15A NCAC 18A .2523      DEPTH MARKINGS AND SAFETY ROPES

(a)  On swimming pools the depth of the water shall be marked at or above the water surface on the vertical wall of the swimming pool where possible and on the edge of the deck next to the swimming pool. Where depth markers cannot be placed on the vertical walls at or above the water level, other means shall be used; provided the markings shall be visible to persons in the swimming pool. Depth markers shall be placed at the following locations:

(1)           at the points of maximum and minimum depths;

(2)           at the transition point where the slope of the bottom changes from the uniform slope of the shallow area;

(3)           if the pool is designed for diving, at points to denote the water depths in the diving area; and

(4)           at both ends of the pool.

(b)  Depth markers shall be so spaced that the distance between adjacent markers is not greater than 25 feet (7.5 m) when measured along the perimeter of the pool.

(c)  Depth markers shall be in Arabic numerals at least four inches (10 cm) high and of a color contrasting with the background. Depth markings shall indicate the depth of the pool in feet of water and shall include the word "feet" or symbol "ft" to indicate the unit of measurement. Depth markings installed in pool decks shall provide a slip resistant walking surface.

(d)  "No Diving" markers shall be provided on the pool deck adjacent to all areas of the pool less than five feet deep. "No Diving" markers shall consist of the words "No Diving" in letters at least four inches high and of a color contrasting with the background or at least a six-by-six inch international symbol for no diving in red and black on a white background. The distance between adjacent markers shall not be more than 25 feet. Posting of "No Diving" markers shall not preclude shallow diving for racing starts and competitive swimming practice.

(e)  A minimum of ¾ inch diameter safety rope shall be provided at the breakpoint where the slope of the bottom changes to exceed a 1 to 10 vertical rise to horizontal distance at a water depth of five feet (1.5 m) or less. The position of the rope shall be marked with colored floats at not greater than a five-foot spacing and a minimum two inch wide contrasting color band across the pool bottom. Float ropes shall be positioned within two feet on the shallow side of the breakpoint marker.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A-282;

Eff. May 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2010; February 1, 2004; January 1, 1996; July 1, 1992;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.