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A.D. Miller
02-18-2010, 10:01 AM
I don't inspect pools. My E&O insurer does not like them - and neither do I. That said, from time to time I have a need to address this issue or that regarding a pool. Is anyone aware of a single source that contains most or all of the code references regarding swimming pools? Thanks.

Vern Heiler
02-18-2010, 11:09 AM
"Code Check Building" has a small section.

Wayne Carlisle
02-18-2010, 02:33 PM
What part are you needing? Enclosures, electrical???

Here's enclosures.

CHAPTER 757. POOL YARD ENCLOSURES - Texas Health & Safety Code - Texas Code :: Justia (http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/hs/009.00.000757.00.html)

I have more information, I'll just have to dig a bit!


Part 1
Pools and Spas — Part 1 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-and-spas-090401/)

Part 2
NEC Requirements for Installing Pools and Spas, Part 2 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-spas-2-20090501/)

Part 3
NEC Requirements for Installing Pools and Spas, Part 3 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-spas-3-20090601/)

A.D. Miller
02-18-2010, 02:57 PM
What part are you needing? Enclosures, electrical???

Here's enclosures.

CHAPTER 757. POOL YARD ENCLOSURES - Texas Health & Safety Code - Texas Code :: Justia (http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/hs/009.00.000757.00.html)

I have more information, I'll just have to dig a bit!


Part 1
Pools and Spas — Part 1 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-and-spas-090401/)

Part 2
NEC Requirements for Installing Pools and Spas, Part 2 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-spas-2-20090501/)

Part 3
NEC Requirements for Installing Pools and Spas, Part 3 of 3 (http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/pools-spas-3-20090601/)

WC: Thanks!

A.D. Miller
02-18-2010, 03:08 PM
I see that IAPMO has a BOOK (http://iapmostore.org/iapmo/shop/product_info.php?products_id=101&osCsid=f371e5952e7c4e7f763441888460789c) . Does anyone have this? If so, is it worth the $50 they want for it?

Jim Luttrall
02-18-2010, 06:12 PM
CHAPTER 757. POOL YARD ENCLOSURES - Texas Health & Safety Code - Texas Code :: Justia (http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/hs/009.00.000757.00.html)


Note that this does not apply to typical single family residential pools.

Jerry McCarthy
02-20-2010, 05:29 PM
You don't have to inspect pools or spas, but you dam well better inspect their safety barriers. :eek:

Jim Luttrall
02-20-2010, 07:13 PM
Yep, I include verbiage and a link to the CPSC pool barrier and Anti-entrapment Drain paper on every inspection whether I get paid to inspect the pool or not. 99% of all home pools I see are deficient and I look for safety concerns even if I am not specifically inspecting the pool.
Good point, Jerry.

Rick Hurst
02-21-2010, 10:43 AM
That goes also for the electrical to the pool.

rick

A.D. Miller
02-21-2010, 12:07 PM
You don't have to inspect pools or spas, but you dam well better inspect their safety barriers. :eek:

JM: I do not inspect anything related to or connected to a swimming pool. I have used the same pool inspector for the past 12 years whom I have trained to address all of the safety, electrical, etc. issues in his reports. His reports are then appended to mine.

The reason I have been looking for a one-source location for pool-related codes is that, like all inspectors eventually, my pool inspector may be retiring soon. I will need to train another one from the ground up and would like to make it easy on myself this time around.

Wayne Carlisle
02-22-2010, 07:23 AM
The IRC has requirements for barriers on pools in Appendix G.

Texas requirements for pools, (the non-residential I posted) are almost identical to those in the IRC.

Ted Menelly
02-22-2010, 10:46 AM
JM: I do not inspect anything related to or connected to a swimming pool. I have used the same pool inspector for the past 12 years whom I have trained to address all of the safety, electrical, etc. issues in his reports. His reports are then appended to mine.

The reason I have been looking for a one-source location for pool-related codes is that, like all inspectors eventually, my pool inspector may be retiring soon. I will need to train another one from the ground up and would like to make it easy on myself this time around.


You trained your pool inspector from the ground up????

You do not inspect pools????

You need to fin "another pool inspector to train from the ground up"????

Why do you not inspect pools if you are doing the training????

Just a whole bunch of curious statements there.

I inspect pools and equipment and unlike my home inspection I do add disclaimers.

Is the equipment working.

Does everything appear to be bonded?

Are all barriers in place? Which of course includes alarmed or blocked windows and doors. Are fences climbable etc etc etc

Are there noticeable cracks in the pool, pool decking, distance for diving boards and electrical etc etc etc etc. Is the diving board going to snap off when bounced on??? Who knows. Just tell them you observations and your limitations. If there is anything in question on the pool, and there always is, it is being deferred to the expropriate tradesman anyway for further and deeper evaluation.

Am I giving a stamp of approval on a pool? Absolutely not! I do not do that on a home inspection. Why would I do it on a pool.

The question is. "Do you also do pool inspections" My answer is yes but limited to findings on who the items will be deferred to. That always satisfies the clients. I give a list of pool safety sites and such and disclaim much. Again. I have not inspected a pool that did not need several items deferred to a pro pool man or electrician and such.....never.

Plumbing leaks, cannot tell them. Are bonding's for the equipment and such connected properly from end to end or cut along the way??????? Who knows. There is a lot to inspect on a pool and have taken CEUs for years on end for pools.

After all. You are referring the pool inspector to your clients (that you trained from the bottom up). Do you disclaim any connection to or findings of the pool inspector? I am thinking yes. But maybe no because you attach it to your report. Question again is....Why don't you inspect pools?

bob smit
02-27-2010, 03:06 PM
Relative to Electrical- Pools & Spas; Even licensed E Contractors fail my inspections almost 50% of the time. I (and the user) cannot afford to let even one thing slide.
Every spring I reread the applicable code articles and all my notes etc.
I have an extensive cheat sheet that I use when performing outdoor installations.

A HI might want to consider deferring these inspections (I can only attest to the electrical application) to one who is qualified and most importantly, willing to accept the legal ramifications should an accident ever occur in the area. I believe one of U posted this idea, and I concur.
If a HI does intend to do these inspections, he best obtain verifiable education and plenty of insurance.
Bob Smite, County IE

Kevin Kight
03-26-2010, 06:48 AM
WOW! Thanks for all the great information!

ken horak
03-27-2010, 10:41 AM
Here's a good guide for article 680 of the 2008 NEC
Well worth printing out and having as a handy field reference
http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php?file=PDF/08_Article_680_Pools_and_Similar_Installations.pdf