N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Wq 1108.20

Current through Register No. 25, June 20, 2024

Section Env-Wq 1108.20 - Ladders, Recessed Steps, and Underwater Shelves for PBFs

(a) Subject to (c), below, the owner of a PBF shall provide ladders or steps, or both, as follows:

(1) Where the vertical distance from the bottom of a PBF to the deck is more than 2 feet, one set of recessed steps or a ladder shall be provided for each 75-foot length of perimeter or portion thereof;

(2) Recessed steps or ladders shall be provided:

a. At the deep portion of all swimming pools; and

b. On each side of the pool near the deep end if the swimming pool is more than 30 feet wide; and

(3) Subject to (d), below, the top edge and leading horizontal edge of each step, underwater shelf, and spa seat or bench shall be outlined with a continuous 2-inch slip-resistant contrasting tile or other permanent marking that can be seen from the deck and from underwater.

(b) If the owner of a PBF provides underwater shelves, the following shall apply:

(1) Underwater shelves shall be installed in pool areas no deeper than 4 feet;

(2) Underwater shelves shall be not more than 12 inches deep;

(3) Underwater shelf floors shall be:

a. Horizontal; or

b. Of a uniform slope no steeper than 1:12 from a zero depth entry;

(4) When an underwater shelf does not use steps as a transition to the rest of the pool, the underwater shelf shall not be used as a means of entry to the rest of the pool; and

(5) Additional inlets shall be provided in the underwater shelf area as needed to ensure the volume of water in the shelf is filtered and chemically treated once every 60 minutes or less.

(c) If the owner of a PBF that does not have ladders or steps as specified in (a), above, is a political subdivision and its local legislative body has not voted or does not vote to approve funding for compliance with (a), above, and compliance is not fully funded by the state, the owner shall not be required to comply with (a), above.

(d) The owner of a pool or spa that is in operation as of May 1, 2014 shall comply with (a), above, only if the pool or spa to which the requirement applies undergoes renovations that otherwise require the pool or spa to be drained to a point where the steps, underwater shelves, or spa seat or bench, as applicable, are no longer under water.

N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Wq 1108.20

Derived from Volume XLI Number 19, Filed May 13, 2021, Proposed by #13198, Effective 5/1/2021, Expires 5/1/2031 (see Revision Note #3 at chapter heading for Env-Wq 1100) (formerly Env-Wq 1105.20)