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February 04, 2009 05:00 PM 
 
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Code Compliance
Mail Stop 63-0700
P. O. Box 90231
Arlington, Texas 76004-3231

Phone: 817-459-6777
Fax: 817-459-6772

 
 

 

 

    
title graphic for Code Compliance

SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION PROGRAM :: PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL/SPA REQUIRED SAFETY SIGNS

The following signs must be securely mounted and readily visible from inside the pool or spa:

All Pools and Spas must have the following signs:

  • "In case of emergency, call 911" in letters at least one inch (1") in height.
  • If the location of the telephone or other electronic means is not readily visible from the pool or spa, the sign shall include a concise description of the location of the telephone or other electronic means. If other electronic means are provided, clear instructions regarding their use shall be provided.
     
  • Signage reading "All violations should be reported to the Department of Community Services - Code Compliance Division at 817-459-6777." must be posted at all pool entrances. Signage must be in at least two contrasting colors with lettering no smaller then 1" in height.

For pools or spas where no lifeguard is required, signs must be posted that state:

  • "WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" with clearly legible letters at least four inches (4") in height
  • "CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION" (Note: the sign may impose stricter language)
  • "NO DIVING" along with an international warning symbol for no diving in letters at least four inches (4") in height.

An additional warning sign for spas must be posted which states:

  • "Do not use the spa, if the water temperature is above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Centigrade)" in letters at least one inch (1") in height.

LIFEGUARD REQUIRED

All public pools and semi-public pools with diving boards must provide lifeguards and second responders at all times the pool is in use.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

At least one of each of the following items of lifesaving equipment shall be mounted in a conspicuous place or places around the pool deck within 20 feet of the pool, and kept in good repair and ready condition.

  • A light, strong, non-telescopic reaching pole not less than 12 feet long, including a body hook or shepherd's crook type of pole, having blunted ends. This pole shall be constructed of fiberglass or some other electrically non-conducting material; and
  • A United States Coast Guard approved ring buoy with an outside diameter of 15 to 24 inches, to which has been firmly attached a throwing rope with a diameter of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch that is at least as long as two-thirds of the maximum width of the pool.
  • A rope and float line separating the shallow area from the deep area at the transition point (5 feet).

All public pools and semi-public pools that have diving board(s) and/or slide(s), or lifeguards shall have:

  • One or more backboards with a minimum of three tie down straps and head immobilizer for back and neck injuries, and
  • A first aid kit meeting OSHA requirements. First aid kits shall be housed in a durable weather resistant container and kept filled and ready for use (including disease transmission barriers and cleansing kits that meet OSHA standards).

TELEPHONE

All pools and spas must have a telephone or other electronic means capable of immediately summoning emergency service readily accessible within 200 feet unimpeded distance (an unlocked door or gate shall not be considered an impediment) of the pool or spa water.

DEPTH MARKINGS

Depth markings must:

  • Be visible at or above the water surface of the vertical pool wall and on the deck within twenty-four inches (24") of the water's edge and positioned to be read while standing on the deck facing the water.
  • Be located at maximum and minimum depth points,
  • Be at points of break between shallow and deep,
  • Be spaced at not more than twenty-five foot (25') intervals around the entire perimeter of the pool,
  • Be at least four inches (4") in height,
  • Be permanently applied,
  • Be of contrasting color to the background on which they are applied, and
  • Spell out "Feet" or "Inches" or abbreviate "Ft." or "In."

Note: If the depth markings can not be posted on the vertical wall of the pool, a sign with letters at least eight inches (8") in height placed above the pool deck level on a wall or fence no further than twelve feet (12’) from the pool, or some other means to display the depth must be provided.

DECK WARNING SIGNS

"NO DIVING" and International Symbol

  • Be clearly marked on the pool/spa deck with an acceptable contrasting color
  • Letters at least four inches (4 ") in height
  • Be placed at least every 25 feet or fraction thereof, around the pool where the water depth is six feet (6’) or less,
  • At least one at the extreme ends of the minimum depth and one at the extreme ends of the maximum depth at six feet (6’).
  • At least one on each side of the pool/spa
  • These warning signs shall be slip-resistant.
  • Be within twenty-four inches (24") of the water edge and positioned to be read while standing on the deck facing the water.

Additional rules or restrictions may be added at the discretion of the pool owner/operator to insure the safe operations of the pool. If you have any questions concerning these requirements, please contact the City of Arlington Code Compliance Division at 817-459-6777.

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