Rule 511-3-5-.07. Circulation Systems

(1) A circulation system consisting of pumps, piping, return inlets and suction outlets, filters and other necessary equipment shall be provided for complete circulation of water through all parts of the pool. (a) The equipment for a swimming pool shall be of adequate size to turn over the entire pool water capacity. The turnover rate for pools constructed after the adoption of this chapter shall not exceed the sum of one and one-half times the average water depth in feet; where the number of hours is equal to the number feet calculated, or exceed once every six hours whichever is less. Unless the rate is otherwise specified in subsection (b) below. This system shall be designed to give the proper turnover rate based on the manufacturer's recommended maximum pressure flow of the filter in dirty media condition of the filter, immediately prior to cleaning the filter. (b) Turnover rates for pools by type listed below: Type Turnover Rate 1. Activity Pools 2 hours 2. Continuous Water Channels 1 hours 3. Dual Use Swimming Pools (swimming pools with a water slide and/or one other feature with an average depth exceeding 24 inches) 4 hours 4. Diving Pools 8 hours 5. Interactive Water Play Pools/Spray Pads 30 minutes 6. Landing Pools, Flumes, Slides and All Other Plunge Pools 60 minutes 7. Leisure Rivers 2 hours 8. Spas/Exercise Spas 30 minutes 9. Wading Interactive Pools (maximum depth, 18 inches) 60 minutes 10. Wading Pools (without any interactive equipment) 60 minutes 11. Water Attraction/Equipment Pump Reservoir Tanks 30 minutes 12. Wave Pools 2 hours (c) Timing devices will be allowed for the purpose of turning down the circulation system during times when a pool is not being used. Timing devices must be set to provide at least one complete turnover immediately prior to the pool reopening. 1. The system flowrate shall not be reduced more than 25% lower than the minimum design flowrate requirement and only reduced when the pool is unoccupied. 2. The system flowrate shall ensure the minimum water clarity required under the chapter is met before opening to the public. 3. The system shall be required to maintain required disinfectant and pH levels at all times. (d) For spas, a minute timer that does not exceed 15 minutes shall be connected to the agitation system. The timer shall be located out of reach of a bather in the spa. (e) Water clarity shall be maintained. When standing at the pool's edge at the deep end, the main drain suction outlet covers or a four inch by four inch square marker tile in contrasting color shall be clearly visible. When standing at a spa's edge, the deepest portion of the spa floor shall be visible when the water is still. 1. For pools over ten feet deep an eight inch by eight inch square marker tile in a contrasting color to the pool floor shall be visible at the deepest part of the pool. 2. This reference point shall be visible at all times from the edge of the deck. (f) Circulation system components which require replacement or servicing shall be accessible for inspection, repair or replacement and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. (g) Where equipment sizing falls within the scope of NSF testing, materials and equipment used in the circulation system shall comply with the appropriate requirements of NSF Standard 50. (h) Equipment used for a public pool shall be properly supported to prevent damage from misalignment or settlement. The equipment shall be mounted so as to minimize the potential for the accumulation of debris and moisture, following manufacturer's instructions.

1. (2) Water Velocity. The water velocity in the pool or spa piping for discharge piping shall not exceed eight feet per second and for suction piping, shall not exceed six feet per second.

   1. (a) Pool and spa piping shall be sized to permit the rated flows for filtering and cleaning without exceeding the maximum head of the pump.
   2. (b) The pump shall be sized to deliver the required flow rate against the total system head involved.

2. (3) Piping and Fittings. The circulation system piping and fittings shall be nontoxic, shall be considered to be process piping, and shall be of material able to withstand operating pressures and operating conditions.

   1. (a) Pool and spa piping subject to damage by freezing shall have a uniform slope in one direction equipped with valves for adequate drainage. Pool and spa piping shall be supported at sufficient intervals to prevent entrapment of air, water, or dirt. Provisions shall be made for expansion or contraction of pipes. All piping shall comply with NSF Standard 14 or other applicable standards.
   2. (b) Equipment shall be designed and fabricated to drain the pool or spa water from the equipment, together with exposed face piping, by removal of drain plugs and manipulating valves or by other methods. Refer to manufacturer's recommendations for specific information on draining the system.

3. (4) System Condition. Gauges shall be provided as follows:

   1. (a) A pressure or vacuum gauge or other means of indicating system condition shall be provided in the circulation system in an easily readable location.
   2. (b) A flow meter measuring the rate of flow through the filter system with an appropriate range readable in gallons per minute (GPM) and accurate within ten percent actual flow shall be provided. The flow indicator shall be capable of measuring from one-half to at least one and one-half times the design flow rate. The gauge shall be located after the filtering equipment and in such location on the return line, so as to measure the total amount of water returning to the pool according to the manufacturer's installation specifications.
4. (5) Water Clarity and Chemistry. The circulation system shall be capable of maintaining water clarity and water chemistry requirements and shall operate twenty-four hours per day, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter.
5. (6) Instructions. Written operation and maintenance instructions shall be provided for the circulation system.

Authority: O.C.G.A.§§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.

History. Original Rule entitled "Circulation Systems" adopted. F. Oct. 15, 2013; eff. Nov. 4, 2013.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 11, 2017; eff. Jan. 31, 2017.