1. (1) "Action river" means a channeled flow of water that combines the elements of a lazy river and a wave pool in which the water is moved by pumps or other means of propulsion to provide a river-like flow combined with a series of cyclically generated waves to transport a bather over a defined path that does not have a consistent depth due to the continuous wave action.
2. (2) "Automated controller" means a system of at least one chemical probe, a controller, and an auxiliary or integrated component that senses the level of one or more water parameters and provides a signal to chemical feed equipment to maintain the parameter within a user-established range.
3. (3) "Backwash" means the process of cleaning a certain type of pool filter by reversing the flow of water through the filter.

4. (4)(a) "Bather" means a person at a pool who has contact with water either through spray or partial or total immersion.

   1. (b) Bather also includes a staff member and refers to a user who may be exposed to contaminated water as well as potentially contaminate the water.
5. (5) "Bather load" means the number of persons using the pool water at any one time.
6. (6) "Breakpoint chlorination" means the conversion of inorganic combined chlorine compounds or chloramines to nitrogen gas by a reaction of the inorganic combined chlorine compound with the addition of a certain amount of free available chlorine.
7. (7) "Building code" means any code as incorporated and amended under Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act.

8. (8)(a) "Circulation system" means the mechanical components that are part of a recirculation system on a pool.

   1. (b) Circulation equipment includes a drain, filter, gauge, hair and lint strainer, heater, inlet, meter, outlet fitting, pump, skimmer, valve, or chemical feeding device that facilitates water movement through connected piping to promote water flow and maintain pool water in a clean and sanitary condition.
9. (9) "Clinical setting" means a clinic, department, hospital, or outpatient facility with a primary purpose of aquatic therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation, sports medicine, or delivery of supervised medical treatment to treat a diagnosed injury, illness, or medical condition.
10. (10) "Cold plunge pool" means a special purpose pool that is maintained at a temperature lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. (11) "Cold shock" means an involuntary physical response due to exposure to water that is less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, including symptoms such as a significant change in breathing, a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and cognitive impairment resulting in an increased risk of drowning.
12. (12) "Cold water" means water at a temperature equal to or less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. (13) "Collection tank" means a water holding vessel used in a surge system.
14. (14) "Collection zone" means the area of an interactive water feature where water from the feature is collected for treatment.
15. (15) "Combined chlorine" means the portion of the total chlorine that is combined with other molecules such as ammonia, sweat, urine, or other environmental contaminants, as calculated by determining the difference between the total available chlorine residual and the free available chlorine residual. Combined chlorine, commonly known as "chloramines," is responsible for the chlorine odor often associated with an indoor pool.
16. (16) "CPR" means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
17. (17) "Department" means the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
18. (18) "Diving area" means the area of a pool that is designed for diving.
19. (19) "Executive committee" means the applicable Governance executive committee.
20. (20) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services or a designee.
21. (21) "Facility" means the building, equipment, premises, and accessory objects related to the operation of a public pool.

22. (22) "Float tank" means a tub or tank containing a saturated solution of salt having:

    1. (a) a specific gravity high enough to allow the user to float on the surface;
    2. (b) a temperature typically maintained between 92 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit; and

    3. (c) a design intended for:

       1. (i) solitary use; and
       2. (ii) light and sound sensory deprivation for the user.
23. (23) "Flume" means the riding channel of a water slide that directs the path of travel and rate of descent of the bather.
24. (24) "Free available chlorine" or "free chlorine residual" means the portion of the total available chlorine that is not combined with other molecules and is present as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl).
25. (25) "Governance" means the committee described in Subsection 26B-1-207(3).

26. (26) "Gravity drain system" means a mechanism in which:

    1. (a) the circulation system is connected to at least one pool drain through a surge system rather than drawing directly from the pool drains; and
    2. (b) the water contained in the surge system is maintained at atmospheric pressure.
27. (27) "Hot water" means water at a temperature greater than or equal to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
28. (28) "Hyperchlorination" means the intentional and specific raising of chlorine levels for a prolonged period to inactivate pathogens following a fecal or vomit release in a pool or in response to a cryptosporidium outbreak warning.

29. (29)(a) "Instructional pool" means a pool used solely for providing water safety and survival instruction taught by a certified instructor.

    1. (b) An instructional pool does not include a private residential pool.
30. (30) "Imminent health hazard" means a significant threat or danger to health that exists when there is evidence sufficient to show that a circumstance, event, practice, or product creates a situation that can cause disease transmission, hazardous condition, infection, or pest infestation that requires immediate correction or cessation of operation to prevent injury, illness, or death.

31. (31)(a) "Infinity edge" means a pool wall structure and adjacent pool deck that is designed in such a way that:

    1. (i) the top of the pool wall and adjacent deck are not visible from certain vantage points in the pool; and

       1. (ii) water from the pool flows over the edge and is captured and adequately treated for reuse to meet the required turnover rate.
    2. (b) An infinity edge pool is often referred to as a "vanishing edge," "negative edge," or "zero edge" pool.

32. (32) "Interactive water feature" means a public use indoor or outdoor installation such as a splash pad, spray pad, wet deck, or other water feature that includes:

    1. (a) jetted, sprayed, or other water sources contacting bathers;
    2. (b) recirculating water;
    3. (c) a drainage system that prevents ponding or captured water in the bather activity area; and
    4. (d) a collection reservoir in which the interactive water feature completely drains when the feature pump turns off.
33. (33) "Lazy river" means a channeled flow of water where the water is moved by pumps or other means to provide a flow to transport a bather over a defined path and is generally consistent in depth throughout the channel of water.
34. (34) "Lifeguard" means an attendant who actively supervises the safety of any bather in the lifeguard's assigned zone of surveillance and is certified according to the requirements of Subsection R392-302-30(6).

35. (35) "Living unit" means a room or space that is temporarily or permanently occupied by an individual, group of individuals, or a family for residential or overnight lodging purposes. A living unit includes:

    1. (a) a campground site;
    2. (b) a condominium unit;
    3. (c) a manufactured home;
    4. (d) a recreational vehicle;
    5. (e) a room in a public lodging facility;
    6. (f) a single-family home;
    7. (g) an individual unit in a multiple-unit housing complex; or
    8. (h) any other type of dwelling.
36. (36) "Local health officer" means the health officer, or the health officer's designated representative, of the local health department having jurisdiction.
37. (37) "Local health department" means the same as defined in Subsection 26A-1-102(6).
38. (38) "Manager" means a person, or the person's designated representative, who controls, manages, or owns a public pool.
39. (39) "mg/L" means milligrams per liter and is an equivalent measure to ppm.
40. (40) "Onsite wastewater system" means an underground wastewater dispersal system designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with Rule R317-4.
41. (41) "Overflow gutter system" means a method to remove water from a pool surface to return the water to the circulation system for filtration using a level structure along the pool perimeter. An overflow gutter system requires a surge system to facilitate a consistent water level in the pool to allow for the removal of surface water.
42. (42) "Oxidation" means the process of changing the chemical structure of a water contaminant that allows the contaminant to be more readily removed from the water or made more soluble in the water.
43. (43) "Oxidation reduction potential" or "ORP" means a measure of the tendency for a solution to either gain or lose electrons. Higher, or more positive, oxidation reduction potential indicates more potential for oxidation. This technology is commonly used in automatic disinfectant feed controllers.
44. (44) "Parts per million" or "ppm" means a measurement commonly used for chemical testing in pools and is an equivalent measure to mg/L.
45. (45) "Peak occupancy" means the anticipated maximum number of bathers in the pool water.
46. (46) "Plumbing Code" means International Plumbing Code as incorporated and amended in Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act.

47. (47) "Plumbing fixture" means a receptacle or device that:

    1. (a) is connected to the water supply system of the premises; or
    2. (b) discharges wastewater, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage to the drainage system of the premises.

48. (48)(a) "Pool" means an artificially constructed structure or modified natural structure designed for total or partial bather contact with or immersion in water, intended for a recreational or therapeutic purpose.

    1. (b) A pool may include a:

       1. (i) swimming pool; or
       2. (ii) special purpose pool.
49. (49) "Pool deck" means the horizontal surface area immediately adjacent to and extending from the pool edge a minimum distance as described in Section R392-302-15 and Subsection R392-302-39(2).
50. (50) "Pool shell" means the rigid encasing structure of a pool that confines the pool water.

51. (51) "Private residential pool" means a pool that:

    1. (a) is not a public pool;
    2. (b) is designated or intended for private residential use by an individual, family, or a living unit member or guest; and
    3. (c) serves three or fewer associated living units.
52. (52) "Public cold bath" means the same as defined in Section 26B-7-124.

53. (53)(a) "Public pool" means a pool used by the general public regardless of whether there is a charge or payment for facility use.

    1. (b) A private residential pool is not a public pool.

54. (54) "Qualified pool operator" means an individual:

    1. (a) responsible for the onsite operation and maintenance of the water and air quality systems and the associated infrastructure of the pool; and
    2. (b) who is certified according to the requirements of Subsection R392-302-33(1)(a).
55. (55) "Recessed steps" means a way of entry or exit for a pool similar to a ladder but with the individual treads recessed into the pool wall.
56. (56) "Requestor" means a person who requests a variance on behalf of an individual, business, or entity that is regulated by a local health department.
57. (57) "Saturation index" means a mathematical value for indicating the corrosive or scale-forming nature of pool water as determined by the application of the formula provided in Table 3, which is based on the interrelation of pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

58. (58) "Shower" means a device that sprays non-recirculated, potable water on the body to remove biological, chemical, or physical contaminants from a bather.

    1. (a) "Cleansing shower" means cleaning the entire body surface in a shower within a hygiene facility using warm water and soap. The purpose of a cleansing shower is to remove contaminants, including dirt, perianal fecal material, personal care products, sweat, and skin cells, before a bather enters the pool.
    2. (b) "Rinse shower" means a shower typically located on the pool deck area with ambient temperature water. The primary purpose of a rinse shower is to remove dirt, organic material, or sand before a bather enters the pool to reduce the introduction of contaminants and the formation of disinfection byproducts.

59. (59)(a) "Skimmer" means a device installed in the pool wall to remove floating debris and surface water to return the water to the circulation system for filtration.

    1. (b) A skimmer may be used as one device or as a system of devices located periodically along the top of the pool wall.
60. (60) "Slide runout" means a part of a water slide consisting of a continuation of a water slide flume surface where a bather is intended to decelerate, stop, and exit the water slide.
61. (61) "Slide splash pool" means the area of water located at the ending point of a water slide or vehicle slide designed to receive a bather emerging from a flume to end the slide action and provide a means of exit to a deck or walkway area.
62. (62) "Spa pool" means a special purpose pool that is maintained at a temperature higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and is designed for relaxation or recreational use where the bather is typically at rest, reclining, or sitting and includes bubbles produced by air induction, jetted circulation, or a mineral bath.
63. (63) "Special purpose pool" means a pool that is regulated with certain exemptions or additional requirements described in this rule under sections with "special purpose pool" in the section catchline.
64. (64) "Sports medicine" means a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise.
65. (65) "Sun shelf" means an area of a pool that adjoins the pool edge and creates a shallow area for a bather to lounge and play.
66. (66) "Surf pool" means a pool designed to generate waves dedicated to the activity of surfing on a surfing device, including a surfboard or body board, commonly used in the ocean and intended for sport as opposed to general play intent for a wave pool.

67. (67)(a) "Surge system" means a gutter, tank, or other technology designed to promote continuous skimming in any operating condition.

    1. (b) A surge system receives the gravity flow of water from an overflow gutter system and water from the suction outlet system or main drain.
    2. (c) A circulation system pump receives water from the surge system for treatment and filtration.
68. (68) "Swimming pool" means a pool used primarily for recreational, sporting, or instructional purposes in bathing, swimming, or diving activities.
69. (69) "Teaching platform" means a permanently affixed or portable, flat, horizontal surface that reduces the water depth to provide an area for bather instruction and practice.
70. (70) "Temporary pool" means a body of water that operates as a pool for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single celebration or event.
71. (71) "Therapy pool" means a special purpose pool primarily used for supervised treatment.
72. (72) "Turnover" means the circulation of a quantity of water equal to the pool volume through the circulation system.
73. (73) "Unblockable drain" means a drain that meets the requirements described in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110 140, 121 Stat. 1794.
74. (74) "Underwater rest ledge" means a continuous step in the pool wall that allows a bather to rest by standing without treading water.
75. (75) "Vacation rental" means a furnished living unit that is temporarily rented out as an alternative to a public lodging facility, as defined in Rule R392-502.
76. (76) "Variance" means a written document issued by the department that authorizes a modification or waiver of a requirement of a rule promulgated under Title R392 if, in the opinion of the department, a health hazard or nuisance will not result from the modification or waiver.
77. (77) "Vehicle slide" means a water slide where a bather rides a vehicle, including a sled, toboggan, or tube, into a slide splash pool or slide runout.
78. (78) "Wading area" means any area within a pool used for wading or a water play activity with a shallow depth as described in Subsection R392-302-40(1)(b).
79. (79) "Wading pool" means a pool that is primarily used for wading or a water play activity that meets the requirements of Section R392-302-40.

80. (80) "Wastewater" means:

    1. (a) pool filter backwash water;
    2. (b) salt-laden pool water; or
    3. (c) sewage, industrial waste, or another liquid substance that might cause pollution of waters of the state.
81. (81) "Water slide" means a flume lubricated by water flow upon which a bather slides into a slide splash pool or slide runout.

82. (82) "Water watcher" means a responsible person:

    1. (a) whose sole responsibility is to monitor, without distraction, a swimming lesson group;
    2. (b) who has the ability, knowledge, and skill to recognize a bather in distress; and
    3. (c) who can immediately alert a lifeguard of a bather in distress.
83. (83) "Wave pool" means a pool designed to simulate breaking or cyclic waves for general play.

KEY: pools, spas, swimming, water

Date of Last Change: May 26, 2026

Notice of Continuation: October 21, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26B-1-202; 26B-7-113; 26B-7-124; 26B-7-402