NZS 4441 (2008): Swimming pool design Standard

[Health And Safety Guidelines For Self-Management Of

Shallow Geothermal Bore Systems]

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Committee representation .......................................................................................... IFC

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Acknowledgement ...................................................................................................... IFC

Copyright

............................................................................................................. IFC

Referenced documents .................................................................................................. 7

Latest revisions............................................................................................................... 8
Review of Standards ...................................................................................................... 8
Foreword

................................................................................................................. 9

Section

Interpretation ......................................................................................... 11

1.3

Denitions ............................................................................................. 11

1.4

Abbreviations ........................................................................................ 12

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1.2

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LEGISLATION AND RELEVANT STANDARDS............................................. 13

2.1

Design ................................................................................................... 13

2.2

Relevant New Zealand Standards ...................................................... 13

POOL TYPES AND LIMITING DIMENSIONS ................................................. 14

3.1

Types of swimming pools ....................................................................... 14

3.2

Plan dimensions ................................................................................... 14

3.3

Slope of pool bottoms .......................................................................... 14

3.4

Diving pools .......................................................................................... 14

STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.......................................... 15

4.1

Design ................................................................................................... 15

4.2

Watertightness testing of pool structures............................................ 15

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Scope .................................................................................................... 11

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1.1

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GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 11

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4.3

Design of in-ground pools ................................................................ 15

4.4

Hydrostatic relief valves ................................................................... 16

POOL SURFACES AND SURROUNDS ......................................................... 17

5.1

General

5.2

Internal pool surfaces ........................................................................... 17

5.3

Pool surrounds...................................................................................... 19

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6.2

Avoidance of entrapment ..................................................................... 21

6.3

Steps and ladders ................................................................................ 21

6.4

Handrails ............................................................................................... 22

6.5

Other ttings.......................................................................................... 22

6.6

Bulkheads ............................................................................................. 22

6.7

Moveable oors .................................................................................... 22

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SIGNAGE AND MARKINGS ........................................................................... 23

Pool safety signs .................................................................................. 23

7.2

Lane marks ........................................................................................... 23

7.3

Depth marks.......................................................................................... 23

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7.1

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES ...................................................................... 24

Lighting .................................................................................................. 24

8.2

Air heating and ventilation ................................................................... 24

8.3

Water heating........................................................................................ 25

8.4

Noise ..................................................................................................... 25

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8.1

POOL WATER INLETS AND OUTLETS ........................................................ 26

9.1

Filling and make-up water connection ................................................ 26

9.2

Pool inlets.............................................................................................. 26

9.3
10

General.................................................................................................. 21

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POOL COMPONENTS AND FITTINGS ......................................................... 21

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Pool water outlets ................................................................................. 26

OVERFLOW CHANNELS AND THE TOPS OF POOL WALLS ................... 28

General.................................................................................................. 28

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10.1

Capacity ................................................................................................ 28

10.3

Construction .......................................................................................... 28

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12

SKIMMERS....................................................................................................... 30

11.1

General.................................................................................................. 30

11.2

30

11.3

Construction .......................................................................................... 30

WATER CIRCULATION AND TREATMENT .................................................. 31

12.1

Circulation and treatment system........................................................ 31

12.2

Flow capacity ........................................................................................ 31

12.3

Treatment processes............................................................................ 32

12.4

Materials................................................................................................ 32

12.5

Installation ............................................................................................. 32

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13

WATER TREATMENT CIRCULATION RATE .............................................. 34

Pool bathing load, circulation rate, and turnover period ................... 34

13.1

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15

WATER QUALITY, DISINFECTION, AND pH CONTROL ........................... 37

14.1

Water quality objective ..................................................................... 37

14.2

Disinfection and pH .......................................................................... 37

14.3

Disinfection ....................................................................................... 37

14.4

Control of pH .................................................................................... 40

14.5

Alkalinity control ............................................................................... 40

14.6

Testing equipment ............................................................................ 40

RECIRCULATION PUMPS.......................................................................... 41

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15.1

Flow capacity ................................................................................... 41

15.2

Pump details .................................................................................... 41

15.3

Pump motors .................................................................................... 41

HAIR AND LINT STRAINER........................................................................ 42

17

GRANULAR AND MULTI-MEDIA FILTERS................................................. 43

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16

Types ................................................................................................ 43

17.2

Filter medium ................................................................................... 43

17.3

Filter medium bed depth .................................................................. 43

17.4

Rate of ltration ................................................................................ 43

17.5

Backwashing .................................................................................... 44

17.6

Filter construction ............................................................................. 44

17.7

Pressure tests .................................................................................. 44

17.8

Ancillary equipment .......................................................................... 45

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17.9

PRE-COAT FILTRATION ............................................................................. 47

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Coagulation ...................................................................................... 45

18.1

Types ................................................................................................ 47

18.2

Filter medium or lter aid .................................................................. 47

18.3

Rates of ltration
47
Pre-coating ....................................................................................... 47
Body feed ......................................................................................... 48

18.7

Ancillary equipment .......................................................................... 48

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General.................................................................................................. 49

19.2

Chemical storage.................................................................................. 49

19.3

Chlorine rooms ..................................................................................... 49

19.4

Filter rooms ........................................................................................... 50

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19.1

BALANCE TANKS ............................................................................................ 51

20.1

General.................................................................................................. 51

20.2

Balance tank dimensions ..................................................................... 51

20.3

Inlet
 from
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 overow
 channels........................................................ 51

20.4

Make-up water inlet .............................................................................. 51

20.5

Flow-equalising connection ................................................................. 52

20.6

Overow ................................................................................................ 52

20.7

Pump suction ........................................................................................ 52

20.8

Drain ...................................................................................................... 52

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PLANT ROOMS AND CHEMICAL STORAGE ............................................ 49

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Appendix

Design considerations (Informative) .......................................................... ..53

Pool dimensions and temperatures (Informative) ...................................... ..55

Protection against entrapment (Normative) ............................................... ..60

Pre-coat lter medium selection (Informative) ........................................... ..67

Balance tank operation (Informative) ........................................................ ..68

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Table

Pool water surface areas used to determine instantaneous

bathing load ............................................................................................... ..34

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Indicative turnover period for public pools ................................................. ..36

C1

Probes for assessment of head and neck entrapment in

completely bound openings

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completely bound openings ......................................................................... 62

C2

Test template for assessment of head and neck entrapment in

partially bound and v-shaped openings ...................................................... 63

C3

Method of insertion of the B portion of the test template .......................... 64

C4

Method of insertion of the A portion of the test template .......................... 65

C5

Finger rods .................................................................................................66

C6

Rotation of the 8 mm diameter nger rod ................................................... 66

E1

Operation of a balance tank ........................................................................ 68

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NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS

Reference is made in this document to the following:

Concrete structures Standard

NZS 3106:1986

Code of practice for concrete structures and for the storage of

liquids

NZS 3114:1987

Specication for concrete surface nishes

NZS 4121:2001

Design for access and mobility: Buildings and associated

facilities

NZS 4219:1983

Specication for seismic resistance of engineering systems in

buildings

NZS 4251:1974

Code of practice for solid plastering

NZS 4303:1990

Ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality

NZS 5826:2000

Pool water quality

NZS 8500:2006

Safety barriers and fences around swimming pools, spas and

hot tubs

NZS 8690:2003

Water safety signage

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NZS 3101.1&2:2006

JOINT AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS

Interior lighting General principles and recommendations

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AS/NZS 1680.1:2006

Swimming pools Premoulded bre-reinforced plastics Design

and fabrication

AS/NZS 1839:1994

Swimming pools Premoulded fibre-reinforced plastics

Installation

AS/NZS 2107:2000

Acoustics Recommended design sound levels and reverberation

times for building interiors

AS/NZS 2927:2001

The storage and handling of liqueed chlorine gas

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AS/NZS 1838:1994

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AMERICAN STANDARDS
American national standards for the installation of ceramic tile

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ANSI A108A/A118/
A136.1: 2005

basins

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ANSI/APSP-7:2006

ASME A112.19.8-2007

Suction ttings for use in swimming pools, wading pools, spas,

and hot tubs

BRITISH STANDARDS
BS 5383: 1986
Parts 1 4

Specication for material identication of steel, nickel alloy and

titanium alloy tubes by continuous character marking and colour
coding of steel tubes

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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur Handbook (FINA)

NEW ZEALAND LEGISLATION

Building Act 2004 and New Zealand Building Code
Electricity Act 1992
Electricity Regulations 1997
Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

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New Zealand Building Code

Hazardous Substance and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996

Health (Drinking Water) Act 2007

Resource Management Act 1991

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Local Government Act 2002

Management of public swimming pools, water treatment systems,

water treatment plant and heating and ventilation systems

New Zealand Society of

Earthquake Engineering

Seismic design of storage tanks

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SPARC

Pool guide

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http://www.canoepolo.org.nz
http://www.dbh.govt.nz

http://www.divingnewzealand.co.nz
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http://www.legislation.govt.nz
http://www.nzsynchro.co.nz

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http://www.poolsafe.org.nz

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The users of this Standard should ensure that their copies of the above-mentioned Standards are
the latest revisions. Amendments to referenced New Zealand and Joint Australian/New Zealand
Standards can be found on www.standards.co.nz.

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Suggestions for improvement of this Standard will be welcomed. They should be sent to the
Chief Executive, Standards New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6140.

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This is a substantial revision of the 1985 Code of practice for swimming pools.

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NZS 4441:2008 Swimming pool design Standard covers the essentials of design and construction
of public, institutional, and private freshwater and seawater swimming pools, and the provision of
water treatment facilities.
Prospective pool purchasers are given guidance on the suitable minimum requirements to set
when contracting for design and construction of swimming pools or when contemplating the
purchase of a pool.

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Pool designers and builders receive clear guidelines for the requirements that should be met to
achieve safety and good operational management.

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Building regulators may elect to use the Standard as a model acceptable solution for approving

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This Standard covers the essential aspects of the design and construction of swimming pools and
the provision of water treatment facilities for new pools and the upgrading of existing facilities.
It does not cover ancillary works such as spectator accommodation and enclosing structures
except in so far as these are likely to affect the design and construction of the pools themselves.
It does not cover the provision of heating or other special equipment, operation and maintenance,
nor the supervision necessary to ensure the physical safety of pool users.

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For the purposes of this Standard, the word shall refers to requirements that are essential for
compliance with the Standard, while the word should refers to practices that are advised or
recommended.

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The terms Normative and Informative have been used in this Standard to dene the application
of the Appendix to which it applies. A Normative Appendix is an integral part of the Standard
whereas an Informative Appendix is only for information and guidance and does not form part of
the mandatory requirements of the Standard.

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Clauses prexed C and printed in italic type are intended as comments on the corresponding
clauses. They are not to be taken as the only or complete interpretation. The Standard can be
complied with if the comment is ignored.

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Appendix A provides a list of items to consider for best design practice.

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primarily because of the presence of bicarbonates, and provide a buffer

against drastic pH changes. Expressed as mg/L calcium carbonate
(CaCO3) or equivalent

Balance tank

A conserving reservoir that temporarily stores water displaced by

bathers and wave action in the pool. Used for level deck and other
pools in which a constant water level is required

Building consent
authority

As dened in the Building Act and includes a Territorial Authority or a

private body acting within the scope of its approval

Coagulant

A substance or agent that aids or produces an aggregation of

suspended particles dispersed in a liquid


/;4


Any pool located in the grounds of a private dwelling and intended to

be used by members of the household and their invited guests

FINA

The Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur

Geothermal pool

Any pool which uses geothermal water, that is, water that emerges
from the ground at an uncontrolled temperature generated by
geological forces. This includes recirculating systems and unltered,
non-recirculating (ll and draw) systems

Pool

Any water-holding structure, wholly or partially of articial construction,

designed for swimming and/or other aquatic uses, having a circulation
and ltration system, or is emptied after use, regardless of location

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Domestic pool

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NOTE For further clarication refer to the Fencing of Swimming

Pools Act (http://www.legislation.govt.nz)

Any pool other than a domestic pool. This category includes commercial,
school, institutional, club, hospitality industry, community (including
gated communities and apartment buildings) and local authority pools

Sea water pool

A pool with water drawn directly from the sea

Septum (plural septa)

Parts of a diatomaceous earth lter element consisting of cloth, wire

screen, on which other porous lter medium or lter aid is deposited

Skimmer

A device sometimes used as a substitute for overow channels to

provide recirculation of water from the surface of a pool

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Public pool

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Spa pool and hot tubs Pools which are designed for use with heated water (35oC 40oC)
with or without air jets. (For the purposes of this Standard the terms
spa pools and spas are interchangeable)
Territorial authority

A city, district, or regional council.

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NOTE For further clarication refer to the Local Government Act

(www.legislation.govt.nz)

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The following abbreviations are used in this Standard:



NLWL

Normal low water level

NZBC

New Zealand Building Code

OL

Overow level

UV

Ultraviolet light

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(a)

The Building Act;

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Design shall be in accordance with all of the following legislation:

NOTE The Building Act requires that building consents shall be obtained by the
owner for all new swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs, and for any alterations
to existing swimming pools, spa pools, and hot tubs, and their barriers/fences. It is
the responsibility of the territorial authority or building consent authority to enforce
this requirement.

The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act;

(c)

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act;

(d)

The Resource Management Act.

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The following Standards provide useful additional information which augments this
Standard and should be consulted during the design stage:

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NZS 3101:2006 Concrete structures Standard, species minimum requirements for the
design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures.

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NZS 3106:1986 Code of practice for concrete structures and for the storage of liquids,
sets out the requirements for the design, materials and construction of concrete structures
for the storage of liquids.

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NZS 4121:2001 Design for access and use of buildings and facilities by disabled
persons, gives requirements for making buildings and facilities accessible to and usable
by people with physical disabilities.

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NZS 5826:2000 Pool water quality covers the essential aspects of the operation and
maintenance of water quality in pools, including methods of water treatment.

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NZS 8500:2006 Safety barriers and fences around swimming pools, spas and hot tubs
provides options which are designed to deny, delay or detect unsupervised entry to the
swimming pool area by young children.

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NZS 8690:2003 Water safety signage sets out the requirements for the design, application,
and testing of safety signs and ags including signs incorporating graphic symbols and



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The safest and most efcient use of a pool is made when diving is prohibited and the
depth of water does not exceed 1.5 m.
NOTE

(1) Diving pools (see 3.4) should be separate from swimming pools;

(2) Swimming pools should have the minimum depths necessary for their intended
uses.

Multi-purpose pools (used for both swimming and diving) should have moveable
bulkheads.

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3.1.2

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NOTE Spoon-shaped, multi-purpose pools are not recommended. They are

considered more hazardous than single-purpose pools, difcult to supervise, restrictive
in use, and expensive to construct.


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Swimming pools may be rectangular and/or free-form in plan. Guidance is given in

Appendix B on pool dimensions for various uses.

The design of the pool shall provide for it to be easily and completely drained, preferably
by gravity.

3.3.2

For the safety of users, the maximum slope of a pool bottom shall be:

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3.3.1

Where the water depth does not exceed 900 mm and the pool bottom has an antislip surface (minimum coefcient of friction measured wet of 0.50) 1 in 12;

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The structure of a swimming pool shall be designed in accordance with Clauses B1/
VM1 and B2/AS1 of the New Zealand Building Code. Loadings due to ground pressure,
water pressure, and seismic effects shall be allowed for. Allowance shall be made for
hydrostatic pressures in the pool-empty condition and during construction.
Replaceable liners shall be designed for a minimum of 15 years durability.

The structure of a public swimming pool shall be designed by, or the design shall be
certied by, a Chartered Professional Engineer.

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Joints in a pool structure shall be designed to take into account shrinkage, temperature
effects, and forces from ice formation (where appropriate). The design shall accommodate
movements between parts while retaining the integrity and watertightness of the structure
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On completion of every water-holding pool structure (including balance tanks) and before
painting or tiling, the structure shall be tested for watertightness as follows:
Clean out the structure, plug all drains, shut all necessary valves, and ll with water
to above normal overow channel (or skimmer) level so that the overow channel is
full;

(b)

Add no further water for 72 hours;

(c)

Determine the amount of leakage each 24 hours over that 72-hour period by
measuring the fall in water level.

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The pool structure shall not be considered watertight if there is a fall in water level of
5 mm or more over any 24-hour period, after allowing for evaporation and/or rainfall. The
amount of evaporation and rainfall shall be determined by measuring the change in level
of a vertical-sided vessel of water placed on the pool surrounds for the same period.

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If this criterion is not met, the structure shall be drained, defects made good, and the test
repeated until compliance is achieved.

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thatmaybeappliedbythesoilandbackfil,includingsuitablealowanceforthesoiltobe
saturated if that is possible. The highest loadings from the soil shall be resisted by the
pool structure in the pool-empty condition.

4.3.2

Pools shall be designed to resist all forces exerted by the water, including impulsive
seismic forces, without reliance on the backlling or soil.
C4.3.2
This requirement is to make allowance for possible shrinking soils.



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Hydrostatic relief valves should be installed at the lowest point of all in-ground pools.
Designers should note that such valves will not pass a high ow of water so the design
should take into account any risk of the groundwater table rising above the low point of
an empty pool and causing the pool to oat or be damaged by the hydrostatic pressure
before this can be relieved by groundwater entering the pool through the hydrostatic relief
valves.

4.4.2

The designer should check the pressure at which the hydrostatic relief valves operate
and ensure that the pool bottom has sufcient mass and strength to resist this pressure
without damage.

4.4.3

Where there is a risk of a high water table occurring it is desirable to install a permanent
inspection tube so that the groundwater level can be determined before the pool is
emptied.

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nd

ar

ds

Ne
w

Ze
ala
nd

4.4.1



/;4



100-
463'"$&4
"/%
463306/%4


(FOFSBM

Ze
ala
nd

The internal surface of every pool, including overow channels and balance tank, shall
have a smooth, dense nish capable of being easily cleaned.
All corners, recesses or irregularities shall be constructed to avoid the growth of algae and
slime on any internal surface including steps. Floor to wall junctions should be coved.
The oor of the pool should be of a light colour, so that objects on the oor will be clearly
visible in good light.

Ne
w

Joint materials shall be designed to accommodate the movements to which they may be
subjected. Where other nishes cover these materials they shall be designed and built so
that there is no effect on the behaviour of the joint, and the cover materials are securely
supported.


*OUFSOBM
QPPM
TVSGBDFT

Maintenance of pool internal surface nishes

ds

5.2.1

nd

C5.2.1

ar

The maintenance of internal surface nishes shall be considered in the design of the
pool.

Concrete surface nishes

rig

5.2.2

ht

St
a

For some surface nishes, such as epoxy coatings, maintenance requirements will
be less in indoor pools than in outdoor pools. Ceramic tiles and vinyl linings are
most commonly used. Tiles are easily cleaned but are difcult to repair or replace
if cracked or broken. Paint and plastic surfaces will require periodic repair and/or
replacement and, if a paint surface should fail, it can cause serious damage to
plant.

Co

py

The surface nish of concrete shall be appropriate to the position and

subsequent nish of the surface concerned, and should be specied under
NZS 3114. Internal pool surfaces which are to receive no further treatment

(a)

Vertical off the form surfaces

F4 nish;

(b)

Pool oors

U3 nish.

Surfaces to be painted should be free of voids and shall be prepared for painting in strict
accordance with the paint manufacturers instructions. In some cases, concrete nishes
specied in (a) or (b) may require further treatment, such as grinding, etching, blasting or
bagging, before painting.
Surfaces to be plastered (see 5.2.4) shall be prepared for plastering as specied in
NZS 4251.



/;4


5.2.3

Paint

Ze
ala
nd

Water and chemical-resistant paint (for example, plastic, epoxy-resin, or chlorinated

rubber base types) may be applied on plaster, but preferably on concrete. Paint shall be
applied in strict compliance with the manufacturers instructions.
Paints prepared with chromium or manganese-based driers shall not be used, and
a certicate that the paint is free from such driers shall be obtained from the paint
manufacturer.

5.2.4

Plaster

5.2.5

Ne
w

Plaster shall comply with NZS 4251, provided that additives shall not be used unless
satisfactory performance and compatibility with surface nishing materials have been
established by testing sample areas.

Tiles

Tiles and associated adhesives, sealants and grouts shall be proven in submerged water
service.

ds

Ceramic tiles shall be bedded solidly in cement mortar or attached by an adhesive

recommended by the tile manufacturer and applied in strict compliance with the adhesive
manufacturers instructions. Water-soluble adhesives shall not be used.

C5.2.5

nd

ar

To avoid dislodgement of tiles, special consideration shall be given to other movement

effects in the basic construction.

Vinyl

ht

5.2.6

St
a

Solid bedding is important because cavities may lead to the growth of algae that
cannot easily be controlled. Reference can be made to BS 5383: Parts 1 4 or
ANSI A108, A118, A136.

py

rig

All vinyl shall be certied by the manufacturer as specically designed for use in and
around swimming pools and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions. An ultraviolet (UV) light resistant agent shall be incorporated into vinyl for

Co

Alfibreglassintendedforuseshalbecertifiedbythemanufacturerasdesignedforusein
swimming pools and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions,
AS/NZS 1838 and AS/NZS 1839. A UV light resistant agent shall be incorporated into
breglass for outdoor pools. Only chlorine resistant resins shall be used.



/;4


Separation of pool surrounds from other areas

Ze
ala
nd

5.3.1


1PPM
TVSSPVOET

To reduce the amount of dirt carried into the pool on bathers feet and to lower the risk
of contamination of the pool water with soil and dust-borne disease organisms all of the
following precautions should be considered:
Spectators should not have access to the immediate pool surround. Areas for
spectators should be separated from the pool surround by means of barriers or
other devices;

(b)

Bathers should not have direct access to grassed areas;

(c)

Lawns should be separated from paved pool surrounds by fences or other

barriers.

Ne
w

(a)

Width of paved pool surrounds

5.3.2.1

Public pools

ar

5.3.2

ds

In public pools there should be provision for prospective bathers to have access to changing
rooms and for spectators to have access to any spectator seating without walking on the
pool surrounds within 2.5 m of the pool edge, and if possible without walking on the pool
surrounds at all.

nd

The minimum widths of paved pool surrounds for public pools should be:
For outdoor pools, 3 m with an average surround width of not less than 4 m;

(b)

For indoor pools, 2 m with an average surround width of not less than 3 m.

5.3.2.2

St
a

(a)

Domestic pools

ht

The minimum widths of paved pool surrounds for domestic pools should be:
For outdoor pools, 1 m with an average surround width of not less than 1.5 m;

(b)

For indoor pools, 1 m.

rig

(a)

Pool widths

Co

py

5.3.2.3

5.3.2.4

Multiple pools

The surrounds of pools of different types within the same enclosure should be wide
enough to allow free movement of bathers.



/;4


5.3.3

Surface nish and drainage of paved pool surrounds

All pool surrounds, including the tops of pool walls, shall have anti-slip surfaces.

Ze
ala
nd

All pool surrounds shall be nished to a minimum fall of 1 in 50 towards the drains.

Outdoor pool surrounds collect both rainwater and splashes from the pool and the drains
should be discharged to the stormwater drainage. Indoor pool surrounds collect splashes,
cleaning compounds, and wash-down water and their drains should be discharged to the
sanitary sewer. In order to minimise excessive water loss from splashes, the rst 500 mm
immediately outside a deck level return channel should fall back towards the pool.

5.3.4

Equipment storage spaces

Hoses, brooms, and other cleaning equipment;

(b)

Starting blocks, lane markers, and water-polo goal structures;

(c)

Future usage requirements to eliminate hazards by minimising storage on poolside.

ds

(a)

Staff and ofcials rooms and facilities

ar

5.3.5

Ne
w

Adequate storage space accessible from the pool surrounds should be provided for items
such as:

nd

All the following rooms and facilities should be provided appropriate to the size and use
of the pool:
First-aid room A room readily accessible from the pool and also readily accessible
to ambulances. The room should be provided with a wash-hand basin with hot and
cold water, and with all necessary rst-aid equipment, in particular a stretcher and
oxygen equipment;

(b)

Ofcials facilities In pools used for competitive activities, facilities should be

provided for timekeepers, judges, and other ofcials;

(c)

Public address system A public address system that can be used both by the pool
supervisor and by competition ofcials;

(d)

Public telephone Facilities should be provided for the installation of a public

telephone;

(e)

Water testing room A separate room may be provided with a sink with hot and cold

py

rig

ht

St
a

(a)

Co

(f)StafaciltesStafchangingroomswithadequatelockeranddryingspace,staf



lunch room, and other necessary staff facilities. Sanitary facilities complying with
NZBC Clause G1 shall be provided for staff.

/;4



100-
$0.10/&/54
"/%
'*55*/(4


(FOFSBM

Ze
ala
nd

There shall be no dangerous obstructions, holes, or projections on the sides or bottom of

the pool.
All materials used within the pool shall be corrosion-resistant.


"WPJEBODF
PG
FOUSBQNFOU

All facilities within the pool shall be designed to avoid any possibility that pool users, and
children in particular, might be trapped.

Ne
w

Piping exceeding 50 mm in diameter shall be incorporated into the pool wall or bottom or
shall be mortared in or otherwise covered to give a smooth nish.

ds

Orices and gaps shall not readily trap a nger, toe, arm, leg, torso or head. The least
dimension of any orice shall be either less than 8 mm, or between 25 and 50 mm, or
greater than 250 mm. See Appendix C for more details on entrapment avoidance.


4UFQT
BOE
MBEEFST

ar

Means of access such as stairs, ladders, recessed steps, ramps, stepholes, and treads
shall comply with all of the following:
Stairs, ladders, recessed steps or ramps shall be provided at convenient points
around the perimeter of the pool so that there is at least one means of exit within
25 m of all points of the perimeter of the pool where the water depth is greater than
500 mm.

(b)

Stairs, ladders, or step holes shall be so positioned that pool users are discouraged
from swimming beneath diving boards.

(c)

Treads shall be at least 100 mm deep and shall have a non-slip surface. There
should be no gap between the top step and the pool wall.

ht

St
a

nd

(a)

Steps shall be designed to be readily cleaned and to drain into the pool to prevent
the accumulation of dirt.

rig

(d)

Every ight of steps shall have a handrail on each side at the top leading over the
surround. The handrails may rise to different heights above the surround to cater for

py

(e)

Co

stepsshalberecessedsotheydontprojectintothepool.

(g)

Steps or ladders that project into the pool shall be so designed that pool users
cannot be trapped by them.



/;4



)BOESBJMT
Handrails in swimming pools should be avoided because they increase the risk of
entrapment. Suitable handgrips other than handrails should be formed into the tops of
walls. Where handrails are used they shall comply with 6.1 and shall sit just at or above
normal water level.

6.4.2

Handrails shall be strong enough to not bend appreciably under the loads that can be
expected to be applied to them. The cross-sectional dimension of a handrail shall not be
less than 16 mm nor more than 50 mm. Handrails shall be spaced between 25 mm and
50 mm, or more than 250 mm, off all walls, steps, and other surfaces in the water.

Ze
ala
nd

6.4.1

Ne
w


0UIFS
UUJOHT

Provision shall be made for the attachment of ttings such as lane ropes, backstroke
ags, and starting blocks if required for the proposed uses of the pool.


#VMLIFBET


.PWFBCMF
PPST

nd

ar

ds

Moveable bulkheads are an option if different pool lengths are required for a specic
activity. These are generally used in pools longer than 25 m, but can also be used to
convert older pools built to an Imperial Standard to Metric length. Where a bulkhead
does not extend to the pool oor, the potential for entrapment between the bottom of the
bulkhead and the pool oor needs to be taken into account.

Co

py

rig

ht

St
a

Moveable oors offer greater exibility in pool use and can alleviate the problem of
catering for a number of activities and sports that require different pool depths. Safety
issues arising with a change of depth shall be considered if the moveable oor does not



/;4



4*(/"(&
"/%
."3,*/(4

Ze
ala
nd


1PPM
TBGFUZ
TJHOT

All safety signage around public pools shall comply with NZS 8690.


-BOF
NBSLT

The edge lines of swimming lanes shall not be marked.

7.2.2

The centre lines of swimming lanes in pools to be used for competitive swimming shall be
marked on the bottom in a dark colour. If paint is used it shall comply with 5.2.3.

7.2.3

Markings in pools for competitive swimming should comply with the FINA Handbook.

Ne
w

7.2.1

ds


%FQUI
NBSLT

Co

py

rig

ht

St
a

nd

ar

The depth of water shall be clearly marked at the deepest point, at the shallowest point,



/;4


.*4$&--"/&064
4&37*$&4



Ze
ala
nd


-JHIUJOH

Indoor pools and outdoor pools to be used at night shall be provided with articial lighting
to allow observation of swimmers who may be in difculty below water level, and to permit
safe movement on the surrounding pool surfaces.
Illumination shall be reasonably uniform and comply with the general principles and
recommendations of AS/NZS 1680.1, with a minimum of 200 lux at the pool water surface
and 100 lux in circulation routes. Where required for special effects, lower illumination
levels shall be permitted if appropriate additional pool supervision is provided. Glare or
shadows on the water surface shall be reduced to a practical minimum.

ds


"JS
IFBUJOH
BOE
WFOUJMBUJPO

Ne
w

Luminaires mounted on poles or on the building shall be provided for public pools and
may be supplemented by underwater lighting. Underwater luminaires may be used for
other pools and should be considered for all pools deeper than 2 m. Access requirements
for maintenance shall be taken into account.

ar

For indoor pools, ventilation shall be provided to meet the provisions of NZBC Clause
G4. A mechanical system is preferred. This should supply the minimum outdoor air ow
rates required by Acceptable Solution G4/AS1 of Approved Document for NZBC Clause
G4 (refers to NZS 4303).

St
a

nd

Air heating and ventilation systems should maintain conditions in the pool hall that are
comfortable and safe for users and staff, and prevent unacceptable deterioration of the
building structure and fabric. To meet these aims the systems should control space air
temperature and relative humidity (and therefore the rate of evaporation from the pool
water surface), prevent condensation, and maintain chlorine-based odours and other
contaminants within acceptable limits. The following principal requirements should be
achieved:
Outdoor air and extract air ventilation rates should be selected to maintain space
relative humidity preferably in the range of 55% to 70%. Allowance should be made
for evaporation from pool water surfaces, wet areas surrounding the pools, and
from water features;
C8.2(a)

py

rig

ht

(a)

Co

Thehigherendoftherangewilreduceevaporationfromthepoolwater
surface and therefore reduce pool water heating loads. The selection of
relative humidity value for design and control purposes requires a compromise
between competing objectives.

(b)



Air temperature at occupant level should generally be controlled in the range

2oC of the water temperature of the larger pools in the facility. To limit energy
consumption, air temperatures greater than 30oC should be avoided.

/;4


NOTE The required peak outdoor air ventilation rate in pools is generally driven by
the need to maintain control of peak space air temperature and relative humidity in
summer when solar gains through windows and skylights are highest and ambient air
humidity may be high. Generally, a slight excess of extract ventilation should be used
to minimise migration of moist pool hall air to adjacent areas. Variable rate ventilation
including air recirculation (to control energy consumption) is acceptable if the outdoor
air ow rate is maintained on the basis of 10 L/s/person (minimum) for all pool users,
staff, and spectators in the facility at any time and air odours and contaminants are
maintained at acceptable levels (for practical purposes the latter requirement relies
on the judgement of pool operators). In practice any controlled reduction in outdoor
air ow rates will generally be limited by the need to control relative humidity, odours,
and contaminants.


8BUFS
IFBUJOH
Higher water temperatures increase costs of energy and chemicals, increase pollution
and promote microbial growth. Pool water temperature should therefore be selected
at the minimum value consistent with the activities for which the pool is used (See
Appendix B). To conserve energy, insulating pool blankets (if available) should be deployed
when the pool is unused.


/PJTF
Noise generated by machinery shall be controlled to provide safe conditions for operators,



/;4



100-
8"5&3
*/-&54
"/%
065-&54

Ze
ala
nd


'JMMJOH
BOE
NBLFVQ
XBUFS
DPOOFDUJPO

Filling and make-up water shall be provided from a clean, preferably potable water source
and shall enter through xed piping. Where a balance tank is provided water shall enter
through the balance tank. Protection of the water source and other on-site potable water
users shall be in accordance with the requirements of the NZ Building Code to avoid
cross-contamination of the potable water supply.


1PPM
JOMFUT

This clause applies to nozzles used for distribution of the circulation ow calculated in
section 13.

9.2.2

Inlet nozzles shall be selected and located to circulate water in a manner that provides
substantially uniform concentration of residual disinfection agent within the pool. Nozzles
shall be either one or a combination of:

ds

Bottom-mounted tted with a deector to provide radial discharge along the bottom
of the pool.

(b)

Wall-mounted near to bottom of the pool to provide a horizontal discharge.

nd

ar

(a)

Where wall-mounted nozzles are used they shall be spaced apart not greater than one
third of the pool width as follows:
For pools with a width dimension 10 m and smaller where nozzles are mounted on
one wall;

(b)

For pools with a width dimension 20 m and smaller where nozzles are mounted on
opposite walls and staggered.

St
a

(a)

ht

9.2.3

Ne
w

9.2.1

rig


1PPM
XBUFS
PVUMFUT

Outlets including sumps shall be covered with a grille to prevent injury to pool users and
shall comply with 6.1. The maximum water velocity through the free area of the grille

Co

py

9.3.1



grille.

9.3.2

A drain outlet or sump should be provided at the lowest point of the pool.

9.3.3

Where an outlet is piped directly to a pump suction or balance tank, the outlet shall be
duplicated to prevent injury or entrapment in the event of blockage of one outlet. Each of
the dual outlets shall be connected separately to the common suction pipe. The minimum
distance between the dual outlets shall be not less than 1.2 m centre to centre.

/;4


For public pools greater than 300 mm deep, all water outlets below water level shall be
duplicated and connected to a common outlet ow pipe.

9.3.5

A ow-equalising connection shall be provided between the pool and any pipe connected
to a balance tank or pump suction, and shall be capable of passing the recirculating ow
calculated in section 13. The ow-equalising connection shall be not less than 0.6 m
below normal pool water level, and if possible should be at the lowest point in the pool. In
pools with skimmers ow-equalising connections may be integral with the skimmers.

Ze
ala
nd

9.3.4

9.3.6

Co

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rig

ht

St
a

nd

ar

ds

Ne
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/;4



07&3'-08
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5014
0'
100-
8"--4

Ze
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(FOFSBM

10.1.1 Skimmers (where permitted) or overow channels (including side wall recessed gutters)
shall be provided to maintain uniform skimming action on the water surface, by removing
dirt, hair, and other oating matter.
10.1.2 Overow channels should extend the full length of both long sides (or the equivalent for
non-rectangular pools) and may be installed at the ends of a pool, particularly pools wider
than 20 m.

Ne
w

10.1.3 In pools not exceeding 10 m in width at any point, an overow channel along the full
length of one side only (or the equivalent for non-rectangular pools) may be used.
10.1.4 For outdoor pools, overow channels should be located where possible to make use of
the prevailing wind direction at the pool surface to assist effective skimming.

ar

ds

10.1.5 For pools or sections of pools used for special purposes (such as waves or moving water),
channels, side wall gutters, skimmers, or combinations of these may be used to provide
satisfactory skimming of the pool water surface.

nd


$BQBDJUZ

St
a

10.2.1 The overow channel system shall be capable of carrying the recirculating ow calculated
in section 13 multiplied by a factor of not less than 1.5 to allow for transient excess ows
caused by surface wave action.

rig

ht

10.2.2 Multiple outlets should be provided from overow channels. Overow channel drainage
outlets shall be capable of carrying the ow specied for the overow channel system.
Each outlet shall be provided with a grating, the total area of openings of which shall
be not less than one and a half times the area of the outlet pipe so as not to restrict the
ow.

Co

$POTUSVDUJPO

py

10.2.3

10.3.1 The bottom of each overow channel shall be smooth to facilitate drainage and cleaning.
Sufcient access shall be provided to permit thorough cleaning of the overow channel.
The minimum width of the channel should be 200 mm unless the pool surround has 500
mm or more of fall back to the channel from the pool surround to minimise the wash of
water over the grating.

10.3.2 When construction of the pool is completed the lip of each overow channel shall be level
with a tolerance of 2 mm.



/;4


10.3.3 The tops of pool walls and overow channels shall have anti-slip surfaces, and for outdoor
pools should be nished to a non-glare surface.

Ze
ala
nd

C 10.3.3

The whole of the ground surface within the vicinity of the pool should be designed
to minimise the amount of dirt that can enter the pool.

Co

py

rig

ht

St
a

nd

ar

ds

Ne
w

Outdoor swimming pools should be screened from prevailing winds to limit the
amount of wind-blown dirt and litter entering the pool area and to minimise
evaporation and heat losses from the pool surface. Screening should not reduce
available sunlight. Screening may be achieved by buildings or high fences, which
may be supplemented by trees of suitable species at adequate distances from
the pool. In windy areas it is recommended that the tops of pool walls be raised
approximately 150 mm above the surround so as to reduce the entry of grit and
litter into the pool.



/;4



4,*..&34

Ze
ala
nd


(FOFSBM

11.1.1 Except as provided in 10.1.5, skimmers shall not be used for public pools exceeding
150 m2 in area.
11.1.2 When skimmers are used in a public pool, there shall be at least two skimmers per pool
and at least one for each 45 m2 of pool surface area.

Ne
w

11.1.3 The relative position of skimmers and inlet nozzles should be considered and the
skimmers located to promote uniform water movement across the pool water surface.
For an outdoor pool, at least one skimmer should face the direction of the prevailing wind
at the pool surface.


$BQBDJUZ

nd

ar

ds

Each skimmer shall be designed for a minimum ow rate of 100 L/minute. The total
capacity of all the skimmers should preferably be not less than the circulation ow
calculated in section 13. Where this is not practical the maximum number of skimmers
may be limited to one skimmer for each 45 m2 of pool water surface area, and pool drains
used to recirculate the residual portion of the total circulation ow.


$POTUSVDUJPO

St
a

11.3.1 Skimmers shall be of the ush-mounted type. A coarse screen or skimmer basket should
be provided integral with the skimmer.

ht

11.3.2 Skimmers shall automatically adjust to variations of water level over a range of not less
than 100 mm.

rig

11.3.3 The effective length of weir for each skimmer shall be not less than 200 mm.

Co

py

11.3.4



the weirs at normal water levels, and to provide sufcient water to prevent air-locking of
the suction piping to the pump should the water level drop below the skimmer weirs. The
ow equalising openings shall be designed to avoid clogging by typical material found in
public pools, such as hair, leaves, and insects.

/;4


 
8"5&3
$*3$6-"5*0/
"/%
53&"5.&/5

Ze
ala
nd


$JSDVMBUJPO
BOE
USFBUNFOU
TZTUFN

12.1.1 Every pool shall be provided with a water circulation and treatment system to maintain the
water quality specied in section 14.

12.1.2 For public pools the system shall operate continuously and circulate and treat the ow
calculated in section 13.

Ne
w

12.1.3 Learner and toddler pools, or combinations of these shall be provided with an independent
system that is hydraulically separate from other pools. Pools of this type may be served
by a common treatment system.

12.1.4 The circulation and treatment facilities shall include all of the following:
Piping that circulates water from the pool or balance tank, through a water treatment
system, and returns the water to the pool;

(b)

A hair and lint strainer;

(c)

A pump or pumps;

(d)

Water lter(s) complying with section 17;

(e)

Dosing equipment that adds a disinfection agent into the water;

(f)

A facility to dose a water pH correction chemical.

St
a

nd

ar

ds

(a)

Additional treatment processes such as ozone or UV light may be used.

ht


'MPX
DBQBDJUZ

rig

The water circulation piping shall be sized to carry the water ow rate determined in
section 13, with due allowance made for head loss through pipe, bends and ttings.

Co

py

NOTE Piping pressure losses and pumping energy use increase rapidly as pipe water
velocity increases. The designer will need to achieve an appropriate balance between pump



/;4



5SFBUNFOU
QSPDFTTFT

Ze
ala
nd

Water in a public pool shall be treated by one of the following combinations of

processes:
(a)

Granular media ltration, and primary disinfection;

(b)

Pre-coated media ltration, and primary disinfection.

See section 14 for disinfection and section 17 for lter media.

Processes such as coagulation (for sand lters), ozonation, or UV water treatment may
also be used to supplement, but shall not replace, (a) or (b).

C12.3

Ne
w

Pool operators should have a management system for control of Cryptosporidium

oocysts or Giardia cysts in the event that these protozoa are deposited in the pool
water. The management system may include use of one or more additional water
treatment processes such as higher efciency ltration, UV irradiation and ozone
dosing.


.BUFSJBMT

St
a

nd

ar

ds

Removal of Giardia cysts (size range typically 8 to 12 microns) and Cryptosporidium

oocysts (size range typically 4 to 6 microns) by normal sand ltration processes
cannot be assured, but for maximum removal the water lter needs to have a high
particle capture efciency in the size range of 2 microns to 10 microns. Sand
lters without coagulation will not remove particles in the above size range. If
sand ltration is selected, the lter vessels and the design of the associated piping
systems should be suitable for coagulant dosing. Refer to NZS 5826 for further
discussion.

rig

ht

12.4.1 Piping and associated equipment shall be of corrosion-resistant or corrosion-protected

materials, compatible with the local soil conditions, and able to withstand the required
pressures.

12.4.2 Piping within and under the pool structure shall be pressure piping.

Co

py

12.4.3


*OTUBMMBUJPO


12.5.1 Piping shall be congured and installed to control stresses that could result in pipe fracture
caused by settlement of the pool structure or temperature changes. Bedding material
shall be that recommended by the piping manufacturer. Consideration shall be given to
any means needed (such as concrete encasement) to prevent pipe fracture in sensitive
locations (generally where piping penetrates the pool tank or runs from under the pool
tank to penetrate an adjacent structure).



/;4


C12.5.1

Ze
ala
nd

To minimise the risk of buried piping fractures and resulting water loss, piping should
be carefully protected, inspected and tested before nal backlling or casting
into the pool structure. Pressure testing after backlling or concrete pouring is
recommended. In combination with appropriate design features to prevent stress
fractures, these provisions should give acceptably low risk of future piping fracture.
Some owners prefer to use side wall nozzles and install below-water-level piping
in accessible ducts or tunnels to allow access for future piping replacement. The
choice between buried or accessible piping is a value judgment for designers and
owners.

Ne
w

12.5.2 Prior to being cast into concrete or buried, all piping shall be pressure tested. Test
pressure shall be 150% of the maximum operating pressure with a minimum pressure of
40 kPa (approximately 4 m water head). The test medium shall be water except that air
may be used for gravity drains.

ds

C12.5.2

Co

py

rig

ht

St
a

nd

ar

Pipe leaks caused by settlement of pool structures, construction defects and pipe
damage prior to embedment in the ground, have occurred in a number of pools.
Great care is needed to avoid these problems which are very expensive to locate
and repair. Some pool designers and owners prefer to minimise the extent of buried



/;4


Ze
ala
nd


1PPM
CBUIJOH
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8"5&3
53&"5.&/5
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3"5&

13.1.1 General

The design factor instantaneous bathing load is used as the basis to determine the
appropriate pool water circulation rate, and consequently the size of the water treatment
system that is required to maintain good water quality.
13.1.2 Instantaneous bathing load

The instantaneous bathing load is the maximum bathing load of the pool at any one time.
It is dependent on a number of factors, including:
Surface area of water in the pool;

(b)

Water volume;

(c)

Type of bathing activity for which the pool is to be used.

Ne
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(a)

13.1.2.1 Public pools

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Except where permitted or required below, the instantaneous bathing load shall be
determined from table 1, using the following steps:
Divide the water surface of the pool into zones having the water depth range depicted
in table 1;

(b)

For each zone, determine the surface area;

(c)

For each zone, calculate the instantaneous bathing load by dividing that zones
surface area by the appropriate pool water surface area per user value from table 1;

(d)

Calculate the instantaneous bathing load for the whole pool by adding together the
values obtained for each zone.

Co

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rig

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St
a

nd

ar

(a)

For public pools not heated above 35oC, where, in the judgment of an experienced pool
designer, the instantaneous bathing load at all times will be lower than the value calculated
from table 1, the value may be reduced, but in no case, to less than 70% of the value
calculated from table 1.
For public pools heated above 35oC, the instantaneous bathing load shall be not less than
the number of available seating places.
The maximum bathing load shall be recorded by the pool designer and advised to the pool
owner/operator. To maintain good water quality, bather numbers should not be permitted
to exceed this value during operation of the pool.



/;4


13.1.2.2 Upgrades of small pools at schools

Ze
ala
nd

The instantaneous bathing load of a school pool having a depth less than 1 m and a
surface area less than 150 m2, may be reduced provided the water quality requirements
of NZS 5826 are complied with, but shall be not less than 50% of the value calculated
using table 1. In all other respects the requirements of 13.1.2.1 shall apply.

13.1.2.3 Domestic pools

The instantaneous bathing load shall be not less than 40% of the value calculated using
table 1.

13.1.3 Circulation rate

Ne
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The pool water circulation rate (m3/h) for water at different temperatures shall be not less
than the value determined below:
NOTE The circulation rate for each water depth zone in table 1 should be calculated
and inlet water distributed accordingly.

ds

(a) Pool not heated above 35oC:

Pool water circulation rate (m3/h) = 1.7 x instantaneous bathing load.

nd

ar

NOTE Where a reduced bathing load for a public pool has been assessed as
provided for in 13.1.2.1, the reticulation, including inlet nozzles, roll out channels, and
roll out drains must be capable of passing the full circulation rate obtained from use of
table 1, to allow lter and pump upgrade should the pool loading increase in future.

St
a

(b) Public pool heated above 35oC:

Pool water circulation rate (m3/h) = 2.2 x instantaneous bathing load.

13.1.4 Turnover period

rig

ht

The turnover period is the time (hours) taken by the circulation and treatment plant to
treat and return to the pool a volume of water equal to the pool volume. The turnover
period indicates the rapidity with which the pool water is treated. It is calculated from the
formula:

Co

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Turnover period (h) = pool volume (m3) divided by circulation rate (m3/h).



/;4


Table 2 Indicative turnover period for public pools

Ze
ala
nd

(hrs)

Competition pool 50 m long, with 1.2 m shallow

end

3 to 5

Public lane pool 25 m long with 0.9 m shallow

end

2 to 3

Diving pool

5 to 8

Hydrotherapy pool

0.5 to 1.0

Childs pool

0.25 to 0.5

0.25 to 0.75

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Leisure water < 0.5 m deep

Leisure water 0.5 m to 1.0 m deep

0.75 to 1.5

Leisure water 1.0 m to 1.5 m deep

1 to 2

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rig

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St
a

nd

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Learner/training pool



Indicative turnover period

Pool type

/;4



8"5&3
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Ze
ala
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8BUFS
RVBMJUZ

Every pool shall be equipped with facilities to maintain pool water quality in accordance
with NZS 5826.


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A public pool shall be provided with continuously operating dosing systems that maintain
the required pH and residual concentration of disinfection agent in the pool water. The
dosing systems should be fully automatic with continuous sensing of the controlled
variables, with a manual override for shock dosing when necessary.
For domestic pools, continuously operating dosing equipment is preferred but manual
dosing is permitted.

ds


%JTJOGFDUJPO
14.3.1 General

ar

Primary disinfection of pool water shall be by chlorination, or alternative processes

permitted by NZS 5826. The objective is to maintain a residual level of available disinfectant
in the pool water.

St
a

nd

Primary disinfection may be supplemented by secondary disinfection processes such as

medium pressure UV treatment or ozonation. These processes can also reduce to some
degree the levels of combined chlorine chemicals that cause chlorine smells and irritation
to pool users eyes and respiratory function. If ozonation is used, undissolved ozone shall
be removed to prevent free ozone gas entering the pool. Dissolved ozone concentration
in the water entering the pool shall not exceed 0.05 mg/litre.

ht

14.3.2 Chlorine source and dosing method

Chlorine is dosed into pool water in two main forms:
Hypochlorite solution. Delivered to the site in bulk form (sodium hypochlorite) or
generated on site either by electrolysis of brine or addition of water to solid tablets
or granules (such as calcium hypochlorite or chlorinated isocyanurates). Dosing is

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(a)

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(b)Gaschlorine.Deliveredindrumsorcylindersandinjecteddirectlyintothecirculating
pool water system using a gas chlorinator.
The injection point for chlorination should be downstream of both the water lters and
any pool water heating source. If preferred, to improve disinfection of waste retained by
the water lters, an additional injection point may be located upstream of the lters. The
injection point may be altered to suit the specic requirements of additional processes
such as UV and ozone treatment.
Materials shall be resistant to the action of chemicals with which they will be in contact.



/;4


14.3.3 Chlorination rates

Ze
ala
nd

Dosing equipment shall be capable of adding chlorine at a rate that meets the requirements
of NZS 5826.

14.3.4 Hypochlorite dosing

Hypochlorite dosing shall operate on a continuous basis and include the following
features:
A positive displacement metering pump designed for the particular solution. The rate
of feed shall be capable of accurate adjustment with an indication of the setting;

(b)

A positive back-ow prevention device to prevent water ow from the pool water
circulation system into the solution tank;

(c)

A pressure sustaining valve or other feature in the solution feed line to prevent
siphoning of solution from the tank at any time, including when the pool water
recirculation pump and the hypochlorinator are both turned off.

Ne
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(a)

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Dry feed or in-line type dosing equipment using tablets may be used for small pools with
a surface area less than 100 m2.

14.3.5 Solution tanks

nd

ar

A solution storage tank (or tanks) shall be provided. The storage capacity should be
consistent with the schedule for delivery of solution from off-site, or the rate of output from
the on-site solution manufacturing process.
Tanks shall be constructed from corrosion-resistant material.

St
a

Each solution tank shall be provided with a vent pipe terminating in a safe location outside
the building, a close-tting lid, a contents gauge or dipstick (not needed if the tank wall is
translucent), a means of ensuring adequate mixing, and a drainage outlet. For tanks less
than 100 litres capacity the mixer, drain, and vent pipe may be omitted.
Facilities for solution storage tanks shall include all of:
Liquid-tight secondary containment with capacity to prevent spillage if the largest
tank leaks;

rig

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(a)

(b)

Seismic restraint for each tank in accordance with the requirements of NZS 4219;

(c)

An adjacent lling water supply.

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When hypochlorite solution is generated from calcium hypochlorite, the tank draw-off

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duplicatesolutiontankstoalowpreparationandsetlementalternatelyineachtankis
recommended.



/;4


14.3.6 Gas chlorine dosing

14.3.6.1 General

Ze
ala
nd

Gas chlorinators shall be of the vacuum type and shall incorporate all of the following
features:
A positive back-ow prevention device to prevent water being drawn into gas
piping;

(b)

The prevention of plastic components being subjected to cylinder pressure;

(c)

Automatic shut off of the gas supply by means of hard-wired interlock should the
circulating water ow cease;

(d)

Where chlorine supply is obtained from drums, the provision of a liquid trap with a
heater to ensure the gas does not condense in the delivery line;

(e)

Continuous alkali dosing in accordance with14.4.2.

14.3.6.2 Safety requirements

Ne
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(a)

Safety requirements for gas chlorine dosing installations shall include all of the following:
The gas chlorinator shall be housed in a separate chlorine room complying with
19.3;

(b)

Gas cylinders may be stored in the same room as the chlorinator but a separate
room complying with 19.3 is recommended;

(c)

Gas drums shall be stored in a separate room complying with 19.3;

(d)

Provision shall be made for the safe handling of gas cylinders or drums;

(e)

Gas masks shall be provided by the treatment-plant supplier. These shall be kept in
clearly marked protective containers close to the chlorine room for emergency use,
and provision shall be made for their regular inspection and servicing;

(f)

An instruction manual that includes adequate information on safety matters shall be

provided by the treatment-plant supplier;

(g)

The safety vent from the chlorinator shall lead directly in a continuous fall to a
position in the outside air where it can safely discharge, and a chlorine odour will
cause minimal inconvenience. An insect screen shall be tted to the outside end of
the vent;

rig

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St
a

nd

ar

ds

(a)

All gas chlorination installations shall have a gas leak detection system with audible

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(h)

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butmoreskilandcarebytheoperator,andshouldbeusedonlyifcontinuous,

fully trained supervision is assured. Gas chlorination may in the long run be more
economic than hypochlorination for larger pools, although the former entails the
cost of alkali for pH correction, higher capital cost for equipment, and additional
cost for the precautions made necessary by the use of toxic chlorine gas.
(2) For larger installations automatic cylinder or drum changeover panels are
recommended to ensure continuity of chlorination; for smaller operations provision
should be made to indicate the weight of the chlorine cylinder that is in use, as
this is more reliable than a pressure gauge as an indication of the amount of
chlorine in the cylinder.



/;4



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14.4.1 General

The pH of the water in any pool tends to increase or decrease to a greater or lesser extent
dependent on a range of factors, the most signicant being the specic chlorination and
coagulation dosing processes used for treatment of pool water. These factors and the
chemical analysis of the make-up water shall be taken into account in selecting the pH
correction process.
When gas chlorination or coagulation processes are used the pool water pH reduces.
Continuous alkali dosing equipment shall be available for use to increase pH to the
desired value.

14.4.2

Ne
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When the chlorination process uses high concentration sodium hypochlorite solution the
pool water pH increases. Continuous acid (including gaseous carbon dioxide) dosing
shall be available for use to reduce pH to the desired value.

Continuous alkali dosing (pH control)

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Continuous alkali dosing shall be provided where gas chlorinators or coagulation are
used.

ar

14.4.3 Equipment and storage tanks

St
a

nd

Equipment for continuous alkali or acid dosing in the liquid solution form shall comply with
the requirements for hypochlorinators in 14.3.4. Each chemical tank for soda ash shall
be equipped with a suspended bag or tray to assist dissolving (this is not necessary when
caustic soda is used).


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DPOUSPM

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A method shall be provided to reliably dose with a selected chemical to maintain pool
water total alkalinity. This may be achieved by regular manual dosing.

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/;4



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3&$*3$6-"5*0/
16.14

The pump or pumps shall be capable of maintaining the design recirculation ow and the
backwashing ow.


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15.2.1 Pumps shall be of the centrifugal type.

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15.2.2 Pumps shall be manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials.


1VNQ
NPUPST

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15.3.1 Motors shall be rated for continuous duty and be non-overloading at all points on the pump
performance curve, including open discharge, and shall have at least a 10% reserve of
power at the ltering and backwash duty points.

nd

ar

15.3.2 Motors shall be drip-proof, preferably totally enclosed, fan or surface cooled and shall be
tted with heavy duty ball and/or roller bearings and terminal boxes that are effectively
sealed against ingress of water.

St
a

15.3.3 Motor starters shall be totally enclosed and suitable for wall or switchboard mounting,
and shall be of a type suitable for the conditions of loading to be encountered. Starters
shall incorporate appropriate devices for protection against overload, stalling, and voltage
failure, and shall be provided with manual resetting.

ht

15.3.4 All electrical equipment and installation shall comply with energy saving environmental
policies and Electricity Regulations relating to electrical safety.

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NOTE

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(1)

For ease of maintenance it should be possible for pump impellers to be inspected,

shaft seals replaced, and glands repacked without pipework having to be dismantled.
Pumps and motors should be installed at least 40 mm clear of the oor to prevent
corrosion and to facilitate cleaning.

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(2)
complying with the principle of 8.1.



/;4



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blocking the lter and the features and inlet nozzles.

Ze
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nd


The hair and lint strainer shall prevent hairs and large particles from damaging the pumps and


The hair and lint strainer shall be a readily removable screen or basket at the inlet to the balance
tank, or in the pump suction line, or incorporated in the skimmers.

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/;4



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5ZQFT

Granular media lters shall be of the sealed pressure type.


'JMUFS
NFEJVN
17.2.1 Type
The lter medium shall be either:

Single medium type using one or more size fractions of clean inert lter sand, or
alternative medium recommended by the lter manufacturer, carefully selected and
graded and consisting of hard durable particles free from impurities; or

(b)

Multi-media type using sand and one other type of media such as pumice, coke, or
anthracite. Activated carbon may also be used.

Ne
w

(a)

17.2.2 Media solubility

ds

An adequate number of random samples of the granular media shall be tested by the
supplier for solubility in concentrated hydrochloric acid for two hours. Each sample shall
have a solubility no greater than 5%.
17.2.3 Granular media dimensions

nd

ar

For single medium lters the effective size of the granular media for the primary lter bed
shall lie between 0.4 mm and 0.9 mm, and the coefcient of uniformity shall not exceed
1.7. For multi-media lters the granular media shall be as recommended by the lter
manufacturer but grain sizes normally should be not smaller than 0.4 mm or larger than
1.25 mm.

St
a

17.2.4 Media compliance

Compliance with the requirements of 17.2.1 and 17.2.2 shall be veried in writing by the
media supplier.

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17.2.5 Responsibility of suppliers

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Suppliers of treatment plant should also provide the lter medium and be asked to supply
a copy of the media compliance statement.

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'JMUFS
NFEJVN
CFE
EFQUI

(b)

For multi-media, sand depth not less than 600 mm and total media depth not less
than 800 mm.

These depth requirements do not apply to domestic pools.


3BUF
PG
MUSBUJPO
The rate of ltration (mean water velocity through the lter bed measured as
m/h = m3/h/m2) shall not exceed 25 m/h for single medium lters or 30 m/h for multimedia lters. Higher rates may be used for domestic pools. The lter vessel shall be
hydraulically designed for the appropriate rate of ltration.


/;4



#BDLXBTIJOH

Ze
ala
nd

17.5.1 The rate of backwashing shall be such that the lter medium is restored to a clean
condition after each backwash without tendencies either to mud-ball or to lose sand. It is
important that the manufacturers specied backwash rates should be strictly complied
with in operation, as higher or lower rates can be detrimental to the effectiveness of
the backwash. In deciding on the specied backwash rate for a particular lter, the
manufacturer shall take into account the design of the distribution and collecting systems,
the grading and depth of the lter medium, and the temperature of the water, whether
coagulation is employed or not.

Ne
w

17.5.2 The backwash ow shall be uniformly distributed and controlled over the entire area of the
lter.
17.5.3 The rate of backwashing shall be as specied by the manufacturer provided that it is not
less than:
For lters relying on backwash alone: not less than 25 m3/h/m2;

(b)

For lters where the lter bed is suitably agitated by air scour before backwash: not
less than 20 m3/h/m2.

ds

(a)

nd


'JMUFS
DPOTUSVDUJPO

ar

17.5.4 Backwash water shall be disposed of to the local sewer system or other approved
destination.

St
a

17.6.1 Materials or their protecting linings shall be durable, abrasion-resistant, and corrosionresistant. Dissimilar metals shall not be in contact in situations where this may cause or
accelerate corrosion.

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17.6.2 Filter shells shall be level. Levelling screws or similar devices are recommended.

py

rig

17.6.3 There shall be sufcient freeboard space above the top of the lter bed to prevent the loss
of media during backwashing. It is preferable that the freeboard dimension is not less
than 25% of total bed depth plus 200 mm.
17.6.4

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thefloortopreventcorrosion.

17.6.5 Each pressure lter tank shall have an automatic air release at the top of the tank so that
air entering the tank will be expelled. The air release shall be provided with a means of
manual operation.


1SFTTVSF
UFTUT
Pressure lters shall be tested to not less than twice the maximum shut-off pressure of the
pump, and to allow for any loss of metal by corrosion, it is recommended that the lters
should be tested to not less than three times this pressure.


/;4


Filters shall be provided with all of the following items:

Ze
ala
nd

A data plate of some permanent material, securely attached to the lter at a

readily accessible location, displaying the following information in easily read and
understood terms:
(i)

Manufacturers name and full address

(ii)

Filter model and serial number

(iii)

Effective lter area

(iv)

Design ow rate

(v)

Backwash ow rate

(vi)

Required vertical and horizontal clearances for services and maintenance;

Ne
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(a)


"ODJMMBSZ
FRVJQNFOU

Operating instructions covering installation, operation, and maintenance;

(c)

Loss-of-head gauges;

(d)

Effective backwash sight glass and/or open discharge;

(e)

For pools exceeding 150 m2 in surface area and for each pool in a multi-pool
complex, a rate of ow indicator to show both the backwash and the circulating
ow.

ar

ds

(b)

nd


$PBHVMBUJPO
17.9.1 General

rig

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St
a

A coagulant is a chemical that causes dispersed ne particulate matter to coagulate

as larger clusters to allow more efcient removal in the water lter. The coagulation
(sometimes called occulation) process enhances the removal of small particulate matter
and is essential in helping to remove the infective oocysts of Cryptosporidia (size range
typically 4 to 6 microns) and Giardia cysts (size range typically 8 to 12 microns), and other
compounds (such as humic acid and phosphates) that otherwise pass through a sand
lter.

17.9.2 To achieve satisfactory coagulation, all of the following shall apply:

The pH of the make-up water or pool water shall be corrected (if required) to fall

Co

py

(a)

(b)Thefilterrateshalnotexceed25m3/h/m2;

(c)

The coagulant should be dosed continuously;

(d)

The pool water installation shall be congured to promote good dispersion of

the coagulant (such as reduction in pipe size). Following coagulant dosing and
dispersion a reaction time of 10 seconds (minimum) and water velocity of 1.5 m/s
(maximum) should be maintained prior to entry into the water lter;

(e)

Recommendations of the sand lter manufacturer shall be followed where additional

to or more stringent than the above requirements.



/;4


Ze
ala
nd

17.9.3 Equipment for coagulation shall comply with the requirements for hypochlorite dosing in
14.3.4 and in addition each chemical tank should be equipped with a suspended bag or
tray to assist dissolving.
17.9.4 If aluminium sulphate solution is used its strength shall not exceed 20%.

Co

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rig

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St
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nd

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Ne
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17.9.5



/;4


 
13&$0"5
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5ZQFT

Pre-coat media ltration may be of either pressure or vacuum type.


'JMUFS
NFEJVN
PS
MUFS
BJE

Ne
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The lter medium or lter aid shall be clean inert diatomaceous earth (DE) or other medium
of a grade recommended by the lter supplier. Health and safety requirements should be
considered before choosing a medium. See Appendix D.


3BUFT
PG
MUSBUJPO


$POTUSVDUJPO
BOE
EFTJHO

ds

The ltration rate shall not exceed 1.0 L/s/m2 for vacuum type lters and 1.25 L/s/m2 for
pressure lters.

nd

ar

18.4.1 Materials or their protective linings shall be durable, abrasion-resistant, and corrosionresistant. Dissimilar metals shall not be in direct contact in situations where this may
cause or accelerate corrosion.

St
a

18.4.2 Incoming water shall be suitably bafed to prevent full water ow from eroding the lter
aid from the septa and so that the lter aid is evenly distributed over the septa.
18.4.3 Septa openings should not exceed 0.13 mm measured across the largest dimension, nor
be smaller than 0.08 mm measured across the smallest dimension.

ht

18.4.4 Pressure type lters shall be pressure tested to four times the shut-off head of the
pump.

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18.4.5 Each pressure lter tank shall have an automatic air release at the top of the tank so that
air entering the tank will be expelled. The air release shall also be provided with a means
of manual operation.

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18.4.6 Vacuum type lters shall be designed to withstand the pressure developed by the weight

18.4.7 At all times when the lter is in operation the initial pressure drop through any lter
operating at the design ow rate with the required pre-coat shall not exceed 20 kPa
measured between the lter tank inlet opening and the lter tank outlet opening.


1SFDPBUJOH
18.5.1 Provision shall be made for the application of a pre-coat of lter aid evenly covering the
lter elements immediately before the lter initially comes into operation and immediately
after each cleaning.


/;4


Ze
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nd

18.5.2 The amount of pre-coat for DE shall be not less than 0.6 kg of DE per square metre of
lter area. The amount of pre-coat for cellulose bre shall be not less than 0.4 kg per
square metre of lter area.
18.5.3 For vacuum pre-coat lters, the equipment shall be so arranged that during pre-coating
the efuent is re-ltered without passing into the pool until suspended matter has been
removed. Pressure pre-coat lters shall be proven to not allow DE to pass to the pool
during the pre-coat process.


#PEZ
GFFE

Ne
w

18.6.1 Body feeding equipment shall be provided with all vacuum pre-coat lters having a capacity
exceeding 8 L/s to feed lter aid to the lter inuent. It is not a specic requirement for
pressure pre-coat lters to have continuous body feed.
18.6.2 The equipment shall be of such size and design as to permit easy cleaning and be free
from clogging. Flushing equipment should be considered.

ar

ds

18.6.3 The equipment shall have the capacity to operate at its maximum feed rate for not less
than 24 hours without relling.

nd

18.6.4 The rate of body feed shall be reasonably constant and shall be adjustable within a
calibrated range.

St
a

18.6.5 The equipment shall have the capacity to feed not less than 0.15 kg of DE per square
metre of lter area, or 0.018 kg of cellulose bre per square metre of lter area, over a
24-hour period.

ht


"ODJMMBSZ
FRVJQNFOU

18.7.1 Filters shall be provided with all of the following items:

A data plate of some permanent material, securely attached to the lter at a readily

Co

(ii)Effectivefilterarea

py

rig

(a)

(iv)

Design ow rate

(v)

Backwash ow rate

(vi)

Amount of pre-coat required (kg)

(vii) Required vertical and horizontal clearances for service and maintenance;



(b)

Operating instructions covering installation, operation, and maintenance;

(c)

Pressure or vacuum gauges;

(d)

For pools exceeding 150 m2 in area, a direct reading rate-of-ow meter.

/;4



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300.4
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4503"(&


(FOFSBM

Ze
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nd

Health and safety of operators and service people shall be considered during the design
of plant layouts, plant rooms and storage facilities for pool chemicals. Good access shall
be provided for normal safe operation, inspection and servicing.


$IFNJDBM
TUPSBHF

Ne
w

Chemical storage, handling and dosing facilities shall comply with the requirements of the
HSNO Act and relevant Regulations. Secondary bunded containment shall be provided
where required. In domestic plant rooms where typically sodium hypochlorite is used for
disinfection and hydrochloric acid is used for pH adjustment attention should be given to
the separation of these storage containers and injection points by at least a metre.

ds

The requirements and recommendations in NZS 5826 for safe handling, storage, and
dosing of chemicals, including segregation of different classes of stored chemicals, should
be followed.


$IMPSJOF
SPPNT

nd

ar

19.3.1 Chlorine rooms for gas chlorinators, gas cylinders, or gas drums, shall be rooms complying
with the NZBC and AS/NZS 2927.

St
a

19.3.2 Gas drums and gas cylinders should be stored in a chlorine room separate from the room
containing the chlorinator.
19.3.3 Each chlorine room shall be so constructed that gas cannot leak from it into any other
room nor to the pool surround.

rig

ht

19.3.4 Chlorine rooms shall be above ground level, provided with both high and low level
ventilation on one exterior wall and a door opening outwards on an exterior wall. There
shall be no direct access from the chlorine room to the interior of a building.

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outsidethechlorineroom.

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19.3.5 The feed line from the chlorine gas containers to the chlorinator shall not be embedded in
concrete but shall be readily accessible.

19.3.7 Only a person or persons having HSNO Approved Handler status shall receive, handle,
connect or disconnect gas chlorinators, gas cylinders, and gas drums.



/;4


Filter rooms shall comply with all of the following requirements:

The oor shall be designed to support the full working load of the lters;

(b)

If not inherent in the oor itself, the nishing shall contribute to the slope with a fall
of not less than 1 in 50 towards a drain;

(c)

There shall be complete access to all lter equipment. This may be achieved by the
use of removable panels or similar provisions;

rig

ht

St
a

nd

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Ne
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Ze
ala
nd

(a)

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'JMUFS
SPPNT

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20.1.1 A balance tank shall be provided for every pool that is required by 10.1 to have overow
channels and may be provided for pools with skimmers (see section 11). The operation
of a typical balance tank is shown diagrammatically in gure E1 of Appendix E, but other
arrangements may be used provided they achieve the same effect.
20.1.2 All valves and other facilities within the tank shall be accessible for inspection, maintenance,
and repair.

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20.2.1 In order to ensure efcient skimming of the pool and to prevent wastage of water, the
balance tank shall be approximately as deep as the deepest part of the pool and of such
dimensions as to contain both the following volume of water between overow level (OL)
and normal low water level (NLWL) (see gure E1):
The area of the pool x 20 mm, to allow for water displaced from the pool by wind and
wave action; and

(b)

The maximum number of pool users in the water at one time x 0.05 m3, to allow for
water displaced from the pool by pool users.

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20.2.2 The depth of the tank between NLWL and extreme low water level (ELWL) shall be
sufcient to allow the oat-controlled valves of the make-up water inlet and the owequalising connection to be fully opened before the pump sucks air.

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20.3.1 The inlet to the tank from the pool overow channels shall be capable of passing 1 times
the circulation ow calculated in section 13.

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20.3.2 The inlet should enter the tank below water level to prevent air entrainment and noise

20.4.1 The make-up water inlet should be connected to the mains water supply, and may
conveniently be branched from the main lling pipe.



/;4


20.4.2 The make-up water inlet shall be provided with all of the following items:
An air gap or other approved backow-prevention device as required by the NZBC
(Clause G12 Water Supplies), and the Health (Drinking Water) Act;

(b)

An isolating valve;

(c)

A oat-controlled valve arranged to be closed when the tank water level is above
NLWL and open when the tank water level is below NLWL.

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20.4.3 It is recommended that the make-up water inlet be provided with a water meter to assist
pool management and in particular to show excessive water usage such as leakages.

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20.5.1 When the water in the pool is at 10 mm below its overow level and the water in the
balance tank is at ELWL, the ow-equalising valve shall be capable of passing the greater
of the recirculating ow or the backwash ow, provided that for very large pools, where
approved facilities are provided to ensure continuous supply of water to the treatment
plant, the ow-equalising connection may have a lesser ow capacity.

20.5.2 The ow-equalising connection shall be provided with both:

An isolating valve; and

(b)

A oat-controlled valve arranged to deliver negligible ow to the tank while the tank
water level is above NLWL and to deliver full ow when the tank water level is at
ELWL.

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The overow outlet from the balance tank shall be set at a level to ensure minimum loss
of water from the pool system, except during periods of heavy rainfall. The outlet from the
balance tank shall discharge overowing water to the local sewerage system.


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The pump suction shall draw water from the tank at a level below ELWL (usually from
a sump in the oor of the tank) and shall be designed to


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tank oor to take water from the tank to the local sewerage system or other approved
destination.

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This list, in no particular order, is intended as a memory jogger of items to be included in

the overall design process for the pool and contains text already included in the body of
this Standard.
Before a pool is considered consult with local authorities and architects;

(b)

The safety of pool users and operators is paramount;

(c)

The local authority regulations;

(d)

Involve pool management;

(e)

Swimming pool operational guidelines;

(f)

Provision of plant rooms;

(g)

Look forward to possible technology change;

(h)

Ensure possible future expansion needs may be easily implemented;

(i)

Reference to design guidelines of relevant international and national organisations;

(j)

Consider blind spots at an early stage of the design process and eliminate them if
at all possible because they make supervision of patrons difcult and expensive;

(k)

Poolside wash-down water should not be able to enter the pool water;

(l)

The provision of separate family change areas;

(m)

Exits from change areas to poolside should not be near deep pool water;

(n)

Young learners/toddlers pools should be hydraulically separate as they are at higher

risk of contamination;

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(a)

The likelihood of build up of chlorine in the air immediately above the surface of the
pool water (which the swimmer breathes), may be lessened by pools without a lip or
that overow directly over the side. However such designs may have other negative
aspects, such as facilitating entry of dirt to the pool;

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personnel,especialyaroundthewavechamber;

(q)

Changing room layout should be open plan with minimal blind spots (potential
paedophilia risks especially in male change areas);

(r)

Visibility of rst aid rooms needs to be considered (allegations against staff and
functionality);

(s)

Consideration should be given to the importance of eliminating/minimising glare off

the pool water surfaces through appropriate orientation, external, and internal sun
shading;



/;4


Noise separation from the remainder of the swimming pool complex is desirable to
improve the teaching environment for both the instructor and the learners. A glazed
wall has been used in several recent pool developments;

(u)

Consult the District Plan to determine noise levels allowed outside the building
resulting from activity within the building;

(v)

Internal noise levels should not adversely affect the convenience and comfort of
pool users. Refer to AS/NZS 2107 for guidance;

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The following design requirements should be considered:

Different depths of water are required for different uses. The depths of water should
be designed to suit the proposed and likely uses of the pool;

(b)

Generally depths from zero to 0.5 m are considered acceptable for toddlers and
preschool children, 0.7 m to 0.9 m for children learning to swim and nearly all adults
will be fully buoyant at a depth of 1.650 m;

(c)

It is difcult for bathers walking in the water to change their direction when they are
getting out of their depth if the gradient on the pool bottom is too high. See 3.3;

(d)

Changes in gradient should be avoided or visually marked by a change in colour or

a contrasting coloured line;

(e)

The maximum number of people using a pool can be calculated as 1 bather per
2.2 m2 for shallow water less than 1 m deep, 1 bather per 2.7 m2 for water between
1 m and 1.5 m deep and 1 bather per 4 m2 for water deeper than 1.5 m;

(f)

Consideration should be given during design to the cleaning of the pool bottom.
Vertical or steep slopes are not suitable for some automatic vacuum cleaners and
transitions between different gradients can be advisable for these.

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B2. 1 Toddlers pools

Dimensions

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Toddlers pools should promote water condence and should be sufciently large to
allow the depths stated, but not so large that toddlers feel they are in a large expanse of
water.
Depths

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B2.1.2

B2. 2

B2.1.3

Temperature

Toddlers pools are typically heated to between 30OC and 33OC.

Learn-to-swim pools
B2.2.1

Dimensions

These can be up to 25 m long and, if wider than 6 m, can normally be divided into smaller
areas by lane ropes or other methods to enable a number of instructors to take lessons
at the same time.


/;4


B2.2.2

Depths

Water depths may be from 700 mm and 900 mm.

B2.2.3

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Pools for teaching babies to swim often have a bench recessed into a wall of the pool at
up to 300 mm below water level in a section of a pool that is 1200 mm deep. This can be
used to allow an instructor/carer to stand in the water and encourage the baby to swim
off the bench.
Temperature

Learners pools are typically heated to between 30oC and 33oC.

B2.2.4

Other design aspects

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Noise separation from the remainder of the swimming pool complex is desirable to improve
the teaching environment for both the instructor and the learners.

B2. 3 Competition and training swimming pools

B2.3.1

Dimensions

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Pools that are intended to be used for international competition should comply with the
most recent FINA (Federation Internationale De Natation) Handbook. Both 50 m (Olympic)
and 25 m (short course) pool dimensions are set out including tolerances on length,
numbers of lanes, water depth, lane widths and markings, and water temperature and
treatment.

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Pools intended for national or regional competition should comply with the requirements
of Swimming New Zealand. Pools should be either 25 m or 50 m long and preferably with
at least 8 lanes of 2.5 m width.

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Pools for school competition should be 25 m or 50 m long. Lane widths can be reduced
below 2.15 m depending on the age and size of competitors. Alternative sets of markings
for two different lane widths can be used to advantage.

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Pools for training should be as close to the dimensions of competition pools as possible.
Lengths should be 25 m or 50 m and lane widths at least 2.15 m.

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Depths

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The required depth for Olympic competition is 2 m minimum. Lesser depths may be used
for lower standards of competition, but the deeper the water up to about 3 m, the faster
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B2.3.3

Temperature

The water temperature for international competition is from 25oC to 28oC. (FINA)

/;4


B2.4

Pools for water polo

B2.4.1 Dimensions

B2.4.2 Depths

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FINA requires 30 m x 20 m for international competition plus an extra 1.5 m at each end.
Smaller playing areas are acceptable for lower levels of competition and training. Refer to
New Zealand Water Polo which also controls Flippa ball. This is played in shallow pools
by those who may go on to water polo.

For water polo, a 2 m depth over the whole playing area is preferred with a minimum of
1.8 m.
B2.4.3 Temperature

B2.5

Pools for synchronised swimming

B2.5.1 Dimensions and depths

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The FINA requirement is 26oC 1oC.

Pools for diving

B2.6.1 Depths

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B2.6

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Refer to the FINA rules. For international competition 30 m x 20 m is required with a depth
of at least 2.5 m but incorporating a section 12 m x 12 m with a minimum depth of 3 m. Any
proposal to reduce requirements for national competition and training should be referred
to Synchro Swim New Zealand.

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Depths should comply with the FINA Handbook. The minimum depths allowed include
3.4 m for a 1 m springboard, 3.7 m for a 3 m springboard, and 3.2 m for a 3 m platform.
B2.6.2 Temperature

Pools for underwater hockey

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B2.7

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The FINA requirement is 26oC 1oC.

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B2.7.2Depths

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B2.7.1 Dimensions

B2.8

Water depths may be from 1.5 m to 2.5 m.

Pools for scuba dive training

B2.8.1 Dimensions
Typically a minimum area of 12 m diameter is preferred.
B2.8.2 Depth
A minimum depth of 3 m is preferred.


/;4


B2.9

Pools for canoe polo

B2.9.1 Dimensions

B2.10 Kayak training

B2.10.1 Depths

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Refer to the New Zealand Canoe Polo Association. Typically 25 m pools are used. Widths
in excess of 15 m are preferred.

A combination of shallow (approximately 1 m) and deep (greater than 1.65 m) water is

required to practise self-righting manoeuvres.

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B2.11 Pools for exercise, rehabilitation, and therapy

B2.11.1 Dimensions

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Sufcient length in one direction is required to accommodate the activity. The preferred
minimum for aquajogging and therapeutic walking is 15 m. Sufcient area is required
to accommodate the expected numbers of participants for aquarobics and therapeutic
exercises.
B2.11.2 Depths

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Shallow water varying from 1 m to 1.5 m is desirable for exercises such as aquarobics
and therapeutic walking. Aquajogging and some rehabilitation exercises require water
depths of 1.8 m.
B2.11.3 Temperatures

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Where vigorous exercise is carried out temperatures below 30oC are required. Less
strenuous activities and therapy require 31oC to 33oC.

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B2.12 Pools for leisure

B2.12.1 Dimensions

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These pools are typically free-form with their dimensions dictated only by their proposed
activities, number of users, and design and cost restrictions.
B2.12.2 Depths

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secondpoolisalsoaseparatebodyofwatertherearefurtheradvantagesinreducing
vulnerability to contamination.
B2.12.3 Temperatures
Leisure pools typically operate in the range 30oC to 33oC.



/;4


B2.13 Spa pools and geothermal pools

B2.13.1 Dimensions

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Spa or geothermal soak pools are designed to cater for passive relaxation. Their
dimensions will be dictated by the design bather capacity normally based on 500 mm of
bench length per bather.
B2.13.2 Depth

These pools typically have a water depth of 900 mm and the depth of water at the seats
is 450 mm to 350 mm.
B2.13.3 Temperature

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These pools operate in the range 38oC to 40oC. The water temperature should not exceed
40oC.

B2.14 Private domestic pools

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There are no limits on the dimensions, depths or temperatures of these pools. However,



/;4


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Any opening not technically necessary should be closed or covered. The following
American Standards are recommended for additional information:
ANSI/APSP-7 2006

American National Standard for Suction entrapment avoidance

in swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs, and catch
basins

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ASME A112.19.8-2007 Suction ttings for use in swimming pools, wading pools, spas
and hot tubs

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Equipment shall be constructed so that any opening does not create head and neck
entrapment hazards either by head rst or feet rst passage.

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NOTE
Examples of hazardous situations are:
Completely bound openings;

(b)

Partially bound or v-shape openings;

(c)

Shearing or moving openings.

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Completely bound openings, which allow passage of small probe(s), shall also allow the
large probe to pass through, when tested in accordance with C4.2.1.
Partially bound and v-shaped openings shall be constructed so that either:
The opening is not accessible when tested in accordance with C4.2.2; or

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If accessible when tested in accordance with C4.2.2:

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(i) the template apex contacts the base of the opening during the test (see gure
C4, (a) = passes); or

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Equipment shall be constructed so that any opening does not create nger entrapment
hazards. Special attention shall be paid to:
(a)

Gaps;

(b)

Open-ended tubes or pipes; and

(c)

Variable gaps.

/;4


When tested in accordance with C4.3 openings in reach of the user, where they are
subjected to forced movement shall conform to one of the following requirements:
The 8 mm nger rod (see gure C5) shall not pass through the minimum crosssection of the opening and the prole of the opening shall be such that the rod
cannot be locked in any position when set in motion as given in C4.3.2; or

(b)

If the 8 mm nger rod passes through the opening, the 25 mm nger rod (see gure
C4) shall also pass through the opening, provided that the opening does not permit
access to another nger entrapment site.

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The closures shall not be removable without using a tool.

C4.1

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C4.2

Head and neck entrapment

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Unless stated otherwise, tolerances on measurements in this Appendix are 1 mm for

dimensions and 1o for angles.

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C4.2.1.1 Apparatus

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C4.2.1 Completely bound openings

Test templates are illustrated in gure C1.

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Figure C1 Probes for determination of head and neck entrapment in completely

bound openings

/;4


Table C1 Probes for assessment of head and neck entrapment in completely bound openings
Equipment accessible
to children aged up to
14 years old

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Equipment accessible to children of 3 years old and up

Rigid openings/feet rst

All other cases (including rigid openings head rst)

Small probe: probe A

Small probe: probe B

Large probe: probe D

Large probe: probe D

Small probe: probe C

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Large probe: probe D

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C4.2.2

Figure C2 Test template for assessment of head and neck entrapment in

partially bound and v-shaped openings



/;4


C4.2.2.2 Procedure

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Position the B portion of the test template between and perpendicular to the boundaries
of the opening, as shown in gure C3. Record and report whether the template ts within
the boundaries of the opening or if it cannot be inserted to its full thickness.
The method of testing clearances between circular rod objects is shown in gure C3.

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If the test template can be inserted to a depth greater than the thickness of the template
(45 mm), apply the A portion of the test template as shown in gure C4, so that its centre
line is in line with the centre line of the opening. Ensure that the plane of the test template



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All dimensions in millimetres

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Figure C4 Method of insertion of the A portion of the test template

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Finger rods are illustrated in gure C5.



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Figure C5 Finger rods

C4.3.2 Procedure

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Apply the 8 mm diameter nger rod to the minimum cross section of the opening and, if
the rod does not pass through, rotate it as illustrated in gure C6.

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Record and report if the rod passes through the opening and if it locks in any position
when rotated.

Figure C6 Rotation of the 8 mm diameter nger rod



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The selection of the pre-coat lter medium is a critical factor that affects the ltration
removal efciency of dirt particles over the relevant particle size ranges. Diatomaceous
earth (DE) and cellulose products are available in various grades and within these two
generic media groups there are signicant variations in the removal performance for
products of equal permeability. It is therefore essential that lter suppliers be required to
provide reliable test data or case history specic to the selected combination of lter and
pre-coat medium. Ideally, the test data supplied should come from a recognised testing
laboratory and demonstrate lter permeability and removal efciency over a range of
challenge particle sizes down to 3 microns.

D2

Pre-coat media typically fall into one of three generic types (DE, perlite, and cellulose) and
within each generic type various grades are available. The ltration removal efciency
of dirt particles in the various size ranges can vary widely for each type and grade of
medium.

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It is desirable that infective cysts of Giardia (size range typically 8 to 12 microns) and
Cryptosporidia oocysts (size range typically 4 to 6 microns) are removed by the lters.
Limited information suggests that for correctly pre-coated lters, appropriate grades of
DE will generally remove a higher proportion of particles in the 3 to11 micron range than
either perlite or cellulose.
It is desirable that lter suppliers be required to provide reliable lter performance test
data specic to the selected lter and pre-coat medium.

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Refer to material safety data sheets when selecting the lter medium. Be aware that
DE contains a proportion of crystalline silica which in the respirable (airborne) form has
been classied by the International Association for Research on Cancer as a Class 1
carcinogen. When inhaled it can cause silicosis and irritate the respiratory system and in
high airborne concentrations may irritate eyes. Skin contact or ingestion are not considerd
to be hazardous. To provide a perspective it should be noted that Class 1 carcinogens
include cement dust, road dust, and calcium silicate wall board dust. Breathing and eye

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system with capture hood and arresting air lter be installed local to the point where DE
dust may be generated.

Spent DE waste may cause blockage if discharged to site and utility drains. Check the
requirements of the local authority. Generally it is preferable that the bulk of the spent DE
is removed in a settling vessel, or by a series of screens or lter bags.



/;4


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Diagrammatic representation of balance tank showing inlets, outlets (drain omitted) and water levels. Note that
this diagram is not to scale and is simplied by the omission of several features required by this Standard.

(b)

No-ow condition, as at the start of the season. Slow leakage through the owequalising connection has bought both tank and pool water levels to O.L.

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(c)

(d)

Pump running; bathers in pool have displaced water and so raised balance tank
water level. Tank water level: between N.L.W.L. and O.L. Make-up water inlet:
closed. Flow equalising connection: closed.



Pump running; deciency of water in system (immediately after backwashing). Tank

water level: E.L.W.L. Make-up water inlet: open ow equalising connection. Open

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