New York Sanitary Code for Swimming Pools
- The State of New York requires minimum disinfectant, filtration and water quality standards for all pools.swimming pool image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
The New York Uniform Code defines a swimming pool as any structure or bowl capable of holding 24 inches or more of water, even if water levels never reach above 24 inches. The Uniform Code also mandates drainage requirements, handrails, fencing and other non-sanitary related requirements for pool use and design. - Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of New York Title 10, section 6.19-1 (a) and 3 require pool operators to maintain water quality determined by local authorities. Authorities may take samples of pool water to ensure that operators keep disinfectant, pH, alkalinity and disinfectant at appropriate levels. Operators are required to periodically test pool water to ensure balance within saturation index standards.
- NYCRR Title 10 Section 6-1.11 requires all pools to filter their water through use of sand, diatomaceous earth or cartridge filters that operate at a rate that filters the entire volume of pool water every six hours. Pools created before 1973 may operate on an eight-hour turnover time. Water must be disinfected with chlorine or bromine, and kept at a minimum saturation of 0.6 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L, respectively.
- Through adequate filtration and chemical balance, pool water must be clear enough for a four-inch black and white object to be seen at the bottom of the pool from the sides, as defined by NYCRR Title 10, Section 6-2.
- NYCRR Title 10 Section 6-1.21 requires a qualified pool operator to manage chemistry and filtration, as well as mandating daily chemical and service logs for the pool.
- NYCRR Title 10 Section 6-1.11 requires that pH levels in pools be maintained between 7.8 and 8.2 if disinfecting with chlorine. If using bromine, acceptable pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8.
