N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-6.14

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 8:26-6.14 - Operational requirements for hot tubs and spas

(a) All surfaces shall be smooth and easily cleaned and free of cracks.

(b) The color, pattern, or finish of the hot tub or spa interior shall not obscure the presence of objects or surfaces within the hot tub or spa.

(c) There shall not be any obstructions in the hot tub or spa that can cause the user to become entrapped or injured. Types of entrapment can include, but are not limited to, wedge or pinch-type openings, and rigid non-moving cantilevered protrusions.

(d) The maximum user load of a hot tub or spa shall conform to the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, incorporated herein by reference, and the manufacturer's recommendations.

(e) The surface skimming system shall be maintained in good working order and have proper water flow levels at all times.

(f) The drainage system shall remove hot tub or spa splash water, deck water, and rain water and prevent it from re-entering the hot tub or spa.

(g) Yard drains shall prevent the accumulation or puddling of water in the general area of the deck and related improvements.

(h) Underwater illumination shall permit the deepest portion of the hot tub's or spa's floor to be clearly visible from the hot tub's or spa's edge.

(i) Pump shut off switches shall be accessible, located within sight of the hot tub or spa, and be prominently marked.

(j) Circulation system:

1. The pumps, piping, return inlets and suction outlets, filters, and other necessary equipment in the circulation system shall be maintained to ensure the complete circulation of water throughout all parts of the hot tub or spa.

2. The circulation system shall be operated, so as to turn over the entire hot tub or spa water capacity at least once every 30 minutes. Pumps shall be operated 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

i. When the facility is not open, the turnover can be every six hours if a multiple-speed pump is utilized.

3. Hot tub or spa water clarity shall be maintained so that the deepest portion of the hot tub or spa floor is clearly visible from the hot tub's or spa's edge.

4. The pump and component parts of the circulation system, including filters, shall be operated in a safe manner that is not hazardous to the operator and maintenance personnel.

5. Mechanical seals shall be corrosion resistant and shall be maintained in good repair.

6. Direction of water flow and pump rotation shall be clearly indicated on pumps and on all visible piping.

7. Strainers shall be provided on all filter systems, shall be removable, and shall be located upstream of the circulation pump(s) to remove solids, debris, hair, and lint. Water entering the pump shall first pass through the removable strainer.

8. Filters shall be cleaned and maintained pursuant to the manufacturer's instructions, so that the circulation system can provide the required water clarity.

(k) The hot tub or spa shall be closed if the suction outlet covers are missing, broken, or secured in such a way that they can be removed without the use of tools, or if the main drain cover is missing, broken, or loose, and shall remain closed until it is properly repaired or replaced. The hot tub or spa shall be inspected daily to ensure that the suction outlet and drain covers are firmly attached and in sound condition.

(l) The owner or operator shall ensure that the disinfection of the hot tub or spa is in compliance with the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, incorporated herein by reference.

1. Hot tub or spa water shall be continuously disinfected by a disinfecting agent which gives off an easily measured residual.

2. The disinfecting agent shall be subject to simple and accurate field testing procedures.

3. Disinfecting agents and apparatus shall be acceptable if:

i. They have been registered for said use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection; and

ii. They have been demonstrated to provide a satisfactory residual effect which shall be easily measured and equally as effective in conditions of use as the chlorine concentrations specified in N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.12.

4. An appropriate test kit specific for the disinfecting agent shall be used to monitor and document the concentration of the disinfecting agent in the hot tub or spa water.

5. Chemical controller systems shall comply with the following use requirements, in addition to the installation requirements of N.J.A.C. 8:26-3.22(d):

i. A preventive maintenance plan shall be written and maintained onsite, and be provided to the health authority upon request.

(1) The plan shall ensure the accuracy of the controller and its sensors.

(2) The plan shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(3) The plan shall show how the pool operator can ensure that the acid, base, chlorine, or bromine feeders turn on or off to maintain proper levels and residuals.

ii. A chart detailing the specific oxidation-reduction potential with its chlorine or bromine residual equivalent for each individual pool shall be readily available onsite.

iii. The operator shall ensure on a daily basis that readouts on the oxidation-reduction potential and pH readings coincide with the manual test and are documented.

iv. All other recordkeeping required by this chapter shall be maintained onsite.

6. Electrolytic chlorine generators, when used for producing chlorine for disinfection, shall conform to the following:

i. Electrolytic chlorine generators shall ensure an adequate feed to meet the chlorine residual specified in N.J.A.C. 8:26-7.12.

ii. A sodium chloride test kit shall be provided to monitor the salt concentration of the hot tub or spa water.

7. Bromination, when used for disinfection, shall conform to the following:

i. A bromine test kit shall be available to monitor the bromine concentration of the hot tub or spa water; and

ii. Brominator equipment rooms shall be constructed and ventilated.

(m) The depth of water shall be plainly and conspicuously marked in feet and inches. Meters may be used in addition to feet. The following abbreviations may be used: ft., in, and m. The depth markings shall be on the vertical hot tub or spa wall at or above the water surface and on the top of the coping or edge of the deck or on the walkway next to the hot tub or spa.

(n) All equipment, fixtures, and the circulation system shall be maintained in good working order and shall not cause any safety issues for bathers.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-6.14

Adopted by 50 N.J.R. 481(b), effective 1/16/2018