(a) Water supply.

1. (1) General. The water supply for all pools, bather preparation facilities, water recreation attractions, and drinking water facilities included as adjuncts to the pool shall meet the Department of Health Rules Pertaining to Public Water Systems, 20 CAR pt. 140.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Drinking fountains. All drinking water shall be dispensed from angle-jet fountains equipped with a protective mouth guard or from a single-service container.
   2. (B) A suitable protective container must be provided for dispensing the cups.

3. (3) Cross-connections. No piping arrangements shall exist which, under any conditions, will permit:

   1. (A) Sewage or wastewater to enter the recirculation system; or
   2. (B) Water from the recirculation system or pool to enter the make-up water supply.

(b) Pool water quality.

1. (1) Clarity of water (excessive turbidity).

   1. (A) The water must be sufficiently clear to plainly view the main drain or drains from the deck of the pool at all times when the pool is open.
   2. (B) The viewer must be able to clearly distinguish the type, shape, and number of gratings of the main drains when standing at the edge of the pool deck nearest that main drain.

2. (2) Pool/spa water chemistry. The water in all pools/spas shall meet the mandatory chemical parameters indicated in Appendix B:

   1. (A) For free and combined chlorine or bromine, pH, total alkalinity; and
   2. (B) Where stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is used.

3. (3) Bacteriological water quality.

   1. (A) The department shall take samples for bacterial analysis for each pool whenever a suspected waterborne illness is reported.
   2. (B) Any such sample shall be analyzed for E. coli bacteria in accordance with approved drinking water standard methods.
   3. (C) The presence of any E. coli bacteria will indicate unsatisfactory water quality and the pool or other related facility shall be closed until a satisfactory water sample can be obtained.
   4. (D) Procedures for disinfection and management of fecal accidents are provided in Appendix D.
   5. (E) Other samples may be collected based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

4. (4) Testing and sampling of pool water.

   1. (A) Chemical water quality testing shall be conducted by the pool operator at such intervals as required by the department.
   2. (B) Water chemistry tests will also be made by an authorized employee of the department at the time of inspection.
   3. (C) This does not preclude a facility from utilizing testing facilities provided by a pool service company.

(c) Make-up water facilities. All water shall enter the pool through one (1) of the following:

1. (1)

   1. (A) An over-the-rim fill spout with an air gap two and one-half (2 1/2) times the pipe diameter above the pool coping level.
   2. (B) The fill spout shall be rigid and properly located or shielded so as not to create a safety hazard.
   3. (C) The open end should have no sharp edges and should not extend more than two inches (2”) beyond the edge of the pool.
   4. (D) The fill spout can be designed to be detachable and the plumbing plugged to prevent a trip hazard;

2. (2)

   1. (A) An automatic water fill control with a manual override may be provided to maintain the water level in the pool/spa at the proper level.
   2. (B) The water supply must be protected at all times from backflow.
   3. (C) An approved backflow preventer installation consists of a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer which:

(i) Has been accepted by the department and the State Board of Plumbing; and

1. (ii) Is installed where it is readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

   1. (D) The RPZ must be protected from freezing temperatures wherever installed – under buildings, inside buildings, or in an insulated box manufactured for maintenance purposes for the RPZ – ample room is required for testing and/or maintenance.
   2. (E) If installed out in the open, it shall be the responsibility of the plumbing contractor and/or the owner as the case may be, to provide proper freeze protection; or

2. (3)

   1. (A) A hose bibb equipped with vacuum breaker.
   2. (B) If make-up water is added to the surge tank through the pool/spa recirculation piping or through a dedicated fill line which allows water to enter at the pool water level, then the installation must comply with the above requirements for backflow prevention.