Minnesota Administrative Rules

4717.3850 SPA POOLS.

Subpart 1.

Applicability.

Spa pools must comply with parts 4717.0150 to 4717.3975, except as modified in this part.

Subp. 2.

Recirculation rate.

The recirculation system must recirculate a water volume equal to the pool volume in 30 minutes or less, except that a minimum rate of 35 gallons per minute is required.

Subp. 3.

Inlets.

The recirculation system must have at least two remote inlets to the pool.

Subp. 4.

Main drain.

The main drain must consist of:

A.

a grate-covered bottom opening at least 100 square inches in size; or

B.

a bottom opening with an antivortex cover.

Subp. 5.

Agitation system.

The agitation system must have a separate pump. If sidewall suction fittings are used, at least two inlets, remotely located, must be provided.

Subp. 6.

Timer.

The agitation system must be controlled by a timer with the control switch accessible to pool users but at least five feet from the pool. The maximum time setting must be 15 minutes.

Subp. 7.

Access.

Access to a spa pool must be provided according to this subpart.

A.

Access to the pool must be provided by an unobstructed deck, at the pool elevation, which extends at least five feet from the pool around the entire perimeter.

B.

Where a deck cannot be provided as specified in item A, a five-foot wide deck at the pool elevation must extend along at least 25 percent of the pool perimeter. The remaining perimeter must be one foot or less to a wall, partition, or other effective barrier to restrict access. The deck must provide complete and unobstructed access to the steps in the pool.

C.

Where access is provided by sitting on the edge of a raised pool and swinging the legs into the pool:

(1)

the deck requirement in item A or B must be met;

(2)

the pool must be no less than 18 inches nor more than 20 inches above the deck;

(3)

steps with equal risers and 12-inch minimum treads must be provided outside the pool which line up with the steps inside the pool; and

(4)

the pool edge must not exceed 12 inches in width.

Subp. 8.

Steps.

The requirements for steps in this subpart apply to spa pools.

A.

Steps for access to an elevated spa pool must have a handrail and a finished surface that meets the requirements for decks in part 4717.3350.

B.

Steps within manufactured spa pools may vary from the dimensions in part 4717.3250, subpart 2, if the commissioner determines that the design is safe.

Subp. 9.

Disinfectant.

The disinfection residual must be maintained in accordance with part 4717.1750, subpart 4.

Subp. 10.

Signs.

In addition to the signs required in parts 4717.1050, 4717.1250, 4717.1350, and 4717.1650 signs with the warnings in items A to C must be posted and plainly visible in the spa pool area.

A.

Pregnant women, small children, or persons with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure should not enter the spa except under advice of a physician.

B.

Avoid use while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

C.

Exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting. Observe a reasonable time limit.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144.05; 144.12; 144.123; 145A.02; 157.01

History:

19 SR 1419; 19 SR 1637

Published Electronically:

May 11, 2009