(a) General.

1. (1) Overflow system required. All pools/spas shall be provided with a surface overflow system which shall:

   1. (A) Be an integral part of the circulation system; and
   2. (B) Consist of either:

(i) Built-in-place gutters;

1. (ii) Prefabricated gutters; and/or

   1. (iii) Recessed automatic surface skimmers.

2. (2) Combination gutter/skimmer system.

   1. (A) Nothing in this section shall preclude use of a surface overflow system which combines both a gutter and a recessed automatic surface skimmer.
   2. (B) All pools with a water surface greater three thousand square feet (3,000 sq. ft.) shall be equipped with gutters or a combination of gutters and skimmers.

(b) Perimeter overflow (gutters). Whenever a built-in-place perimeter overflow system or a prefabricated perimeter overflow system is provided, it shall be designed and installed such that:

1. (1) Capacity. The system shall be capable of handling one hundred percent (100%) of the circulation flow (based upon the required turnover rate) without the overflow troughs being flooded for any appreciable period of time;

2. (2) Surge capacity.

   1. (A) A surge capacity shall be provided either in the system and/or by use of a surge tank.
   2. (B) The total surge capacity shall be at least equal to one gallon per square foot (1 gal./sq. ft.) of swimming pool water surface area;
3. (3) Water level. The water level of the swimming pool/spa shall be maintained at or slightly higher than the level of the overflow rim of the perimeter overflows, except for the time needed to transfer all of the water which may be in surge capacity back into the swimming pool after a period of use, provided that this transfer time shall not be greater than twenty (20) minutes.

4. (4) Overflow gutters.

   1. (A) Gutters shall:

      1. (i) Extend entirely around the perimeter of the pool and have the necessary slope to prevent accumulations of debris, dirt, etc.;
      2. (ii) Be of ample size to carry off normal amounts of water introduced into them; and
      3. (iii) Be easily accessible for cleaning.

   2. (B) Drainage outlets shall be:

      1. (i) Provided at least every fifteen feet (15’); and
      2. (ii) Covered by removable grating.
5. (5) Overflow rim. When installed, the tolerance of the overflow rim shall not exceed one-fourth inch (1/4”) as measured between the highest point and the lowest point of the overflow rim.
6. (6) Automatic skimming. During nonuse, the overflow system shall be capable of providing continuous and automatic skimming action to the water at the surface of pool.

7. (7) Overflow troughs.

   1. (A) The overflow troughs shall be installed completely around the perimeter of the swimming pool, except at:

      1. (i) Steps;
      2. (ii) Recessed ladders; and
      3. (iii) Stairs.
   2. (B) Hand hold. The exposed surfaces of the overflow trough shall be capable of providing a firm and safe handhold.

   3. (C) Easily cleaned. The overflow trough shall be:

      1. (i) Capable of being cleaned easily; and
      2. (ii) Of such configuration as to minimize accidental injury and provide for adequate water depth marking.
      3. (c) Recessed automatic surface skimmers.
8. (1) NSF approval required. Whenever a recessed automatic surface skimmer is installed it shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the current NSF standards pertaining to recessed automatic surface skimmers.
9. (2) Skimmer design material. The recessed skimmer shall be of a grade designed for commercial pools, be of substantial, durable, reasonably corrosion-resistant material and equipped with an automatic skimmer weir and removable strainer basket and flat lid flush with deck and securely attached at all times.
10. (3) Skimmer flow rate. The skimmer shall be designed for a flow rate based on a minimum seventy percent (70%) of the total flow, in gpm.
11. (4) Skimmer flow adjustment valve. All skimmers shall have an integral trimmer valve.

12. (5) Skimmer minimum required.

    	Quantity	Minimum Number
    Swimming Pool	1 per 500 sq. ft.	4*
    Wading Pool	1 per 500 sq. ft.	1
    Water Slide	1 per 500 sq. ft.	2 Skimmers – Plunge Pool; 1 Skimmer – Pump Reservoir
    Therapy Pool/Swim Spas/Spas	1 per 500 sq. ft.	1

    1. (A) Skimmer quantity for other water recreation attractions or special purpose pools shall be as determined by the Department of Health during the design review process.
    2. (B) Note. Minimum number of skimmers may be reduced as determined by the department.
13. (6) Skimmer location. On outdoor pools/spas the recessed automatic surface skimmer or skimmers shall be so located as to take into consideration the direction of prevailing winds.
14. (7) Skimmer recessed. A recessed automatic skimmer shall not protrude into the pool.

15. (8)

    1. (A) Skimmer weir. The weir in the skimmer shall adjust automatically and operate freely to variations in water level over a minimum range flow of four inches (4”).
    2. (B) The floating basket design is approved in lieu of weirs.
16. (9) Equalizer. Equalizer piping for skimmers is not allowed.