LADDER DIMENSIONS | POOL & LADDER SAFETY | POOL SAFETY GLOSSARY

STANDARD STAINLESS STEEL LADDER	PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL LADDER

Pool Safety Primer

Smart pool owners know you must never compromise on pool safety! First and foremost, Blue Wave offers high-quality yet economically priced pool entry systems that meet all safety codes and entrapment regulations.

To be sure, swimming pools bring fun in the sun, relaxation, and an excellent means of recreation for family and friends. Yet swimming pools are dangerous traps if they are not monitored properly. Every pool owner must be mindful of anyone or anything that can come into contact with the water. Preparation is the key to prevent drowning or near-drowning incidents. Establishing the proper safety precautions and ensuring that emergency equipment is near will bring peace of mind to a safe and refreshing swim or soak.

That's why every pool owner should adhere to the following set of tips for keeping a pool safe during the swimming season. Print it; post it; never forget to follow it!

Here is an at-a-glance guide to pool safety:

• Watch out for the dangerous "too's"—too tired, too cold, too much activity, too much sun, too far from safety.

• Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities—for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water that is less than chest-deep.

• Always use "feet-first" entry when entering the water.

• Always know which end of the pool is for diving, or if it has a diving depth at all. Diving depth must be clearly marked, with no obstructions.

• Do not use alcohol when swimming or soaking in a spa or pool.

• Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.

• Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken main drain cover, sub-suction cover, or skimmer cover. All suction areas of the pool or spa should be regularly inspected for entrapment or entanglement hazards.

• The main drain cover should be replaced if it is not a newer anti-entrapment cover.

• Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.

• If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the seal.

• Do not consider young children "drown proof" because they have had swimming lessons. Young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.

• Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for child supervision.

• Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Always remove the cover completely.

• Place tables and chairs well away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.

• Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water.

• Remove steps to above-ground pools when not in use.

• Have a telephone at poolside to avoid having to leave children unattended in or near the pool to answer a telephone elsewhere. Keep emergency numbers at the poolside telephone.

• Keep rescue equipment by the pool.

Use layers of protection

With instituted layers of protection, the goal is to come as close as possible to a fail-safe system of drowning prevention. This means if there is a momentary lapse of supervision for whatever reason, several back-up systems are in place. Every layer of protection possible must be in force at all times or the system is compromised.

• Supervision. Supervision. Supervision. Use touch supervision with children younger than five years old. This means that an adult is within arm's length of the child at all times.

• Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access. Fences should be at least four feet high and installed completely around the pool to limit access. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children at 54" high.

• Lock it up. If the residence forms one side of the barrier for the pool, house doors should be kept locked with locking devices above 54". Doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. The other alternative is to use a pool safety cover, either motor-powered or attached in the deck with anchors that are manually placed over the pool surface when not in use.  Safety covers should not be used in place of the fence between the residence and the pool. Installed fencing and safety covers will not prevent drowning.

• Safe entry. For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.

• Education early. Provide water survival training to every child capable of crawling or walking to the pool

• Life-saving advice. CPR and thorough knowledge of rescue techniques are a final layer of protection, should there ever be an accident.

(back to top)

POOL SAFETY GLOSSARY

ANSI: Stands for American National Standards Institute, a premier source for timely, relevant, actionable information on national, regional, and international standards; and conformity assessment issues.

Anti-entrapment cover: A drain fitting designed to prevent entrapment, typically dome-shaped to reduce the likelihood of creating a body seal.

Anti-vortex cover: A drain fitting designed to prevent the circular or swirling motion of water that tends to form a vacuum or suction at the center and draws the body or hair into the drain pipe.

APSP: Stands for Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, formerly the National Spa and Pool Institute (NPSI). APSP is the world's largest international trade association for the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited standards developer, APSP works with regulatory and legislative bodies to ensure that their codes, ordinances, and legislation are written to the safest and most current standards. The association’s mission is to ensure consumer safety and enhance the business success of its members.

ASME: Stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today's ASME promotes the art, science, and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe.

Atmospheric vent: Pipe that is teed to the suction side of the circulation system and open to the atmosphere at the opposite end. The pipe is full of water equal to the same height as the pool and drains when a blockage occurs at the main drain—thus introducing air into the suction line.

Backflow: The backing up of water through a pipe in the direction opposite to normal flow.

Centrifugal Pump: A pump to circulate water using an impeller fixed on a rotating shaft having an inlet and a discharge connection. The rotating impeller creates centrifugal force causing flow (suction) into the pump and pressure exiting the pump.

Check Valve: A mechanical device in a pipe that permits the flow of water or air in one direction only.

Collector Tank: A water storage vessel within the pool circulation system used to collect water displaced by bathers. The pool circulation pump draws water from this tank, thus removing direct suction from the pool. (Also referred to as a reservoir, surge tank or surge pit.)

Drain: A term that usually refers to a plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in the deepest part of the pool, spa, or hot tub. Main drains do not drain the pool, spa, or hot tub—as found with a sink drain— rather, they connect to the pump to allow circulation and filtration.

Equalizer: A pipe line below the pool water surface—usually on the side wall—connected to the body of a skimmer that prevents air from being drawn into the pump. The pipe line also may be used between two pools/spas to equalize water levels.

Filter: A device that removes undissolved or suspended particles from water by recirculating the water through a porous substance—i.e., a filter medium or element. The three types of filters used in pools and spas are sand, cartridge, and D.E. (diatomaceous earth).

Flow rate: The quantity of water flowing past a designated point within a specified time, such as the number of gallons flowing past a point in one minute, abbreviated as GPM.

FPS: An abbreviation for feet per second, normally lowercase.

GPD: An abbreviation for gallons per day.

GPH: An abbreviation for gallons per hour.

GPM: An abbreviation for gallons per minute.

Gravity Feed: Circulation of water based on pressure equalization—i.e., water seeking an equal level—between a pool or spa and a collection—or surge—tank. Flow is initiated, under gravity, due to atmospheric pressure and a difference in water height between the pool and surge tank created by the suction side of the pump drawing water from the tank rather than the pool or spa.

Gutter: An overflow trough in the perimeter wall of a pool that is a component of the circulation system or flows to waste.

Hot Tub/Spa: A warm-water reservoir manufactured from prefabricated materials at a factory with hydro-massage jets. A portable hot tub/spa may be constructed of acrylic thermoplastic or fiberglass surrounded by within a cabinet of wood, wood alternative, or thermoplastic. All the controls, water heating, and water circulating equipment are contained within the unit.

Hydrojet: A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment that blends or mixes air and water, creating a high-velocity, turbulent stream of air-enriched water.

in Hg: A of measure for vacuum, in inches of mercury

Inlet: A fitting in the pool or spa on the water return line from the equipment where water returns to the pool (also known as a return).

Main drain: A term usually referring to a plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools, spas, and hot tubs. Sometimes referred to as the drain, it is normally located in the deepest part of the pool, spa, or hot tub. It does not drain the pool, spa, or hot tub—as does a sink drain—but rather connects to the pump to allow for circulation and filtration.

Manifold: A branch pipe arrangement that connects several input pipes into one chamber or pump or one chamber onto several output pipes.

NSPF: Stands for National Swimming Pool Foundation. NSPF is committed to improving public health by encouraging healthier living through aquatic education and research. It is a leading educator for pool and spa professionals who service and operate public and private pools and spas; and for public health officials who are responsible for pool safety.

NSPI: Stands for National Spa and Pool Institute (see APSP).

PSI: An abbreviation for pounds per square inch that is typically used to define a level of water or air pressure.

Pump: A mechanical device—usually powered by an electric motor—that creates hydraulic flow and pressure for the purpose of filtration, heating, and circulation of pool and spa water. Typically a centrifugal pump is used for pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Rate of Flow: The quantity of water flowing past a designated point within a specified time, such as the number of gallons flowing past a point in one minute (abbreviated as GPM).

Reservoir: See Collector tank

Skimmer: A device installed through the wall of a pool or spa at the water surface, connected to the suction line of the pump that draws water and floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing much flow restriction.

Skimmer basket: A removable, slotted basket or strainer placed in the skimmer on the suction side of the pump, which is designed to trap floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing much flow restriction.

Spa: A warm-water reservoir, permanently installed and constructed out of concrete (e.g., gunite, shotcrete) with hydro-massage jets. Spas may or may not be attached to a pool. Heating and circulation equipment are not an integral part of the product (see Hot tub).

Suction Outlet: Any aperture or fitting through which the water under negative pressure is drawn from the pool or spa.

Sump: The lowest point in a circulation system—usually consisting of a reservoir—where water is drained.

Surge Tank (Surge pit): See Collector tank

SVRS: Stands for Safety Vacuum Release System—a device that senses an increase in pump suction and responds by removing power to the pump(s) and relieving the potentially entrapping suction.

System flow: See Turnover

Tee: A plumbing fitting in the shape of a "T" used to connect pipes.

Turnover (rate): The period of time—usually in hours—required to circulate a volume of water equal to the volume of water contained in the pool or spa.

Vacuum: 1). A term used to define any number of devices that use suction (negative pressure) to collect dirt from the bottom and sides of a pool or spa. Most common is a vacuum head with wheels or brushes that attaches to a telescoping pole and is connected to the suction line with a hose—usually via the opening in the skimmer. It must be moved about by a person, and debris is collected in the skimmer basket or filter; 2) The reduction of atmospheric pressure within a pipe, tank, pump, or other vessel. Vacuum is measured in inches of mercury (in. Hg).

Water Velocity (piping): The speed at which the water flows between two specified points, measured in feet per second (fps).

Weir: Also called skimmer weir – the part of a skimmer that adjusts automatically to small changes in water level to assure a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. It is the small floating "door" on the side of the skimmer that faces the water over which water flows on its way to the skimmer. The weir also prevents debris from floating back into the pool after the pump shuts off.

(back to top)

Excerpts from the National Pool and Spa Institute

(NSPI) Standards Section AG101 General Provisions (regarding barriers and access/entry points)
The provisions of this appendix shall control the design and construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs installed in or on the lot of a one- and two-family dwelling.

Section AG102 Definitions
AG102.1 General. For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows and as set forth in Chapter 2.

Above-ground/on-ground pool: See “Swimming pool.”

Barrier: completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

Hot tub. See “Swimming pool.”

In-ground pool: See “Swimming pool.”

Residential: That which is situated on the premises of a detached one- or two-family dwelling or a one-family townhouse not more than three stories in height.

Spa, nonportable: See “Swimming pool.”

Spa, portable: A nonpermanent structure intended for recreational bathing, in which controls, water-heating and water-circulating equipment are an integral part of the product.

Swimming pool: Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.

Swimming pool, indoor: A swimming pool that is totally contained within a structure and surrounded on all four sides by walls of said structure.

Swimming pool, outdoor: Any swimming pool that is not an indoor pool.

Section AG105 Barrier Requirements

AG105.1 Application: The provision of this chapter shall control the design of barriers for residential swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. These design controls are intended to provide protection against potential drowning and near-drowning by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.

AG105.2 Outdoor Swimming Pool: An outdoor swimming pool, including an in-ground, above-ground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be provided with a barrier that shall comply with the following:

1) The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade—such as an above-ground pool—the barrier may be at ground level—such as the pool structure—or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.

2) Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.

3) Solid barriers that do not have openings— such as a masonry or stone wall—shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.

4) Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1.75 inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches in width.

5) Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches in width.

6) Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 2.25-inch square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom, which reduced the openings to not more than 1.75 inches.

7) Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1.75 inches.

8) Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Section AG105.2, items 1 through 7, and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism and openings shall comply with the following:

• 8.1: The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and

•  8.2. The gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 0.5 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.

9) Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following conditions shall be met:

• 9.1: The pool shall be equipped with a powered safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346; or

• 9.2: All doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door and its screen, if present, are opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal household activities. The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual means, such as touchpad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last for not more than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch(es) shall be located at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door; or

• 9.3: Other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, which are approved by the governing body, shall be acceptable so long as the degree of protection afforded is not less than the protection afforded by Item 9.1 or 9.2 as described above.

10) Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then:

• 10.1. The ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or

• 10.2. The ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Section AG105.2, Items 1 through 9. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.

AG105.3 Indoor swimming pool: All walls surrounding an indoor swimming pool shall comply with Section AG105.2, Item 9.

AG105.4 Prohibited locations: Barriers shall be located so as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers.

AG105.5 Barrier exceptions: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of the appendix.

<PREVIOUS PAGE - 1 2 3 4 5 - NEXT PAGE>