§ 165.53 Additional Requirements for Spa Pools.
RCNY § 165.53
Spa pools shall comply with the additional provisions of this section: (a) Maximum depth. The maximum water depth shall be four feet (4') measured from the waterline. The maximum submerged depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be two feet measured from the water line.
(b)Location. After the effective date of this Article, where a spa pool is constructed in proximity to a swimming or wave pool, the spa pool shall be at the shallow end of the adjacent pool with a minimum distance of five feet (5') between the pools.
(c)Handholds. All spas shall have one (1) or more suitable, slip-resistant handhold(s) around the perimeter, located no further than four feet (4') apart and not over twelve inches (12") above the water line. The handhold(s) may consist of rounded coping, ledge or decks along the immediate top edge of the spa; ladders, steps or seat ledges; and ropes or railings.
(d)Steps. Design of steps shall conform to the following: (1) Step treads shall have a minimum unobstructed horizontal tread depth of 10 inches for a minimum continuous width of twelve inches (12").
(2)Riser height shall not be less than seven inches (7") nor greater than twelve inches (12"). When the bottom tread serves as a bench or seat, the bottom riser may be a maximum of fourteen inches (14").
(3)Step treads shall have slip-resistant tread surfaces.
(4)Each set of steps shall be provided with at least one handrail to fully serve all treads and risers.
(5)Seats or benches may be provided as part of the steps.
(e)Overflow system. An overflow system shall be provided. It shall be designed and constructed so that the water level of the spa is at the operating level of the rim or weir device during use and non-use of the spa. When surface skimmers are used, one surface skimmer shall be provided for each one hundred square feet (100 ft 2 ) or fraction thereof of spa surface area. Recirculation through the skimmer shall be at least 30 gpm/skimmer. When two or more skimmers are used in a spa, they shall be located to maintain effective skimming action over the entire surface area of the spa. Skimmers shall conform to 24 RCNY Health Code § 165.45.
(f)Air induction systems. An air induction system shall be designed to prevent water backup that could cause electrical shock hazards. Air intake sources shall not permit the introduction of toxic fumes or other contaminants.
(g)Heater and temperature requirements. The maximum temperature of the spa water shall not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermostatic control for the water shall be required. An alarm system set to ring a bell or buzzer shall be installed to warn of any temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The alarm shall ring in the spa area as well as at the attendant's normal work station. The alarm system shall turn off the heat when the alarm sounds, and not allow the heater to be reset until the water temperature has cooled below the maximum level. A manual timer shall be installed that will require resetting after 15 minutes. This timer shall be set to ring a warning bell and may control the agitation pump. The heater shall be designed pursuant to 24 RCNY Health Code § 165.45(k). Existing pools requiring modification to comply with this paragraph shall be in compliance on and after September 1, 2001.
(h)Emergency switch. For all spa pools, a clearly labeled emergency shutoff or control switch for the purpose of stopping the motor(s) that provide power to the recirculation system and jet system shall be installed readily accessible to the bathers at least five feet away, adjacent to, and within sight of the spa. Existing pools requiring modification to comply with this paragraph shall be in compliance on and after September 1, 2001.
