[Adopted 3-13-1990 as Ord. No. 1221]
The owner, operator, lessee and every person who plans to construct, erect, install or who desires to extend, alter or modify or who operates a spa or hot tub shall comply with the following provisions of Chapter 126, entitled "Swimming Pools," Article II, entitled "Public Bathing Places," enumerated as follows and incorporated herein by reference: Sections 126-17, 126-18 (except commonwealth requirement), 126-19, 126-20 [except Subsections C and I(1)], 126-21, 126-22, 126-23, 126-24, 126-25, 126-26, 126-28, 126-29 (except Subsection B), 126-30, 126-31, 126-32 and 126-33.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following
words shall, for the purpose of this ordinance, have the meanings
herein indicated:
A pool designed for recreational and therapeutic use and
for physiological and psychological relaxation. "Spas" are shallow
in depth and not meant for swimming or diving. These pools are not
drained, cleaned or refilled after each use and may include but are
not limited to these types: hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold
water, mineral baths, air induction or some combination of these.
A "spa" used in connection with a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania licensed
medical practice, under the direct supervision of qualified medical
personnel, shall be excluded from these requirements.
A.
Maximum water temperature. The maximum
operating temperature of spa and hot tub water shall never exceed
104º F. (40º C.). A thermostatic control for the water temperature
which ensures that this limit will not be exceeded shall only be accessible
to the operator.
B.
Maximum depths. The maximum water depth shall be four
feet measured below the waterline. The maximum depth of any seat or
sitting bench shall be two feet measured below the waterline.
C.
Handholds. Slip-resistant handholds shall be provided
around the perimeter, located no farther apart than four feet. The
handholds may consist of any one or a combination of bullnosed coping,
ledges or decks along the top edge of the spa or hot tub and not over
12 inches above the waterline; ladders, steps or seat ledges; and
ropes or railings not over 12 inches above the waterline.
D.
Stairs, ladders and recessed treads. Stairs, ladders
or recessed treads shall be provided where spa depths are greater
than two feet. A spa shall be equipped with at least one means of
egress with handrail for each 50 feet of perimeter or portion thereof.
A hot tub shall be provided with a handrail for the purpose of egress.
E.
Deck widths. A four-foot minimum-width, continuous,
unobstructed deck, which may include the coping, shall be provided
on two sides on 50% or more of the spa. A minimum distance of five
feet between pools shall be maintained.
F.
Electrical. Electrical equipment, etc., shall be installed
and maintained in accordance with the Code of the Township of Springfield
applicable to swimming pools.
G.
Circulation systems. The equipment should provide
a turnover rate for the entire water capacity at least once every
30 minutes and be capable of returning the water to a turbidity of
0.50 Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU's) at least once during the four
hours following the peak bathers' use.
H.
Filtration. A flow meter shall be provided on the
effluent side of the filter system, and a pressure gauge with an appropriate
range should be provided on the influent and effluent side of all
filters.
I.
Biological control. An effective disinfecting chemical
residual must be maintained in the spa/hot tub water at all times
as shown in Table A, and daily shock treatments (super chlorination)
must be employed under heavy-use conditions.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table A may be found at the
end of this chapter.
J.
Records of tests. In § 126-20J, substitute one hour in place of three hours as will be required for spas and hot tubs. Hourly values shall be recorded on forms provided by the Springfield Township Board of Health, and completed forms shall be sent monthly to the Health Officer.
K.
Refilling. Unlike swimming pools, spas and hot tubs
must be emptied and cleaned frequently. Depending on the usage, number
of bathers and length of time the units are in operation, water may
not be maintained for periods exceeding one month. The Health Officer
may require that the water be changed more frequently if conditions
necessitate.
L.
Spa/hot tub drainage. Means to drain the spa/tub and
all equipment shall be provided in accordance with requirements of
the Code of the Township of Springfield relating to sanitary drainage.
Pool outlets and inlets shall be so designed that they prevent patron
entrapment.
M.
Surface skimmers. One surface skimmer shall be provided
for each 100 square feet or major fraction thereof of water surface
area.
N.
Air induction systems. An air induction system, when
provided, shall prevent water backup that could cause electrical shock
hazards. Air intake sources shall not permit the introduction of toxic
fumes or other contaminants.
O.
Disinfectant feeders. Feeders shall be capable of
supplying at least 20 parts per million of chlorine or its equivalent.
Gas chlorinators shall not be used.
P.
Recirculation flow rates. The recirculation flow rate
shall be 30 gallons per minute per skimmer or provide a turnover of
30 minutes, whichever is greater.
Q.
Agitation systems. The agitation system shall be separate
from the water treatment recirculation system.
R.
Signs. A warning sign lettered of sufficient size
to be read from the spa/hot tub area containing the following information
must be conspicuously posted in the spa/hot tub area:
(1)
Shower before entering the spa/hot tub.
(2)
Enter and exit the spa/hot tub slowly and cautiously.
(3)
Individuals fitting into the following categories
should not use the hot tub:
(a)
Those suffering from heart disease, diabetes,
emotional disorders, high or low blood pressure, circulatory deficiencies,
hypertension, stress problems, seizures and epilepsy.
(4)
Pregnant women are permitted to use the spa/hot tub
for up to 15 minutes if the temperature is below 102º F.
(5)
Unsupervised use by children is prohibited.
(6)
Children under five are not permitted to use the spa/
hot tub.
(7)
Do not use the spa/hot tub while under the influence
of alcohol, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators,
stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics or tranquilizers.
(8)
No diving or jumping into the spa/hot tub.
(9)
Observe a reasonable time limit, e.g., 10 minutes
at 104º F.
(10)
Failure to follow these rules may result in
serious injury or death.
S.
Accessory uses. Accessory uses or areas such as steam
rooms, saunas, weight training rooms and other facilities provided
in the spa shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, and
all equipment used in connection with operations shall be kept in
good repair, or the facility will be closed to public use.
T.
Supervision. All spa/hot tubs and related facilities
shall be under the supervision of a mature person or persons when
the facilities are open to the public or being used by bathers. At
least one attendant must be knowledgeable in the safe operation of
the spa/hot tub and should be currently certified in first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
U.
First air kit. A standard twenty-four-unit first aid
kit filled and readily accessible for emergency use shall be provided
and kept stocked.
The Health Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer or a police officer of the Township of Springfield shall have the right of entry to any public bathing place, spa or hot tub facilities or any building or other auxiliary structure related thereto at reasonable times for purpose of carrying out the provisions of Chapter 126, Articles II and III, in connection with their duties for the protection of life, safety or health of the users thereof.
