DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - AQUATIC FACILITY CODE OF PRACTICE

Application
The Requirements of this Part do not apply to facilities constructed prior to the introduction of this Standard

CIRCULATION

General Requirements
Aquatic facilities shall be provided with a surface skimmer or perimeter overflow gutter system, which shall be designed and constructed to provide effective removal of soiled surface waters.

Facilities shall be provided with return inlets and suction outlets, which are arranged to produce a uniform circulation of water throughout the facility. Where applicable, circulation equipment and controls may be installed to allow additional circulation to heavily loaded parts of a water body (eg: a beach area).

A minimum of two return inlets shall be provided for every pool, that shall be sized and installed to accommodate the flow rate required by section 3.3.2 Filtration Rates and Turnover Times. The flow rates through a single return inlet shall not exceed manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where a facility is greater than 12 metres wide, or more than 280 square metres in surface area, floor inlets, or a combination of floor and wall inlets, shall be used.

Where skimmer boxes are used, the return inlets shall be of a directional design and be located to assist in bringing floating particles within range of the skimmers. Return inlets shall be installed no further than 13 metres from the nearest skimmer.

Wall Inlets
Wall Inlets shall be rounded and smooth, tamper-proof and of a design to prevent entrapment. They shall not extend further than 2.5cm from the wall.

Floor Inlets
Floor inlets shall be installed flush with the surface of the bottom of the facility, be tamper-proof and of a design to prevent entrapment.

Surface Skimmers
Surface Skimmers may be used in aquatic facilities where the water surface area does not exceed 450 m².

Surface Skimmers shall be located in an appropriate position in relation to the inlets, to maintain effective skimming action throughout the facility.

The flow rate through surface skimmers shall be not less than 5 litres per minute, per centimetre of skimmer weir.  The flow rate through each individual skimmer shall not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum specified flow rate.

Skimmer covers located on a walking surface shall be securely seated, slip-resistant, of sufficient strength to withstand normal deck use, and not constitute a tripping hazard.

At least one skimmer shall be provided for every pool.  More skimmers and suction outlets shall be installed as required, to ensure adequate circulation of the of the water body in accordance with Table 4 -Water Body Loading Category Chart.  Flow rates through skimmers and suction outlets shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.

At least one skimmer shall be provided for each 13.5 m² of spa pool water surface area.  More skimmers shall be installed, if required, to ensure adequate circulation, or to meet the manufacturer’s flow rate criteria.

Entrapment Prevention
Surface skimmers and perimeter overflow gutter systems shall be designed and installed so as not to constitute a hazard to the user, and to prevent entrance or entrapment of a patron’s limb, body or hair.

The requirements of AS 1926.3 – 2003, Swimming Pool Safety, Water Recirculation and Filtration Systems shall apply to all suction outlet systems.  Furthermore the following items shall also apply:

Main drain outlets that are less than 300mm wide shall be covered with an anti-vortex grate.

Suction outlets shall not be able to be isolated, such that one outlet serves as the sole source of water to a pump.

The circulation systems of pools, spas or water recreation attractions shall not be operated if the main drain grates, or any suction outlet cover or grate is missing, broken, or insecurely fitted.

            
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