Proposal to give plan review for commercial pools back to the Florida Department of Health
http://kimesengineering.com/images/UPSA_Proposed_Plan_Review_Legislation.pdf
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@kimesengineering-blog
Proposal to give plan review for commercial pools back to the Florida Department of Health
http://kimesengineering.com/images/UPSA_Proposed_Plan_Review_Legislation.pdf
http://www.kimesengineering.com
NEW FLORIDA BUILDING CODE INFORMATION
February 10, 2012
As you may know, the 2010 FBC goes into effect March 15, 2012. For residential swimming pools, it requires compliance with the new ANSI/APSP/ICC-15 2011 standard for RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
The 2010 FBC brings a third standard for the velocities in pool piping. Recall that ANSI/APSP-7, the STANDARD FOR SUCTION ENTRAPMENT AVOIDANCE IN SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS, SPAS, HOT TUBS, AND CATCH BASINS, requires the maximum flow of the pumps to be used to size "branch" piping and "trunk" suction piping. Also, there are three allowed methods for determining that maximum flow, be it the maximum flow defined by the end of the pump curve, or the flow determined by either detailed or simplified calculation of the "total dynamic head" of the system.
Using that max flow, ANSI-7 expects "branch" piping to be sized at 6 FPS, and "trunk" suction piping at 8 FPS. This standard is silent on the "return" piping.
Now, ANSI-15 requires the simple calculation of the allowed filtration flow, and expected auxiliary flow. The greater of that flow is to be used to size all "suction" piping at 6 FPS, and "return" piping at 8 FPS. These become minimum pipe sizes that might be increased by the ANSI-7 analysis.
The ANSI-5 standard limits both "suction" and "pressure" piping to 8 FPS, without definition of the flow basis. Consequently, meeting ANSI-15 and ANSI-7, meets ANIS-5.
Information Regarding NEC Standard for Pool Bonding
Article 680 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), Section 680.26(7) clarifies bonding requirements for all non-current carrying metal parts. It says "All fixed metal parts shall be bonded including, but not limited to, metal-sheathed cables, and raceways, metal piping, metal awnings, metal fences, and metal door and window frames." This applies to all metal door and window frames within 5 feet horizontally of the pool wall, and 12 feet vertically above the water surface. If there is some sort of separation barrier that "prevents contact by a person" this does not apply.
City of North Port Requires Backflow Preventers on Water Services where a Pool/Spa is Constructed
This notice was received December 1, 2011. North Port Utilities confirmed that if the only backflow risk is a pool, either a double check valves such as Wilkins 950XL or a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer would be acceptable. As mentioned in the notice, a permit is required for the installation of the device by a licensed plumber, and the backflow certification is required prior to the final inspection of the pool permit.
NOTICE
TO ALL NORTH PORT AREA
POOL CONTRACTORS
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY; Nov. 30, 2011
Per City of North Port Ordinance 08-19 all properties that are connected to City water and have a secondary source of water are required to have a backflow preventer installed. Since a pool is considered a secondary source of water, customers that are on City water will be required to install a backflow device.
The backflow device must be installed on the water service line as close to the water meter as possible. It must be installed prior to the completion of the pool and a copy of the backflow certification should be submitted to the Utilities’ office before final inspection. The Backflow must be in place prior to your Building Pool Final inspection.
Please note that a permit is required for this installation and a licensed plumber must install the device. The permit will be issued through the Building Department.
Questions concerning the permit or inspections should be directed to:
North Port Building Department
Jack McDonald, Plumbing Inspector at
941-429-7179 or at [email protected]
Questions concerning the backflow requirement should be directed to:
North Port Utilities Department
Erin Childers, Executive Assistant at
941-240-8002 or at [email protected]
I have attached a printable copy.
Thank you,
Bud Korte
Chief Plans Examiner
City of North Port
Neighborhood Development Services
Building Division
4970 City Hall Blvd.
North Port, Fl. 34286
Ofc. 941-429-7028
Fax 941-429-7031
A City where you can "Achieve Anything"
What License is Required to Install an ADA Compliant Pool Lift...
According to a report from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) has issued a declaratory statement regarding what license is required to install an ADA compliant pool lift. It was on October 14 that there was a unanimous decision of the CILB that a building contractor or general contractor CANNOT install pool lifts, and that it is clearly under the scope of a swimming pool contractor license.
So, you want a variance from the Pool Rules...
Commercial/Public Pool, Spa, Wading Pool & Interactive Water Feature
Variances from the State Rule 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
THE PLAYERS:
The Tallahassee Health Department office (State Health Office) issues final Variance Decisions.
The Governor’s Swimming Pool and Bathing Places Advisory Board, reviews variance applications and makes recommendations to Tallahassee.
The Local Health Department office receives the fee and application, may conduct site inspection, and forwards the application to Tallahassee for inclusion on the Advisory Board agenda.
The applicant is the owner or representative authorized in writing, who signs the Variance Application and receives the final Variance Decision.
Kimes Engineering, if desired, can prepare the Variance Application and represent the owner at the Advisory Board meeting when the Variance request is considered.
THE PROCESS:
The Variance Application and supporting information is prepared. This does not require an engineer, but Kimes Engineering is available with the expertise to complete these materials.
11 copies of the Application, supporting documentation, and fee are submitted to the Local Health Department office 60 days prior to the Advisory Board meeting. A receipt of fee is issued.
After review, the Local Health Department forwards 10 applications to the Tallahassee Office to insert in the Advisory Board’s agenda.
The Advisory Board meets the 2nd Wednesday of every ODD month, at the Regional State Health Office located at 400 W Robinson St, Orlando Fl, beginning at 9:30 am.
The Advisory Board’s decision is a recommendation to the Tallahassee Office, who issues the official decision on the Variance request, usually within 30 to 45 days following the meeting.
If desired to have a Variance Application considered at the next meeting, but the 60 day submittal deadline has passed, the Advisory Board does accept and consider “walk on” applications presented in person.
In the case of a “walk on”, one copy of the Application and the fee are still submitted to the Local Health Department, who issues a receipt for the fee, and returns one copy of their signed page 2 of the application with any comments they may make.
10 copies, with the receipt are taken to the Advisory Board meeting, for the “walk on” presentation.
SAMPLE OF THE REQUIRED VARIANCE FORM
(Recommend downloading official form from Florida Department of Health Website)
Official Use Only:
Application No._____________
Fee Paid $_______
Date_______
Check #____________________
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE FROM CHAPTER 64E-9,
FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE SWIMMING POOLS AND BATHING PLACES
In order to solicit a variance recommendation from the Advisory Review Board, it is necessary to have a letter or inspection report from environmental engineering or the local county health department indicating that your proposed project, plan, or product does not meet one or more of the rule requirements set forth in Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code. A copy of the letter or report must accompany this application. Additionally, a processing fee of $300 must be provided.
PART I (To be completed by the applicant):
1. Name of Agent or Applicant:
2. Street Address: ______________________________________
City:
State : _____________ Zip: ____________ Telephone: ( ) -
3. Name of Plan, Project, or Product :
Street Address: _______________________________________ City:
State : _____________ Zip: ____________ Telephone: ( ) - County:
4. Name of Contractor:
Street Address: _______________________________________ City:
State : _____________ Zip: ____________ Telephone: ( ) - License Number: __________
5. Engineer's Name and License #:
6. State reason(s) for variance request. Attach eight copies of applications, drawings, specifications, photos, etc., that clearly illustrate this variance request. (Attach separate sheet if necessary.)
7. State hardship and justification as to why the variance would relieve the hardship. (Attach separate sheet if necessary.)
8. State any additional reason or provide any technical documentation to support your supposition that a variance would not likely result in an impairment to public health. (Attach a separate sheet if necessary.)
9. Forward to environmental engineering or local county health department having authority for review and completion of Part II.
Signature of Owner or *Owner's Agent
Date of Application
*Provide a letter from owner granting DH 4080, 7/08, 64E-9.003, F.A.C. permission to act on his behalf.
PART II (To be completed by Environmental Engineering/County Health Department prior to submittal.):
1. Specific Section(s) of Chapter 514, F.S. and/or 64E-9, F.A.C. involved in this variance:
2. State facts regarding this matter that would help make informed decisions.:
3. The department is aware of this request and has collected the appropriate fee.
DOH Engineer/Environmental Health Director Date
Instructions for CHD and/or Environmental Engineering:
1. County Health Department shall forward completed application and fee to The Bureau of Water Programs in Tallahassee.
2. In the spaces above list any additional details of your evaluation telling why the standards cannot be met and/or why they should be met.
3. This completed form must be received in the above office at least 30 days in advance to any scheduled Advisory Review Board meeting date.
4. Attach any supporting documentation you deem necessary to clearly explain the code violation and the variance request.http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/swim/download.html
Interpretation of House Bill 849 places Florida residents and visitors at greater risk
The 2011 Florida Legislature passed language in the Building Code bill (HB849) that is interpreted to allow all anti-entrapment options for commercial pools and spas constructed prior to 1993 that are on direct suction. While the Health Department has issued a policy June 1, 2011, there will continue discussion on the issue over the coming year when they work to revise Rule 64E-9, F.A.C., Florida’s commercial pool rule.
This means that the anti-entrapment options contained in the Virginia Graemme Baker Act, such as a vent system, and automatic pump shut-off systems may be used, instead of the collector tank option that was required in the 2009 revision of Rule 64E-9, F.A.C. Those anti entrapment options will fail or be by-passed. While this approach may be good enough for the rest of the nation, Florida tourism serves a much longer swimming season at so many more pools.
There is no doubt about it in our mind, that HB849 and the interpretation that all old direct suction pools and spas older than 1993 may select options other than a collector tank increases the danger to Florida’s residents and visitors.
• Of the approximately 37,000 public pools in Florida alone, there were 6,000 constructed ata time when direct suction was allowed. [State Health Office]
• My experience as an engineer involved with these types of projects is that the contractor
cost to provide the collector tank change is on the order of $10,000 for simple projects to $20,000 where the tank location or other constraints make it difficult.
• Many Associations choose to re-finish their spa or pool or otherwise upgrade their facility, increasing the cost of the project to add the collector tank.
• The Consumer Products Safety Commission has already recalled a poorly constructed vacuum release product.
• Changes in pumps or shutting off the vac release system due to its sensitivity renders the other systems in-effectual. The collector tank can keep the public pool safe even when other equipment is changed out.
• Vacuum release systems are typically “Backed by a 3-year limited warranty.” Collector tanks never fail to be safe. If they fail after they become so aged, they must be replaced, not just turned off.
• Gravity flow systems have a much slower design flow in the pipe of 3 feet per second.
Suction piping with other options can flow at 6 feet per second. Even with a vacuum release system that is able to kill the pump within one half second of a blockage, in the case of evisceration, the intestines are already 3 feet into the pipe. There simply isn’t the same suction force or velocity on a gravity drain to create that risk.
"Excerpt from HB 849" link: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/swim/Excerpt.pdf
New Florida Building Code Effective Date Extended--
Subject to the final rule hearing of the Florida Building Commission in the second week of August, the effective date of the 2010 Florida Building Code will move from 12-31-11 to 3-15-12. Apparently, the final code will not be available for purchase until October.
Drowning in Massachusetts Points to Poor Pool Water Quality
Never swim in a pool if you can’t clearly see the bottom drain.
In Florida, public pools are to be closed if in this condition.
Check out the news story from July about a woman drowning in a Massachusetts public pool who wasn’t found for two days, while the pool remained in use.
Check out this link and photo. This exemplifies the need for proper commercial pool sizing and or equipment maintenance.
http://www.rhodeisland.statenews.net/story/805959
RESORT SUED FOR ENTRAPMENT DROWNING
A lawsuit has been filed against Sandal's Resort, Nassau Bahamas, stemming from an entrapment drowning last December.
The 33 year old male was a former allstate baseball player, and could easily bench press 300 pounds. He was in the spa when he became entrapped against the drain, and submerged in three feet of water.
His fiancee, noticing he had gone under and not resurfaced jumped in to help, along with several other heroic guests. They soon found they could not even budge him from the drain. Finally, one person braced his legs against the spa walls while pushing backwards against the man, and was able to roll him off the drain. After 45-55 minutes of attempting to resuscitate the man, paramedics arrived, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Court documents have claimed a variety of unsafe conditions in relationship to the spa. The spa had only a single drain, unsafe drain covers, no SVRS, or other form of anit-entrapment device, and the drain cover was improperly fastened to the drain. There was no shut off switch, and the pump room was inaccessible making turning off the equipment very difficult.
Not only has Sandal's Resort been named in the suit, but also the marketing rep firm, Unique Vacations, LLC., the manufacturers of the equipment, the distributor of the equipment, and the contractor that sold it to Sandals. The suit was filed in Florida, because both Sandals and Unique do a major part of their business here.
As you can see, pool safety, especially entrapment, has become a major issue not only in the United States, but is becoming a global issue as well. You can never be too careful when a human life is at stake. Always make sure you meet, or exceed all Federal and State Regulations on your projects. Not only will you save lives, but you won't end up in a situation like this one.
--Printed from Vak Pak Manufacturing's Monthly Newsletter, July 2011
Important Information--
As you may know, drain cover manufacturers have recalled a number of specific covers due to some incorrect flow ratings. Among those recalled is the Aquastar 12”x12” “WAVE” cover that was previously recommended on Kimes Engineering drawings.
At this point, the Health Department will not “open” new or modified pools that have a recalled cover.
It is not clear what action owners need to take regarding existing pools or spas with recalled covers.
The recommended substitution and replacement/retrofit is the Aquastar 1216 or R1216. These covers have a flow at 1.5 fps of over 472 gpm.
Kimes Engineering will note any equipment change on the DH916s offered to the Health Department to get the pool/spa open.
Keep in mind that the Aquastar 1216 or R1216 have the advantage of being approved with only 3” deep sumps instead of the 1.5 x pipe diameter.
You can get more information from the Consumer Products Safety link at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11229.html .
New fliers promoting our Permit Service, Plans Review, and Inspection Service. For more information about Southwest Florida Building Inspections, click here: http://www.swfbi.com/
Commercial Aquatics & Residential Pool Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Third Party Plans Review and Inspection Services
Professional Association Management Services
COMMERCIAL POOL/SPA REQUIREMENTS RESURFACING OF THE POOL/SPA
The following is taken from Rule 64E-9.005(2), Florida Administrative Code:
Resurfacing the pool interior to original non-toxic slip-resistant and smooth specifications or equivalent replacement of equipment are not considered modifications. However, the following items shall be addressed during resurfacing projects:
a) The County Health Department shall be notified in writing of any proposed pool resurfacing or upgrades to decking at least 10 days prior to commencement. The notification shall include an itemized list of all proposed work that is to be performed, the license number of the contractor selected and shall indicate that all work will meet the requirements of paragraphs 64E-9.005(2)(a) through (g), F.A.C.
b) The lip of the gutter must be leveled to within ¼ inch between the highest and lowest point and the downward slope from the lip to the drain must be maintained as originally designed or increased, but shall not exceed new construction standards.
c) Tile step markings must be installed meeting the requirements of subparagraph 64E-9.006(1)(d)3., F.A.C.[Dark contrasting color, slip resistant, and correct size]
d) Where applicable the slope break marking must be installed meeting the requirements of subsubparagraph 64E-9.006(1)(c)2.b., F.A.C. and the safety line must be installed two feet before the marking. [2” to 6” wide dark contrasting, slip resistant marking, among other requirements]
e) Depth markers and NO DIVING markers must be installed in accordance with subparagraph 64E-9.006(1)(c)3., F.A.C. [maximum 25 foot separation reading + or – 3 inches of actual depth, among other requirements]
f) The pool ladder must have a minimum three inch to maximum six inch clearance from the pool wall. New cross braced ladder(s) shall be installed in place of non-cross braced ladder(s) in conformance with 64E-9.006(1)(d)1. during a pool resurfacing. [cross braced, 29” to 40” high, bottom braces shall contact pool wall with intact end caps or bumpers, top rung at or below water level on gutter & max 12” below]
g) Should resurfacing affect the step riser heights, no riser shall exceed 12 inches and the intermediate risers shall be made uniform.
h) When fiberglass is used to resurface a pool any existing tile shall not be covered by the fiberglass finish.
i) The County Health Department shall be notified in writing of any proposed pool resurfacing or upgrades to decking at least 10 days prior to commencement. The notification shall include an itemized list of all proposed work that is to be performed, the license number of the contractor selected and shall indicate that all work will meet the requirements of paragraphs 64E-9.005(2)(a) through (g), F.A.C.
j) Upon completion of the work the licensed contractor shall provide the County Health Department a letter bearing their license number which certifies that the work was completed in accordance with paragraphs 64E-9.005(2)(a) through (g), F.A.C.
k) Recessed treads that protrude from the pool wall shall be removed and replaced with a cross braced ladder or reconstructed to meet the requirements of Chapter 64E-9.006(1)(d)2.
Kimes Engineering offers this for assistance and quick reference. Rule 64E-9, F.A.C. should be consulted for consulted for complete details. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/swim/2009-64E-9-BOAC-final-edits-sing.PDF
http://www.KimesEngineering.com