Saftey - New Codes, Mandates And Standards

nadtwins

I want to start a discussion on all the new regulations concerning main drains, SVR'S and alarms that have appeared over the past year or so. First off if you are not aware of them you should be. Below is just a short sample of what we now have to deal with. If any one would like links or more information on the various codes you can pm me.
We in my area are in a tough spot because we have regulations that we need to adhere to yet the building officials don't have a good understanding of how to interpret these codes.
So who has questions or comment's? How does every one plan to comply?
Does anyone need more information?
By the way, I am no expert on this subject I have done some research and have found some helpful sites.





IRC 2003The Residential Code adopted specific Standards for Entrapment Avoidance in 2003.
Here is an excerpt from the IRC 2003 section AG 106 on entrapment avoidance and also the IBC 2003 entrapment avoidance requirements that were added to Section 3109 of the International Building Code. The new requirements can be summarized as follows:

• General. Suction outlets shall be designed to produce circulation throughout the pool or spa. Single outlet systems, such as automatic vacuum cleaner systems, or other such multiple suction outlets whether isolated by valves or otherwise shall be protected against user entrapment.

• <LI class=style8>Suction Fittings. All Pool and Spa suction outlets shall be provided with a cover that conforms with ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M, or a 12"X 12" drain grate or larger, or an approved channel drain systems.

  Exception: Surface Skimmers

• Atmospheric Vacuum System Required. All pool and spa single or multiple outlet circulation systems shall be equipped atmospheric vacuum relief should grate covers located therein become missing or broken. Such vacuum relief systems shall include at least one approved or engineered method of the type specified herein, as follows:

1. Safety vacuum release systems (SVRS) conforming to ANSI/ASME A112.19.17, or

2. Approved gravity drainage system.

• Dual Drain Separation. Single or multiple pump circulation systems shall be provided with a minimum of two (2) suction outlets of the approved type. A minimum horizontal or vertical distance of three feet (3') shall separate such outlets. These suction outlets shall be piped so that water is drawn though them simultaneously through a vacuum relief-protected line to the pump or pumps.

• Pool Cleaner Fittings. Where provided, vacuum or pressure cleaner fitting(s) shall be located in an accessible position(s) at least six (6) inches and not greater than twelve (12) inches below the minimum operational water level or as an attachment to the skimmer(s).”

IRC 2006The International Residential Code revision for 2006 is similar to the 2003 Code revision as pertaining to Entrapment Avoidance.</SPAN>
IBC 2006The International Building Code revision for 2006 is also similar to the 2003 code revision but section AG106.2 was revised to include the following text as pertaining to drain grate size.</SPAN>

• AG106.2 Suction fittings. Pool and spa suction outlets shall have a cover that conforms to ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M, or an 18 inch X 23 inch (457 mm by 584 mm) drain grate or larger, or an approved channel drain system.
  • Exception: Surface skimmers

__________________
The day I stop learning is the day I die!

PoolGuy

The Florida Building Commission voted to adopt ANSI-7 Suction Entrapment Avoidance into the Florida Building Code. This goes into effect in Oct.

The ICC will vote on ANSI-7 for the IRC in Minneapolis in September. This would replace the SVRS requirement that you cite. Requiring a SVRS on a pool built to ANSI-7 is like requiring a fire escape on a single story building.

There are too many companies trying to specify their products in the building codes IMO. They should sell their products on its merits, not force in down our throats via code requirements.

SVRS devices belong on older single drain pools, not dual drain pools.

You might want to get with the pool association in your area to support adopting ANSI-7 into the ICC.

My 2 cents.

nadtwins

Hey PoolGuy!
Actually the ICC voted down ANSI 7 last week stating that they had a problem with the language.That being said the language for ANSI 7 will be reworked and there will be an opportunity to present it to the ICC in September. How ever that dose not help for this summer. In-fact even when the ICC adopts ANSI 7 it still may take some states years before they change their codes.
I think it is important for everybody to be aware of the codes as they stand today. You are correct that every one in the pool business should support their local pool association. This is one of many areas that the pool association is a valuable assist to anyone that works with swimming pools.

__________________
The day I stop learning is the day I die!