By Dallas Thiesen, FSPA
We have a new regulatory advisory on commercial swimming pool and spa resurfacing.
The FSPA Commercial Council recently spearheaded the creation of a new FSPA regulatory advisory for swimming pool contractors, commercial pool owners/operators, and code professionals to help them understand what elements of commercial pools and spas must be upgraded at resurfacing.
The Florida Building Code is, generally speaking, a non-retroactive code. Meaning that a pool will always be maintained to the building code and reference standards that were in place when the pool was originally built. For example, a pool and spa built under the 2010 (6th Edition) Florida Building Code will be maintained at that minimum standard no matter the changes or enhancements to later editions of the code. However, the Florida Building Code specifies 10 upgrades that must be completed when a pool is resurfaced no matter what year or under what code the pool was first built. The required upgrades are aimed at important safety features, pool structural integrity, and proper operation of the circulation system, to ensure that Florida’s commercial pools continue to be the safest in the world.
For older pools, these upgrades can be costly and many pool operators question the necessity of the upgrade or do not know they are required. This regulatory advisory is to help pool contractors understand the upgrade requirements and help explain the requirements to the pool operators they work for.
If you have any questions, please email: Dallas@FSPA.com
REGULATORY ADVISORY
Commercial Swimming Pool & Spa Upgrades Required at Resurfacing
What is Repair or Alteration? (454.1.10.1) Replacing the pool or spa shell is considered new construction and must be processed accordingly. Resurfacing the pool interior to original safe, slip-resistant, smooth standards is considered a repair or alteration. Equivalent equipment replacement is not considered a repair or alteration. Specific code requirements apply during resurfacing projects.
Code Requirement Notice: Florida Building Code Sec. 454.1.10 specifies components that must be brought into compliance or maintained during resurfacing. While pools are generally maintained to the code they were permitted under, resurfacing triggers mandatory upgrades for the following items.
REQUIRED UPGRADES DURING RESURFACING
Gutter Lip (454.1.10.1.1)
Must be leveled to within 1/4 inch between highest and lowest points. Downward slope to drain must be maintained as originally designed or increased. Gutter surfaces must comply with Sec. 454.1.6.5.3.1.3.
Step Markings (454.1.10.1.2)
Tile step markings must be installed meeting the requirements of Section 454.1.2.5.3.
Slope Break & Safety Line (454.1.10.1.3)
Slope break markings must meet Section 454.1.2.2.3.2 requirements. A safety line must be installed 2 feet (610 mm) before the marking.
Depth & “No Diving” Markers (454.1.10.1.4)
Markers must be installed in accordance with Section 454.1.2.3.
Ladders (454.1.10.1.5)
Ladders must have a 3 to 6 inch clearance from the wall. Non-cross-braced ladders must be replaced with cross-braced ladders (Sec. 454.1.2.5.1).
Step Height & Uniformity (454.1.10.1.6)
Risers shall not exceed 12 inches for pools or spas. All intermediate risers must be made uniform.
Protruding Step Treads (454.1.10.1.7)
Must be removed and replaced with a cross-braced ladder or reconstructed to meet Section 454.1.2.5.1 or 454.1.2.5.2.
Handrails & Grab Rails ((454.1.10.1.8)
Must be brought into compliance with Section 454.1.2.5.5 or removed if not needed for compliance with Section 454.1.2.5.
Gutter Grates (454.1.10.1.9)
If replaced, new gutter grates must have a total open surface area meeting or exceeding the designed flow rate of the pool.
Waterproofing / Dampproofing (454.1.10.1.10)
All elevated above-grade concrete pool walls and floors require waterproofing/dampproofing prior to the final surface application.
