Md. Code Regs. 10.17.01.16

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.17.01.16 - Standards for Water Recreational Attractions

An owner shall ensure that:

A. A water recreational attraction:

(1) Is designed to eliminate or minimize safety hazards such as entrapment, slipping, abrasions, cuts, falls, trip hazards, impact injury, and drowning;

(2) Is in compliance with applicable State and local codes and this chapter; and

(3) Has a communication system for use by supervisors, watchers, and lifeguards;

B. Plans for supervision, attendants, and lifeguards are submitted as part of the construction plans and include safety personnel at all potentially hazardous activity areas;

C. A swimming pool slide is in conformance with the American National Standard for Public Swimming Pools and has:

(1) Attachments that firmly anchor the swimming pool slide;

(2) At the end of the slide a minimum water depth of:

(a) 4 feet, or a water depth in conformance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, for a distance of 10 feet along the slide centerline for a swimming pool slide that does not slow an individual's entry into the water or that drops the individual into the water; or

(b) 6 inches, or a water depth in conformance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, for a swimming pool slide designed to slow an individual to a near stop at the end of the slide;

(3) A cushioned landing mat below the end of a swimming pool slide if there is a potential for impact or abrasion injury;

(4) A centerline distance from the end of a slide to a wall, lifeline, transition point, centerline from another slide, or obstruction that eliminates the potential for an individual using the slide to strike a wall, lifeline, transition point, an individual using another slide, or an obstruction;

(5) A minimum side distance of 4 feet from the centerline of a slide to a wall, lifeline, transition point, or obstruction;

(6) A design that eliminates the potential for an individual to strike the pool deck or coping while traveling down the swimming pool slide;

(7) A slide end that extends beyond the pool wall, deck, and coping; and

(8) A minimum side distance of 12 feet between the centerline of a slide and a diving board, diving platform, or starting block;

D. A water slide:

(1) Complies with the conditions set forth at COMAR 09.12.63 as evidenced by written documentation from:

(a) The Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation; or

(b) If the water slide is not subject to regulation by the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, a registered professional engineer who certifies that the water slide meets the design criteria set forth at COMAR 09.12.63.07B; and

(2) Exits to a plunge pool or slide runout;

E. A wave pool is provided with an emergency shut-off switch at each guard station;

F. A tube ride has designated entry and exit points;

G. A spray pool has:

(1) A bottom that slopes from 1/4 inch per foot to 5/8 inch per foot to a drain with grate;

(2) No standing water; and

(3) No obstruction less than 4 feet in height;

H. A single-lane pool used for swimming laps has:

(1) A minimum width of 7 1/2 feet; and

(2) A sign on the deck that reads, "Warning: No Diving-Shallow Water" if the water depth is 5 feet or less;

I. A decorative fountain or waterfall installed in or connected to a pool or spa does not create a health or safety hazard;

J. A spray fixture, fountain, piece of play equipment, bridge, ramp, stair, float, swing, or other recreational equipment located within a pool or spa:

(1) Is designed to eliminate or minimize safety hazards such as entrapment, concealment, slipping, abrasions, cuts, punctures, falls, trip hazards, impact injury, and drowning;

(2) Is limited to a shallow water area;

(3) Has a color that contrasts with the pool or spa so that the structure is highly visible;

(4) Has pipes or support columns that are at least 6 inches in diameter;

(5) Is provided with an overhead clearance of at least 7 feet from the pool floor and 4 feet from the water surface where a person may walk under the fixture;

(6) Is provided with recirculated, treated pool water for a spray, stream, or other flow of water; and

(7) Is installed according to the manufacturer's directions;

K. The water surface is maintained at a level that allows the surface overflow system to operate properly;

L. At least two interconnected main drains are installed in the deepest part of a pool and are connected to the filtration system;

M. A pump reservoir or surge tank is provided for a slide or water feature circulation pump intake and:

(1) Is made of concrete or other impervious material with a smooth slip-resistant finish;

(2) Has inlets through a weir or a gravity-fed drain with a secure grate;

(3) Has a volume equal to 2 minutes of the combined flow of all pumps connected to the reservoir or tank;

(4) Is accessible only to authorized individuals;

(5) Has pump intakes located in the pump reservoir that are designed to allow cleaning without danger of entrapment; and

(6) The water velocity through grate or drain openings does not exceed 2 feet per second;

N. A slide or water feature circulation pump has a check valve on the discharge side; and

O. Returns from a filtration system are placed to provide even and positive circulation and to eliminate any dead spots.

Md. Code Regs. 10.17.01.16

Regulation .16C, D amended effective December 19, 2005 (32:25 Md. R. 1942)