconstruction” means the replacement or modification of a spa shell or deck, a spa recirculation system, or a perimeter overflow gutter or skimmers so that the spa may continue to be operated in a manner considered by the department to be free from health or safety hazards. Reconstruction does not include the replacement of equipment or piping previously approved by the department, providing that the type and size of the equipment are not revised, nor does it include normal maintenance or repair.
“Skimmer” means a device connected to the recirculation pump suction used to skim the spa water surface area.
“Spa” means a bathing facility such as a hot tub or whirlpool designed for recreational or therapeutic use and not designed to be drained, cleaned, and refilled for each individual use. Spas are designed to provide a means of agitation. It may include, but is not limited to, hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold water, mineral baths, air induction systems, or any combination thereof. The facility may be either publicly or privately owned. This includes, but is not limited to, any spa operated by municipalities, public or private schools, hotels, motels, youth camps, apartment buildings, condominiums, country clubs, health clubs, and persons providing temporary spas for rent. “Spa” does not include a pool used for therapy under the direct supervision of qualified medical personnel.
“Temporary spa” means a spa which is installed or situated in one location for a period of less than 30 days.
641—15.52(135I) All spas.
	15.52(1) Filtration and recirculation.
	a. 	Spas shall include a filtration system in good working condition which provides water clarity in compliance with the water quality standards of 15.52(2).
	b. 	Cartridge filters shall be changed or cleaned and disinfected when the pressure differential between the influent and effluent lines of the filter reaches 6 psi or the manufacturer’s recommended pressure differential for cleaning. If no means of measuring the pressure differential is provided, the filters shall be changed or cleaned and disinfected at least once per day.
	c. 	The recirculation system for spas shall provide a complete turnover of water in no more than 30 minutes.
	d. 	Pumps, filters, disinfectant feeders, flow indicators, gauges, and all related components of the spa water recirculation system shall be kept in continuous operation 24 hours per day whenever the spa contains water, except for cleaning or servicing.
	e. 	Inlets. The recirculation system shall have inlets adequate in design, number, location, and spacing to ensure effective distribution of treated water and maintenance of uniform disinfectant residual throughout the spa.
	f. 	Skimmers and gutters. All spas shall have a means for skimming the spa water surface. This means either a perimeter overflow gutter or at least one surface skimmer.
	(1)	Skimmers shall be operated so as to provide effective skimming of the entire water surface with minimum interference and short-circuiting.
	(2)	Skimmers shall be followed by an easily removed basket or screen upstream from any valve.
	(3)	When a perimeter overflow gutter system is provided, the overflow weir shall be level.
	(4)	Gutter or skimmer drainage shall be sufficient to minimize flooding and prevent backflow of skimmed water into the spa.
	g. 	Wastewater. Wastewater and backwash water from spas shall be discharged through an air break.
Note:  The Iowa department of natural resources prohibits discharging backwash water into Iowa waters.
	h. 	Water supply. The water supplied to a spa shall be from a water supply meeting the requirements of the department of natural resources for potable water.
	(1)	Water supplied to a spa shall be discharged to the spa system through an air gap or reduced-pressure principle backflow device meeting the American Water Works Association standard, C-511-89, entitled “Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assembly.”
	(2)	Vacuum breaker backflow preventers shall be provided on all hose bibs serving a spa.
	i. 	Spa water heaters.
	(1)	Electric water heaters shall bear the seal of UL, Underwriters Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois.
	(2)	Gas-fired water heaters shall be equipped with a pressure relief valve.
	(3)	Fuel-burning water heaters shall be vented to the outside, in accordance with the Iowa state plumbing code.
	j. 	The patron capacity of spas is limited to one individual per 2 lineal feet of inner edge of seat or bench.
	15.52(2) Water quality.
	a. 	Disinfection.
	(1)	A free chlorine residual of at least 2.0 ppm shall be maintained in a spa. If bromine is used, a residual of at least 4.0 ppm shall be maintained. Bathers shall not be permitted in a spa when the chlorine residual is greater than 6.0 ppm or the bromine residual is greater than 13.0 ppm.
	(2)	A disinfectant residual test shall be performed on samples collected from the spa at least once every two hours during periods of operation. For spas at condominiums, apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing must be performed at least twice daily each day the spa is available for use. If a test shows the disinfectant is less than 2.0 ppm, two additional samples shall be taken and tested within 15 minutes.
	(3)	If cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine (sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or trichloro-s-triazinetrione) is used, a free chlorine residual of at least 2.0 ppm shall be maintained throughout the spa. The cyanuric acid level in all spas shall be sampled weekly and shall be maintained at levels not greater than 80 ppm.
	(4)	A spa shall be closed if the disinfectant level is below the minimum as stated in 15.52(2)“a”(1).
	(5)	Other disinfectant agents may be used with the approval of the department.
	b. 	Water samples shall be collected and tested for total chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness a minimum of once per week and the results recorded in the spa operational record.
	c. 	The pH shall be maintained at 7.2 to 7.8 if chlorine is the primary disinfectant and 7.2 to 8.2 if bromine is the primary disinfectant. Spa water shall be sampled and tested for pH and recorded every two hours during periods of operation. For spas at condominiums, apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing must be performed at least twice daily each day the spa is available for use.
	d. 	A spa shall be closed if a 6-inch disk of contrasting color on the bottom of the spa is not visible when the agitation system is not operating. When a disk is not available, the spa shall be closed if the bottom of the spa is not visible when the agitation system is not operating.
	e. 	Microbiological quality.
	(1)	At least one water sample shall be collected in each month the spa is operated and submitted to a state-certified laboratory for analysis to identify total coliform and pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
	(2)	If any sample is positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria or total coliform bacteria, the spa shall be closed and not reopened until appropriate corrective measures are taken and a new sample tests negative.
1. The action taken shall include:
	●	Drain and clean spa
	●	Backwash or clean filters
2. At least one recheck sample shall be collected at the time the spa disinfectant level is at the level required in 15.52(2)“a” and submitted to a state-certified laboratory for analysis to identify total coliform and pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
	f. 	The operator shall have a functioning test kit capable of detecting the free chlorine residual and a combined chlorine residual (diethyl-p-phenylenediamine method) or a bromine residual in the range of 1.0 to 10 ppm, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid, if used. Test kits shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
	g. 	A person knowledgeable in testing water and in operating the water treatment equipment shall be available whenever a spa is open for use.
	h. 	No chemicals shall be added to a spa over the top when the spa is occupied. If chemicals are added to the spa over the top, the spa shall not be occupied for a period of 30 minutes thereafter.
	15.52(3) Disinfection systems and cleaning.
	a. 	Disinfectant system.
	(1)	A continuous feed disinfectant system shall be provided.
	(2)	The disinfectant system shall be capable of providing at least 10 ppm of chlorine or bromine based on the recirculation flow rate.
	(3)	Equipment and piping used to apply any chemicals to the water shall be of such size, design, and material that they may be cleaned. All material used for such equipment and piping shall be resistant to action of chemicals to be used.
	(4)	The use of chlorine gas is prohibited.
	b. 	Cleaning and superchlorination.
	(1)	All spas shall be clean.
	(2)	Spas containing 500 gallons of water or less shall be drained and refilled a minimum of once a week. Spas containing over 500 gallons of water shall be drained and refilled a minimum of one time every two weeks.
	(3)	The department may require that a spa be drained, scrubbed, or superchlorinated prior to further usage.
	15.52(4)  Safety.
	a. 	Chemical safety.
	(1)	All chemicals shall be stored and handled in a safe manner in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
	(2)	Material Safety Data Sheets shall be in the spa operation manual for all chemicals used in the spa.
	(3)	All chemicals shall be clearly labeled.
	(4)	A warning sign shall be placed on the door of rooms where chemicals are used or stored or where bulk containers are located.
	b. 	Stairs, ladders, recessed steps, and ramps.
	(1)	When the top rim of a spa is more than 24 inches above the surrounding floor area, stairs or a ramp shall be provided to the top of the spa.
	(2)	Stairs, ladders, ladder rungs, and ramps shall be slip-resistant.
	(3)	Where stairs and ramps are provided, they shall be equipped with a handrail.
	(4)	Ladders and handrails shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials or provided with corrosion-resistant coatings. They shall have no exposed sharp edges.
	c. 	Water temperature in the spa shall not exceed 104°F.
	(1)	A thermometer shall be available to measure temperature in the range of 80° to 120°F.
	(2)	Water temperature controls shall be accessible only to the spa operator.
	d. 	A designated emergency telephone, capable of being operated without coins, shall be available to the users of a spa. If the emergency telephone is not located within the spa enclosure, management shall post signs indicating the location of the emergency telephone.
	e. 	Water level shall be maintained at the skimming level.
	f. 	To provide protection to bathers against suction entrapment, one or more of the following arrangements shall be provided:
	(1)	Multiple drains, or a single drain with an area of at least 144 square inches; or
	(2)	An antivortex main drain cover or other approved protective cover.
	g. 	Each drain shall be covered with a grate or other approved cover which is designed to prevent bather entrapment. Each drain cover shall be securely fastened to the spa so it is not removable without tools.
	h. 	Surface finish and markings. Spa walls and floor shall be smooth and easily cleanable.
	i. 	Decks.
	(1)	The deck shall have a slip-resistant surface.
	(2)	Decks shall be clean and free of debris.
	(3)	A hose bib shall be provided for flushing or cleaning of the deck areas.
	j. 	There shall be no underwater or overhead projections or obstructions which would endanger user safety or interfere with proper spa operation.
	k. 	Electrical.
	(1)	Electrical outlets on the deck, in the recirculation equipment room and shower room areas shall be protected by properly installed ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles or breakers. Ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles and breakers shall be tested by the certified pool/spa operator at least once in each month the spa is operating. Test dates and results shall be recorded in the spa records.
	(2)	There shall be no outlets located on, or within 5 feet of, the inside wall of a spa.
	(3)	An air switch within reach of persons in the spa and its connecting tube shall be constructed of materials that do not conduct electricity.
	(4)	Lighting.
	1.	Artificial lighting shall be provided at all spas which are to be used at night or which do not have adequate natural lighting so all portions of the spa, including the bottom and main drain, may be readily seen.
	2.	Underwater lights and fixtures shall be designed for their intended use. When the branch circuit supplying the fixture is operating at more than 15 volts, the circuit shall be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. When underwater lights need to be repaired the electricity shall be shut off until repairs are completed.
	3.	For outdoor spas, no electrical wiring shall pass over a spa.
	l. 	Fencing.
	(1)	Spas must be protected by a fence, wall, building, enclosure, or solid wall made of durable material not less than 4 feet high. Except for gates and door openings, the barrier shall not permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. A spa may be in the same room or enclosure as another spa or a swimming pool.
	(2)	Facilities with indoor spas which have secured entry to the facility shall be considered to have met the provisions of 15.52(4)“l”(1).
	(3)	For indoor spas, if there are sleeping rooms, apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas used by children which open directly into the spa area, the spa shall be enclosed by a barrier at least 3 feet high by June 1, 1995. No opening in the barrier, except for a gate or door, shall permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates or doors provided shall be lockable, self-closing and self-latching.
	15.52(5)  Management, notification, and records.
	a. 	As of June 1, 1993, each spa facility shall employ a certified pool/spa operator. One certified swimming pool/spa operator may be responsible for a maximum of three swimming pool/spa facilities. Condominium associations, apartments and homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units are exempt from this rule.
	b. 	Spa management shall post and enforce rules governing the behavior of spa users and the operation of the spa.
	(1)	A legible conspicuously posted “Spa Rules” sign, describing health and safety rules, shall be placed within the spa facility. The sign shall require the following actions:
	1.	Persons with a medical condition, including pregnancy, should not use the spa without first consulting with a physician.
	2.	It is prohibited for anyone having a contagious disease to enter the spa.
	3.	Do not use the spa immediately following exercise or while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs.
	4.	Do not use the spa alone or without supervision.
	5.	Children shall be accompanied by an adult.
	6.	Do not use the spa longer than ten minutes.
	7.	No diving or jumping into the spa.
	8.	Occupancy of the spa shall not exceed: Insert number of persons according to the rate of one person per 2 lineal feet of inner edge of seat or bench.
	(2)	The maximum depth of a spa shall be posted at a conspicuous location near the spa in numerals or letters at least 2 inches high.
	(3)	Glass objects other than eyeglasses, safety glass doors, and partitions shall not be permitted in a spa enclosure.
	c. 	The operator of a spa shall maintain at the spa operational records for the previous 12 months and make these records available upon request by a swimming pool/spa inspector. These records shall contain a day-by-day account of spa operation—particularly the following information:
	(1)	Results of pH, free available chlorine and total chlorine (or bromine residual), cyanuric acid (if used), total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and temperature measurements.
	(2)	Results of microbiological analyses.
	(3)	Reports of accidents, injuries, or illnesses.
	(4)	A description of repairs or corrections in operation or design.
	(5)	Filter backwashing, cleaning or changing of filters.
	(6)	Draining and cleaning of spa.
	(7)	Testing of ground fault interrupter receptacles or circuit breakers.
	d. 	A permanent manual for operation of a spa shall be provided. It shall include operating and maintenance instructions for each type of filter, pump, and other equipment, a schematic drawing of the spa recirculation system and valves, and water safety procedures.
	e. 	A written emergency plan shall be provided. The plan shall include, but may not be limited to, actions to be taken in cases of drownings, hyperthermia, heart attacks, chemical accidents, and serious injuries. The emergency plan shall be reviewed with the facility staff at least once a year and the dates of review or training shall be recorded.
	f. 	Records for temporary spas.
	(1)	Records of temporary spas shall be maintained for one year which identify the location of all installations.
	(2)	A person offering temporary spas for rent shall be a certified pool/spa operator.
	(3)	Written operational instructions shall be provided to individuals operating or leasing a spa. The instructions shall be consistent with this chapter and provide adequate guidance in the following areas:
	1.	Acceptable sources of water supply and procedure for cross-connection control—15.52(1)“h.”
	2.	Methods for routine cleaning and superchlorination—15.52(3)“b.”
	3.	Procedures for maintaining prescribed levels of disinfectant residual, pH, total alkalinity, clarity, and microbiological quality, and using the test kit—15.52(2)“a” to “h.”
	4.	Procedures for maintaining temperature and operation of temperature controls—15.52(4)“c.”
	5.	Warning to prevent electrical hazards—15.52(4)“k.”
	6.	Procedures for operation of filters, including backwashing—15.52(1)“a” and “b.”
	7.	A warning to the renter that the renter should prevent unauthorized or accidental access to a spa when it contains water.
	15.52(6) Reports. Spa operators shall report to the department within one working day of occurrence all deaths, head, neck, spinal cord injuries, and any injury which renders a person unconscious or requires immediate medical attention.
641—15.53(135I) Construction and reconstruction. After March 14, 1990, the construction or reconstruction of a spa shall comply with the standards given below. Nothing in these rules is intended to exempt spas and associated structures from any applicable federal, state or local laws, rules or ordinances. Applicable requirements include, but are not limited to, the handicapped access and energy requirements of the state building code, the fire and life safety requirements of the state fire marshal, the rules of the Iowa department of employment services, and the rules of the Iowa department of natural resources.
	15.53(1)  Construction permits.
	a. 	No spa shall be constructed or reconstructed without first receiving a permit from the department. Construction shall be completed within six months from the date the construction permit is issued unless a written extension is granted by the department.
	b. 	The owner of a proposed or existing spa or the owner’s designated representative shall apply for a construction permit on forms provided by the department. The application shall be submitted to the department at least 15 days prior to construction of a new spa or the reconstruction of a spa.
	c. 	Three sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted with the application. A nonrefundable plan review fee shall be remitted with the application for each spa as required in 15.60(2).
	d. 	The owner of a newly constructed or reconstructed spa facility or the owner’s designated representative shall notify the department, in writing, within 15 days after the completion of construction.
	15.53(2)  Plans and specifications.
	a. 	Plans and specifications shall bear the seal and signature of an engineer or architect registered to practice in Iowa.
	(1)	This requirement may be waived by the department if the project is the addition or replacement of a chemical feed system, including a disinfection system, provided there is no effect on the recirculation flow rate or a requirement for structural modifications or additions to any building.
	(2)	The department may waive the requirement that plans and specifications for “package” systems be submitted by an engineer, but only when the original design was prepared by an engineer.
	(3)	If the requirement for engineering plans is waived, the owner of the spa assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the construction or reconstruction complies with these rules and with any other applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and ordinances.
	b. 	Plans and specifications shall contain sufficient information to demonstrate to the department that the proposed spa will meet the requirements of this chapter. This shall include, but may not be limited to:
	(1)	The name and address of the owner and the name, address, and telephone number of the architect or engineer responsible for the plans and specifications.
	(2)	The location of the project by street address or other legal description.
	(3)	A site plan showing the spa in relation to buildings, streets, any swimming pool within the same general area, water and sewer service, gas service, and electrical service. The relative elevations of the deck, equipment room and bathhouse floors, streets, sewer inverts, and the design operating spa water level shall be shown.
	(4)	Detailed scale drawings of the spa and its appurtenances, including a plan view and cross sections at a scale of ¼ inch per foot or larger. The location and type of inlets, overflow system, drains, deck and deck drainage, location and size of spa piping, and the spa steps and handrails shall be shown.
	(5)	A plan showing the location, plan, and elevation of filters, pumps, chemical feeders, ventilation devices, heaters, surge tanks, and additional drawings or schematics showing operating levels, backflow preventers, valves, piping, flow meters, pressure gauges, thermometers, the makeup water connection, and the drainage system for the disposal of filter backwash water.
	(6)	Plan and elevation drawings of bathhouse facilities including dressing rooms; lockers; showers, toilets and other plumbing fixtures; water supply and drain and vent systems; gas service; water heating equipment; electrical fixtures; and ventilation systems, if provided.
	(7)	Complete technical specifications for the construction of the spa and its appurtenances.
	c. 	Priority plan review.
	(1)	Priority plan review may be requested by the owner or the owner’s representative. An appointment shall be made with the department for the examination of the plans.
	(2)	It shall be considered priority plan review when plans and specifications are received less than 15 days prior to the beginning of construction.
	(3)	A nonrefundable priority plan review fee shall be remitted with the application for each spa as required by 15.60(2).
	d. 	No deviation from the plans and specifications or conditions of approval shall be made without prior approval of the department.
	15.53(3)  General design.
	a. 	Spas shall be constructed of materials which are inert, stable, nontoxic, watertight, and durable.
	b. 	The maximum water depth shall not exceed 4 feet measured from the overflow level of the spa. The maximum depth of any seat or sitting bench shall not exceed 2 feet measured from the overflow level.
	c. 	Spas shall be designed and constructed to withstand anticipated structural loading for both full and empty conditions.
	d. 	When a spa is adjacent to a swimming pool, the spa shall be at least 5 feet from the pool. If the water depth in the adjacent area of the swimming pool is greater than 5 feet, the spa shall be at least 15 feet from the swimming pool.
	e. 	The water supplied to a spa shall be from a source meeting the requirements of the Iowa department of natural resources for potable water.
	f. 	Cross-connection control.
	(1)	Water supplied to a spa shall be discharged to the spa system through an air gap or a reduced-pressure principle backflow device meeting the American Water Works Association standard, C-511-89, “Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assembly.”
	(2)	Vacuum breaker backflow preventers shall be provided on all hose bibs serving a spa.
	g. 	The owner shall require that a permanent manual for operation of a spa facility be provided. It shall include operating and maintenance instructions for each type of filter, pump, safety device, and for each other piece of equipment used, and a schematic drawing of the spa piping.
	15.53(4)  Decks. A spa shall have a deck around at least 50 percent of the spa perimeter. The deck shall be at least 4 feet wide.
	a. 	The deck shall be constructed of stable, nontoxic, and durable materials.
	b. 	The deck shall drain away from the spa at a slope of at least 1/8 inch per foot to deck drains or to the surrounding ground surface. The deck shall be constructed to eliminate standing water.
	c. 	The deck shall be provided with a slip-resistant, durable, and cleanable surface.
	d. 	A deck covering may be used provided:
	(1)	The covering allows drainage so that the covering and the deck do not remain wet or retain moisture.
	(2)	The covering is inert and will not support bacterial growth.
	(3)	The covering provides a slip-resistant surface.
	(4)	It is durable and cleanable.
	e. 	When the top rim of a spa is more than 24 inches above the surrounding floor area, stairs or a ramp shall be provided to the top of the spa.
	15.53(5)  Recirculation.
	a. 	A spa shall have a recirculation system separate from another spa or any swimming pool.
	b. 	The recirculation system shall be capable of processing one spa volume of water within 30 minutes. For spas with skimmers, the recirculation flow rate shall be at least 3.75 gallons per minute per lineal inch of skimmer weir or the flow rate required above, whichever is greater.
	c. 	Recirculation pump.
	(1)	The pump or pumps shall supply the recirculation flow rate to obtain the turnover required at a total dynamic head of at least that given in “1,” “2,” and “3” below, unless lower heads are shown by the designer to be hydraulically appropriate. A valve for regulating the rate of flow shall be provided in the recirculation pump discharge piping.
	1.	40 feet for all vacuum filters; or
	2.	60 feet for pressure sand; or
	3.	70 feet for pressure diatomaceous earth filters or cartridge filters.
	(2)	A separate pump or pumps shall be provided for the agitation system of a spa with a volume of 500 gallons or greater.
	(3)	For sand filter systems, the pump shall be of sufficient capacity to provide a backwash rate of at least 15 gallons per square foot of filter area per minute.
	(4)	If the pump is located at an elevation higher than the spa water surface, it shall be self-priming or the piping shall be arranged to prevent the loss of pump prime when the pump is stopped.
	(5)	Where vacuum filters are used, a vacuum limit control shall be provided on the pump suction line. The vacuum limit switch shall be set for a maximum vacuum of 18 inches of mercury.
	(6)	A compound vacuum-pressure gauge shall be installed on the pump suction line. A vacuum gauge may be used for pumps with suction lift. A pressure gauge shall be installed on the pump discharge line adjacent to the pump. Gauges shall be located where they may be easily read by the operator. Gauges shall have a face diameter of at least 2½ inches.
	(7)	A hair and lint strainer shall be installed on the suction side of the pump except on vacuum filter systems. The hair and lint strainer basket shall be readily accessible for cleaning or changing. A spare strainer basket shall be provided.
	d. 	Spa water heater.
	(1)	A heating coil, pipe or steam hose shall not be installed in a spa.
	(2)	Gas-fired pool water heaters shall comply with the requirements of ANSI-Z21.56b-90 as published by American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.
	(3)	Electric pool water heaters shall comply with UL 1261 as published by Underwriters Laboratory, Chicago, Illinois.
	(4)	A spa water heater with an input of greater than 400,000 British thermal units per hour (117 kilowatts) shall have a water heating vessel constructed in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler Code, Section 8, as published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New York, New York.
	(5)	A thermometer shall be installed in the piping to measure the temperature of the water returning to the spa. The thermometer shall be located so that it may be read easily by an operator.
	(6)	Combustion and ventilation shall be provided for fuel-burning water heaters as required by the state plumbing code, 641—Chapter 25, Iowa Administrative Code.
	(7)	Fuel-burning water heaters shall be vented as required by the state plumbing code.
	15.53(6)  Filtration. Filters shall meet the standards prescribed in NSF International Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” and the following requirements:
	a. 	Each pressure filter shall have a pressure gauge on the inlet side. Gauges shall be located so that they may be easily read by the operator. Unless a gauge is part of a filter, it shall have a face diameter of at least 2½ inches. A differential pressure gauge which gives the difference in pressure between the inlet and the outlet of the filter may be used in place of a pressure gauge.
	b. 	Each pressure filter shall have an air-relief valve.
	c. 	Backwash water from a pressure sand filter shall discharge through an observable free fall or a sight glass shall be installed in the backwash discharge line. Backwash water shall be discharged through an air gap.
Note:  The Iowa department of natural resources prohibits discharging backwash water into Iowa waters.
	d. 	Rapid sand filter.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 3 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (3 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	e. 	High rate sand filter.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	f. 	Vacuum sand filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	The backwash rate shall be at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area (15 gpm/ft2).
	(3)	An equalization screen shall be provided to evenly distribute the filter influent over the surface of the filter sand.
	g. 	Sand filter media shall meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
	h. 	Diatomaceous earth filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate must not be greater than 1.5 gallons per minute per square foot (1.5 gpm/ft2) of effective filter area, except that a maximum filtration rate of 2 gallons per minute per square foot (2 gpm/ft2) may be allowed where continuous “body feed” is provided.
	(2)	Diatomaceous earth filter systems shall have piping to allow recycling of the filter effluent during precoating.
	(3)	Diatomaceous earth filter wash or backwash shall be discharged to a sanitary sewer or other point of discharge approved by the Iowa department of natural resources. The discharge may be subject to the requirements of the local sewage treatment facility.
	i. 	Cartridge filters.
	(1)	The filtration rate shall not exceed 0.375 gallons per minute per square foot (0.375 gpm/ft2).
	(2)	A duplicate set of cartridges shall be provided.
	15.53(7)  Piping.
	a. 	Spa piping shall conform to applicable nationally recognized standards and shall be specified for use within the limitations of the manufacturer’s specifications. Recirculation piping shall comply with the applicable requirements of ANSI/NSF Standard 61, “Drinking Water System Components—Health Effects,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
	b. 	Spa recirculation piping shall be sized so that water velocities do not exceed 8 feet per second (8 ft/sec) for suction flow and 10 feet per second (10 ft/sec) for pressure flow.
	c. 	The piping for an overflow perimeter gutter system shall be designed to convey 125 percent of the recirculation flow rate. The piping for a skimmer system shall be designed to convey 100 percent of the recirculation flow rate.
	d. 	The main drain and main drain piping shall be designed to convey 100 percent of the recirculation flow rate. If a single pump is used for recirculation and agitation, the main drain and the main drain piping shall be designed to convey the combined flow within the requirements of 15.53(7)“b.”
	e. 	Separate piping shall be provided for the agitation system of spas with a volume of 500 gallons or greater.
	15.53(8)  Inlets.
	a. 	Wall inlets shall be provided for a spa.
	b. 	At least two recirculation inlets shall be provided.
	(1)	Inlets shall be located at least 6 inches below the design water surface.
	(2)	Inlets shall be directional flow-type inlets.
	c. 	The flow through each inlet shall be adjustable.
	15.53(9) Overflow system.
	a. 	Skimmers. If a skimmer is used it shall be a recessed automatic surface skimmer and shall be listed by NSF International as meeting the requirements of Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
	(1)	A spa shall have at least one skimmer for each 100 square feet of surface area or fraction thereof.
	(2)	Each skimmer shall be designed for a flow-through rate of at least 3.75 gallons per minute per lineal inch of weir. The combined capacity of all skimmers in a spa shall not be less than the total recirculation rate.
	(3)	Skimmers shall have weirs that adjust automatically to variations in water level of at least 2 inches.
	(4)	Skimmers shall be equipped with a device to control flow through the skimmer.
	(5)	Skimmers shall have an equalizer pipe. In lieu of an equalizer pipe, the skimmer suction line may be connected to the main drain line.
	b. 	Perimeter overflow gutters.
	(1)	The overflow weir shall extend completely around the spa, except at a stairway or ramp.
	(2)	The gutter shall be designed to serve as a handhold and to prevent entrapment.
	(3)	Drop boxes, converters, return piping or flumes used to convey water from the gutter shall be designed to convey 125 percent of the recirculation rate. Drainage shall be sufficient to prevent backflow of skimmed water into the spa.
	(4)	Gutter overflow systems shall be designed with an effective surge capacity within the gutter system and surge tank of not less than 1 gallon for each square foot of spa surface area.
	15.53(10)  Main drain system.
	a. 	A spa shall be provided with a main drain to permit the spa to be easily drained. To provide protection to bathers against suction entrapment, one or more of the following arrangements shall be used:
	(1)	Multiple main drains may be used. Multiple main drains shall be connected in parallel, or
	(2)	The main drain shall have an area of at least 144 square inches, or
	(3)	An antivortex main drain cover or other approved protective cover shall be provided.
	b. 	The main drain shall be connected to the recirculation system.
	c. 	There shall be a control valve to adjust the flow between the main drain and the overflow system.
	d. 	Each main drain shall be covered with a grate or other approved cover which is designed to prevent bather entrapment. The water velocity, including the agitation flow through the grate, shall be no more than 1.5 feet per second or an approved antivortex cover shall be provided. The main drain cover shall be designed to be securely fastened to the spa so it is not removable without tools.
	15.53(11)  Disinfection.
	a. 	A continuous feed disinfectant system shall be provided.
	b. 	Disinfectant feeders. Disinfectant feeders shall be listed by NSF International as having met the requirements of Standard 50, “Circulation System Components for Swimming Pools, Spas, or Hot Tubs,” as published by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
	c. 	Disinfectant feeders shall have the capacity to supply at least 10 parts per million chlorine or bromine based on the recirculation flow rate required in 15.53(5)“b.”
	d. 	The disinfectant system must be installed so that chemical feed is stopped when the recirculation flow is interrupted.
	e. 	Gas chlorine shall not be used as a disinfectant for a spa.
	f. 	Solution feed. Where positive displacement pumps are used to feed a solution of disinfectant, the solution container shall have a capacity of at least one day’s supply at the rate specified in 15.53(11)“c.”
	g. 	Erosion chlorine feeders. The storage capacity of an erosion feeder shall be at least one day’s supply of disinfectant at the rate specified in 15.53(11)“c.”
	h. 	A test kit capable of measuring the free chlorine residual (diethyl-p-phenylenediamine method or other method approved by the department) and a combined chlorine residual in the range of 1.0 to 10 ppm (or a bromine residual in the range of 1.0 to 10 ppm), pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (if used) shall be provided.
	15.53(12)  Safety.
	a. 	A spa shall have at least one stairway, ramp, ladder, or set of recessed steps designating a point of entry and exit for every 50 feet of perimeter or fraction thereof.
	(1)	Stair steps leading into a spa shall be at least 12 inches wide, the tread depth shall be no less than 10 inches, and the riser height shall be no more than 12 inches. If a bench or seat is used as a part of the stair, the first riser height from the bottom of the spa to the seat or bench shall be no more than 14 inches. Except for the first riser, the riser height shall be uniform.
	1.	Stair steps shall be provided with a slip-resistant surface.
	2.	The stair steps shall be provided with two handrails or grab rails, one on each side of the steps.
	(2)	Ladders.
	1.	Ladders shall be provided with a handrail which extends from below the water surface to the top surface of the deck on each side of the ladder.
	2.	Ladders shall be of a color contrasting with the spa walls.
	(3)	Recessed steps.
	1.	Recessed steps shall have a tread depth of at least 5 inches, a tread width of at least 12 inches, and a uniform rise of no more than 12 inches.
	2.	Recessed steps shall be provided with a handrail or with deck-level grab rails on each side of the recessed steps.
	3.	Recessed steps shall drain to the spa.
	(4)	Handrails and grab rails.
	1.	Ladders, handrails, and grab rails shall be designed to be securely anchored so tools are required for their removal.
	2.	Ladders, handrails, and grab rails shall be of corrosion-resistant materials, or provided with corrosion-resistant coatings. They shall have no exposed sharp edges.
	b. 	Electrical. New construction or reconstruction shall meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code, 70-90, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
	c. 	Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be provided at indoor spas and at outdoor spas which are to be used after sunset, in accordance with the following:
	(1)	Underwater lighting of at least 8.35 lumens or 0.5 watts per square foot of water surface area and area lighting of at least 10 lumens or 0.6 watts per square foot of deck area.
	(2)	If underwater lights are not provided, overhead lighting of at least 33.5 lumens or 2.0 watts per square foot of spa water surface area shall be provided.
	d. 	Spa enclosure.
	(1)	A spa shall be enclosed by fencing, walls, or building made of durable material at least 4 feet high. A spa may be in the same room or enclosure as another spa or a swimming pool.
	(2)	Fence, walls, or other means of enclosure shall have no openings, other than gateways and doorways, larger than 4 inches in any horizontal dimension and shall not be easily climbable by toddlers. Horizontal members or support rails shall be at least 45 inches apart. Except where a controlled entrance to the spa is provided, gates or doors into the spa area shall be self-closing and self-latching.
	(3)	Except as modified by 15.53(13)“d”(4), all facilities with an indoor spa which have secured entry shall be considered to have met the provisions of 15.53(13)“d”(2).
	(4)	An indoor spa shall be enclosed by a barrier at least 3 feet high if there are sleeping rooms, apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas used by children which open directly into the spa area. No opening in the barrier except for a gate or door shall permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates or doors shall be provided and be lockable, self-closing and self-latching.
641—15.54(135I) Enforcement.
	15.54(1) Boards of health may inspect and enforce these rules according to contracts which are reached pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code chapters 28E and 135I.
	15.54(2) The department or contracted board of health shall take the following steps when enforcement of these rules is necessary.
	a. 	Provide written notification to the noncompliant facility as soon as possible after the violations are noted which:
	(1)	Cites each section of the Iowa Code or rules violated.
	(2)	Specifies the manner in which the owner or operator failed to comply.
	(3)	Specifies the steps required for correcting the violation.
	(4)	Requests a corrective action plan, including a time schedule for completion of the plan.
	(5)	Sets a reasonable time limit, not to exceed 30 days from the receipt of the notice, within which the owner of the facility must respond.
	b. 	The department or contracted board of health shall review the corrective action plan and approve it or require that it be modified.
	c. 	In cases where the owner of a spa fails to comply with the conditions of the notice letter, the department or contracted board of health shall send a regulatory letter, via certified mail, advising appropriate persons that, unless action is taken within five days, the case shall be turned over to the county attorney for court action.
	d. 	In cases where voluntary action by the spa owner is not forthcoming and court action is the only available avenue, such action shall be taken in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 135 or 137.
641—15.55(135I) Variances.
	15.55(1) A variance to these rules may be granted only by the department. A variance can be granted only if sufficient information is provided to substantiate the need and propriety for the variance.
	15.55(2) Requests for variances shall be in writing and filed with the contracted board of health for comment prior to being forwarded to the department.
	15.55(3) The grant or denial of a variance will take into consideration, but not be limited to, the following criteria:
	a. 	Substantially equal protection of health and safety shall be provided by a means other than that prescribed in the particular rule, or
	b. 	The degree of violation of the rule is sufficiently small so as not to pose a significant risk of injury to any individual, and the remedies necessary to alleviate this minor violation would incur substantial and unreasonable expense on the part of the person seeking a variance.
	15.55(4) Decisions shall be issued in writing by the department and shall include the reasons for denial or grant of the variance. Copies of decisions shall be filed with the department and the contracted board of health.
641—15.56(135I) Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 135I.5. Each day upon which a violation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
641—15.57(135I) Registration.
	15.57(1) Spa registration. No spa shall be operated in the state without being registered with the department.
	a. 	Initial registration. Effective July 12, 1990, each spa shall be registered on forms provided by the department. Newly constructed spas shall be registered prior to opening. A $30 nonrefundable registration fee shall be remitted to the department with the application.
	b. 	Annual registration. Each spa shall be registered annually on or before May 1 for the period May 1 through April 30. A $30 nonrefundable registration fee shall be remitted to the department with the appropriate form.
	c. 	Penalty. Owners of facilities who have not paid the registration fee by May 1 of the calendar year shall be assessed a penalty of $25 per month on each spa registered or not registered for each month or portion thereof the registration fee is delinquent.
	15.57(2) Change in ownership. Within 30 days of the change in ownership of any spa, the new owner shall furnish the department with the following information:
	a. 	Name of spa and registration number.
	b. 	Name, address, and telephone number of new owner.
	c. 	Date the change in ownership took place.
641—15.58(135I) Training courses. As of March 14, 1990:
	15.58(1) A training course designed to fulfill the requirements of 15.59(135I) shall be approved by the department.
	15.58(2) At least 15 days prior to the course date, the course director shall submit at least the following to the department:
	a. 	A course outline with a list of instructors and guest speakers and their qualifications.
	b. 	Date or dates the course is to be held.
	c. 	Place the course is to be held.
	d. 	Number of hours of instruction.
	e. 	Course agenda.
	15.58(3) The department shall approve or disapprove the course of instruction in writing.
	15.58(4) At the conclusion of the course of instruction, the course director shall furnish the department with a list of the persons who successfully completed the course. The instructor shall remit to the department the fee as defined in 15.60(6).
641—15.59(135I) Certified pool/spa operator qualifications. All spa operators shall meet the following qualifications:
	15.59(1) Prior to June 1, 1993, all swimming pool/spa operators shall have successfully completed a Certified Pool/Spa Operator course sanctioned by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, 10803 Gulfdale, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78216, or a course of instruction approved by the department. A copy of the completion certificate shall be maintained in the spa records.
	15.59(2) Prior to June 1, 1995, and prior to June 1 of each odd-numbered year thereafter, each operator shall obtain at least five hours of continuing education at courses approved by the department. A copy of the completion certificate shall be maintained in the spa records.
641—15.60(135I) Inspection fees. The following fees shall be billed to the owner of a spa upon completion of an inspection. Inspection fees are due upon receipt of a notice of payment due. When the spa is located within the jurisdiction of a board of health which has a 28E Agreement with the department, the board may establish fees needed to defray the costs of inspection and enforcement under this chapter. Inspection fees billed by a board of health shall be paid to the local board of health or its designee.
	15.60(1) Spa inspection fee. $170
Where multiple facilities, i.e., swimming pool, water slide, wave pool, wading pool, spa, or any combination thereof are located within the same fenced compound or building, a 10 percent total reduction in fees shall be applied.
	15.60(2) Plan review fees.
	a. 	Construction $350
	b. 	Reconstruction $250
	15.60(3) Priority plan reviews shall be at 150 percent of the fee in 15.60(2)“a” and “b.”
	15.60(4) Special inspection fee. When the department or contracting board of health determines a special inspection is required, i.e., nonroutine follow-up inspection or inspections generated by complaints, the department or contracting board of health may charge a special inspection fee which shall be based on the actual cost of providing the inspection.
	15.60(5) Penalty. Inspection fees not received by the department within 45 days of the date of statement will be assessed a $25 penalty on each spa billed for each month or fraction thereof the payment is delinquent.
	15.60(6) A $20 fee will be assessed to all persons successfully completing a training course designed to fulfill the requirements of 15.59(135I).
	15.60(7) Investigation fee. Whenever any work for which a permit is required has been commenced or completed without first obtaining a permit as required in 15.53(1), a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the plan review fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the plan review fee required in 15.60(2). The payment of the investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of these rules or from any penalty prescribed by law.
641—15.61(135I) 28E Agreements. Boards of health may make application to the department for authority to inspect spas and enforce these rules. 28E Agreements shall be perpetually subject to the conditions set forth by both parties.
	15.61(1) Application and review process. Applications are to be made to the Iowa Department of Public Health, Swimming Pool Program, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
	15.61(2) Each application shall include, at a minimum:
	a. 	A commitment that inspectors will meet the educational requirements of 15.59(135I). Persons who possess the credentials of a Registered Sanitarian (R.S.) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (R.E.H.S.) from the National Environmental Health Association need only meet the provisions of 15.59(1).
	b. 	A statement stating the ability of the board of health to provide inspections of all spas within the contracted area.
	c. 	A statement stating the ability of the board of health to follow enforcement procedures contained in 15.54(135I).
	15.61(3) The contracting board of health shall reimburse the department for services which it provides such as, but not limited to, training, publications, and local program certification.
641—15.62(135I) Application denial or partial denial—appeal.
	15.62(1) Denial or partial denial of an application shall be done in accordance with the requirements of Iowa Code section 17A.12. Notice to the applicant of denial or partial denial shall be served by restricted certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.
	15.62(2) Any request for appeal concerning denial or partial denial shall be submitted by the aggrieved party, in writing, to the department by certified mail, return receipt requested, within 30 days of the receipt of the department’s notice. The address is: Iowa Department of Public Health, Swimming Pool Program, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Prior to or at the hearing, the department may rescind the denial or partial denial. If no request for appeal is received within the 30-day time period, the department’s notice of denial or partial denial shall become the department’s final agency action.
	15.62(3) Upon receipt of an appeal that meets contested case status, the appeal shall be forwarded within five working days to the department of inspections and appeals pursuant to the rules adopted by that agency regarding the transmission of contested cases. The information upon which the adverse action is based and any additional information which may be provided by the aggrieved party shall also be provided to the department of inspections and appeals.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 135I.
[Filed prior to 7/1/52]
[Filed emergency 7/11/86 after Notice 6/4/86—published 7/30/86, effective 7/11/86]
[Filed emergency 5/15/87 after Notice 3/25/87—published 6/3/87, effective 5/15/87]
[Filed emergency 7/10/87—published 7/29/87, effective 7/10/87]
[Filed 1/12/90, Notices 11/1/89—published 2/7/90, effective 3/14/90]◊
[Filed 1/15/93, Notice 10/14/92—published 2/3/93, effective 3/10/93]
[Filed emergency 3/10/93—published 3/31/93, effective 3/10/93]
[Filed emergency 7/16/93—published 8/4/93, effective 7/16/93]
◊	Two or more ARCs