Chapter 15.44
SWIMMING POOLS
Sections:
15.44.010 National Sanitation Foundation Standards adopted.
15.44.030 Permit – Construction or installation.
15.44.050 Permit fees – Construction, installation, alteration.
15.44.060 Permit fees – Operation.
15.44.070 Requirements for public pools.
15.44.080 Private pools – Generally.
15.44.090 Private pools – Location.
15.44.100 Private pools – Water supply and pH.
15.44.110 Private pools – Recirculation system.
15.44.120 Private pools – Steps or ladder.
15.44.130 Private pools – Electrical requirements.
15.44.140 Private pools – Lighting.
15.44.150 Private pools – Operation and maintenance.
15.44.160 Private pools – Inspection.
15.44.170 Private pools – Authority to close.
15.44.180 Additional requirements for permanent pools.
15.44.190 Additional requirements for temporary pools.
15.44.200 Violation – Penalty.
15.44.010 National Sanitation Foundation Standards adopted.
Every existing swimming pool and every such pool constructed or installed, and maintained hereafter, shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter, and all swimming pool equipment installed hereafter for use in public or private swimming pools shall meet the applicable National Sanitation Foundation Standards, which are adopted by reference, three copies of said requirements being on file in the office of the village clerk. (Ord. 550 § 1, 1967)
15.44.020 Definitions.
A. “Permanent pool” means any private pool that is not removable when not in use.
B. “Private pool” means any swimming pool or wading pool over twenty-four inches in depth, or with a surface area exceeding one hundred square feet, at a private residence intended only for the use of the individual owner, his family and friends. This includes portable or temporary type pools of plastic, rubberized cloth or similar materials installed either above or below ground elevation.
C. “Public pool” means all swimming pools and wading pools other than private residence installations. This includes municipal, park district, association, club, and school pools, as well as those at apartment houses, motels, and hotels.
D. “Swimming pool” means any artificial basin of water which has been modified, improved, constructed or installed for the purpose of swimming or wading.
E. “Temporary pool” means a private pool that is removable when not in use. (Ord. 550 § 2, 1967)
15.44.030 Permit – Construction or installation.
A. No person or organization shall proceed to construct or install a swimming pool or make major alterations at an existing pool without first having obtained a permit therefor, issued and signed by the building inspector or his authorized representative upon approval of the application.
B. Application for a permit shall be in writing in the form prescribed by the building inspector and shall contain such plans, specifications and additional information as the building inspector shall require for a proper understanding of the proposed work. Each application for permit to construct a public pool shall be accompanied by an approval permit for the construction issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health in accordance with provisions of the Illinois Swimming Pool Law. (Ord. 550 § 3(A), 1967)
15.44.040 Permit – Operation.
A permit to operate a swimming pool is required for all public and private pools. The application shall be made in writing to the village clerk. An operation permit shall be renewed annually in May, and whenever a pool is to be reopened for use after being closed for a period longer than three months. Public pools closed for a period of one year or longer shall obtain written approval for opening from the Illinois Department of Public Health. A copy of such approval letter shall accompany the application to the village clerk for a permit to operate. (Ord. 550 § 3(B), 1967)
15.44.050 Permit fees – Construction, installation, alteration.
A. Permanent Pools. The fee to construct or install a permanent public or private swimming pool, or to make major alterations in an existing permanent public or private swimming pool, shall be ten dollars for each one hundred square feet of surface area, or fraction thereof, to be contained within the proposed pool, as determined by the plans and specifications submitted with the application for permit.
B. Temporary Pools. The fee to install a temporary swimming pool shall be two dollars for each one hundred square feet of surface area, or fraction thereof, to be contained within the temporary pool, as set forth in the application for permit. The initial permit to install a temporary pool shall cover the reinstallation in subsequent years of the same temporary pool at the residence address specified in the permit. (Ord. 2002-08 § 7, 2002; Ord. 550 § 8(A)(1), 1967)
15.44.060 Permit fees – Operation.
A. Public Pools. The annual fee for a permit to operate a public swimming pool shall be fifty dollars. No annual fee shall be required for any public pool operated by a governmental agency.
B. Private Pools. The annual fee for a permit to operate a private swimming pool shall be five dollars. (Ord. 2002-08 § 8, 2002; Ord. 550 § 8(B)(2), 1967)
15.44.070 Requirements for public pools.
Public pools, their bather preparation facilities, equipment and operation, shall comply with the Illinois Department of Public Health Minimum Sanitary Requirements for Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (77 JCAR 820), which are adopted by reference, three copies of said requirements being on file in the office of the village clerk. (Ord. 550 § 4, 1967)
15.44.080 Private pools – Generally.
The requirements of RMC 15.44.090 through 15.44.170 shall be applicable to all private swimming pools whether temporary or permanent. (Ord. 550 § 5, 1967)
15.44.090 Private pools – Location.
A. Private pools shall be permitted only on property occupied by a one- or two-family dwelling.
B. No portion of a permanent private pool shall be located at a distance less than eight feet from any side or rear property line. No portion of a temporary pool shall be located at a distance less than three feet from any side or rear property line.
C. Pumps, filters and pool water disinfection equipment shall be located at a distance not less than eight feet from any side property line. Pools and appurtenant equipment shall not be permitted in the side yard between dwellings. (Ord. 550 § 5(A), 1967)
15.44.100 Private pools – Water supply and pH.
A. Every private pool shall be equipped with suitable facilities for the initial filling of the pool, and for adding make-up water as needed.
B. The water supply for private pools shall be secured from the village of Riverdale water works distribution system.
C. There shall be no physical connection between the water supply line and the pool system.
D. The fresh water supply point of discharge to the pool, whether through hose or pipe, shall be firmly fixed at least six inches above the overflow level of the pool; or, if a surge or balancing tank is used, the point of discharge shall be firmly fixed at least six inches above the rim of the tank. When a hose connection from a sill cock or other plumbing fixture is used, an approved vacuum breaker shall be installed at a height not less than seven feet six inches above the floor, platform or ground upon which a person would stand when operating the sill cock or control valve.
E. The water when in the pool shall be clear and nonturbid within the pH range of 7.2 to 7.6. A standard test kit to determine the pH shall be provided at all private pools, and shall be used daily to check on the adequacy of the pH treatment. (Ord. 550 § 5(B), 1967)
15.44.110 Private pools – Recirculation system.
Every private pool shall be equipped with a water recirculation system. The recirculation system shall consist of pumping equipment; a hair and lint catcher; rapid pressure filters, together with all necessary pipe connections to the pool inlets and outlets and for backwashing the filters; and equipment for disinfecting the pool water.
A. Pump and Filter Capacity. The recirculation pump and filter tank and surface area shall be sufficient to achieve the minimum turnover, filtration and backwashing rates required by this chapter.
B. Turnover Period and Filtration Rate. There shall be one turnover of the entire contents of the pool every twelve hours or less at a filtration rate of not more than three gallons per square foot of filter area per minute.
C. Hair and Lint Catcher. A hair and lint catcher shall be installed on the suction side of the recirculation pump to prevent hair, lint, and other extraneous matter from reaching the pump and filters. The hair and lint catcher shall be so designed that it can be easily dismantled for cleaning and inspection, and shall be so located as to be easily accessible for cleaning.
D. Filter Backwashing and Rate. The filters shall be backwashed at regular intervals at a minimum rate of ten gallons per square foot of filter area per minute, or at the manufacturer’s recommended backwash flow rate, whichever is greater. The backwash cycle shall be continued until the backwash water is clear. All backwash water and effluents shall be discharged to the sewer through an indirect connection.
E. Filtration Equipment. Every rapid pressure filter shall be equipped with readily accessible air relief valves, loss of head or pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet pipes to determine frequency of cleaning, and an access head or hole large enough to permit inspection, maintenance and repair work. A sight glass that can be easily removed for cleaning shall be provided in the effluent line from the filter unit. Operating instructions shall be posted on every filter system and all valves shall be properly designated with metal tags, indicating purpose.
F. Inlets and Outlets.
1. Water recirculation system inlets shall be located to produce uniform circulation of water throughout the pool and to carry pool bottom deposits to the outlet. A minimum of one recirculation system inlet shall be provided for each five hundred square feet or fraction thereof of surface area of the pool. The inlets shall discharge at a minimum of ten inches below the pool overflow level.
2. A main outlet which connects to the recirculation system shall be placed at the deepest point in the pool and fitted with a safe grating. No direct connection shall be made from the outlet to the sewer.
G. Water Disinfection Equipment. Equipment shall be provided for the disinfection of the pool water. Any disinfection method using materials other than chlorine compounds shall be subject to the written approval of the health officer. Disinfection equipment installed for the use of chlorine compounds shall have sufficient capacity to maintain a minimum free chlorine residual of five-tenths parts per million. The disinfectant shall be introduced into the recirculation system ahead of the filters.
H. Gaseous chlorination systems shall not be made use of as a disinfection method for pool water.
I. A test kit with permanent color standards shall be provided at every private pool, and be used at frequent intervals to check on the adequacy of the chlorine treatment. (Ord. 550 § 5(C), 1967)
15.44.120 Private pools – Steps or ladder.
A. In shallow pools with a pool rim too high for a small child to step over, and in every pool having a depth of water greater than three feet three inches, at least one means of egress in the form of steps or a ladder shall be provided.
B. In every pool having both a shallow and a deep end, two or more means of egress in the form of steps or ladders shall be provided. One such means of egress shall be at the deep end and one at the shallow end of the pool.
C. Tread of steps and ladders shall be constructed of nonslip material at least two and one-half inches wide for their full length, and shall be equipped with a handrail on both sides. (Ord. 550 § 5(D), 1967)
15.44.130 Private pools – Electrical requirements.
A. All electrical installations for use in connection with private pools shall meet the electrical codes and ordinances of Riverdale.
B. No overhead current carrying electrical conductors shall cross private swimming pools, or be located within ten feet of such pools. (Ord. 550 § 5(E), 1967)
15.44.140 Private pools – Lighting.
A system of artificial lighting sufficient to light all parts of the pool, the water therein and the entire pool area shall be permanently installed at all indoor pools and any outdoor pool to be used at night. (Ord. 550 § 5(F), 1967)
15.44.150 Private pools – Operation and maintenance.
A. Pool Attended. A responsible person shall be present at all times when the pool is in use. At pools having a water depth of four and one-half feet or more, this person shall be a skilled swimmer.
B. Lifesaving Equipment. Every pool having a depth of water greater than four and one-half feet shall be equipped with at least one throwing ring buoy not more than fifteen inches in diameter and having a sixty-foot three-sixteenths-inch Manila rope attached, and at least one light, strong pole with blunt ends not less than twelve feet long.
C. Maintenance. All private pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and all equipment shall be maintained in a satisfactory operating condition during periods the pool is in use.
D. Nuisance and Hazards. No private pool shall be used, kept, maintained or operated in the village, if such use, keeping, maintaining or operating shall be the occasion of any nuisance or shall be dangerous to life or detrimental to health. (Ord. 550 § 5(G), 1967)
15.44.160 Private pools – Inspection.
The health officer shall periodically inspect all private pools to determine whether or not the provisions of this chapter regarding health, sanitation and safety applicable thereto are being complied with. (Ord. 550 § 5(H), 1967)
15.44.170 Private pools – Authority to close.
The health officer shall have the authority to close any pool immediately when failure to meet the sanitary and safety requirements of this chapter constitutes an immediate major hazard to health or life. (Ord. 550 § 5(I), 1967)
15.44.180 Additional requirements for permanent pools.
All permanent private pools shall comply with the following additional regulations:
A. Construction.
1. Wall Slopes. To a depth of five feet from the top, the wall slope shall not be more than one and one-half feet horizontal in five feet vertical.
2. Floor Slopes. The slope of the floor in the shallow end shall not exceed one foot vertical to seven feet horizontal. The transition point between shallow and deep water shall not be less than four and one-half feet deep and not more than five feet deep.
B. Pool Markings. The depth of the water at the shallow end and deep end and at the transition point between shallow and deep water shall be clearly marked on both sides of the pool.
C. Walk Areas and Rinsing Units. Unobstructed walk areas not less than thirty-six inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around the pool. The walk area shall be constructed of impervious material, and the surfaces shall be smooth and easily cleaned and of nonslip construction. The slope of the walks shall have a pitch of at least one-fourth inch to the foot, designed so as to prevent back drainage from entering the pool. A foot rinse unit or hose shall be available for cleaning the feet before entrance onto pool walks.
D. Fences. All permanent private pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence erected along the periphery of the pool walks; provided, however, if said pool is located in the rear yard of a single-family dwelling, it may be completely closed along the periphery of the rear yard. All fence openings or points of entry into the pool area enclosure shall be equipped with gates. The fence and gates shall be an effective barrier to small children and shall be at least four feet in height above the walk grade level. The fence and gates shall be constructed of a minimum number 9 gauge woven wire mesh corrosion-resistant material, or material approved by the building official which meets the objective of visibility and safety. Upon erection of a fence along the periphery of the rear yard of a single-family dwelling, wood or other privacy fence materials may be used; provided, that reasonable safety requirements are met and with unobstructed visibility from the house and yard. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices placed at the top of the gate which are inoperable by small children. All gates shall be securely locked when the pool is not in use. All fence posts shall be decay- or corrosion-resistant and shall be set in concrete bases. (Ord. 87-19, 1987; Ord. 550 § 6, 1967)
15.44.190 Additional requirements for temporary pools.
A. Covered or Fenced. Unless the pool is fenced as provided in RMC 15.44.180 for permanent pools, temporary pools, when not in use, shall be covered with a suitable material pulled taut and securely attached to the outer side of the pool frame. This cover shall be sufficiently strong to sustain the weight of at least one hundred pounds.
B. Outside Ladders. No ladders will be permitted on the outside of any temporary pool when the pool is not in use unless the pool is fenced as provided in RMC 15.44.180 for permanent pools.
C. Entrance Area and Rinsing Unit. At temporary above ground pools, an area of impervious material at least four feet wide by six feet long shall be installed at the point where swimmers climb into the pool. A foot rinse unit shall be available for cleaning the feet before entrance into the pool water. (Ord. 550 § 7, 1967)
15.44.200 Violation – Penalty.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be fined not to exceed the maximum allowed by state statute for ordinance violations. (Ord. 2002-08 § 9, 2002; Ord. 550 § 8(B), 1967)
15.44.210 Severability.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter should be declared invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect; and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable. (Ord. 550 § 8(C), 1967)