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POOL SIGNS

The California Building Code (CBC) requires many signs of many types depending on your facilities. Although some of these requirements mention “public pools,” for the purpose of these signs, “public pools” include those located in a “condominium, townhouse, homeowner association, club, community building or area.” (CBC §3101B.) The sign requirements under the CBC are:

General. All signs shall have clearly legible letters or numbers not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high, unless otherwise required in this section, affixed to a wall, pole, gate or similar permanent structure in a location visible to all pool users. (CBC §3120B.1.)

Artificial Respiration and CPR. An illustrated diagram with text at least 1/4 inch (6 mm) high of artificial respiration and CPR procedures shall be posted. (CBC §3120B.5.)

Diarrhea. A sign in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high and in a language or diagram that is clearly stated shall be posted at the entrance area of a public pool which states that persons having currently active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days shall not be allowed to enter the pool water. (CBC §3120B.11.)

Direction of Flow. (CBC §3120B.17.) The direction of flow for the recirculation equipment shall be labeled clearly with directional symbols such as arrows on all piping in the equipment area. (CBC §3120B.17.1.) Where the recirculation equipment for more than one pool is located on site, the equipment shall be marked as to which pool the system serves. (CBC §3120B.17.2.) Valves and plumbing lines shall be labeled clearly with the source or destination descriptions. (CBC §3120B.17.3.)

Emergency. The emergency telephone number 911, the number of the nearest emergency services and the name and street address of the pool facility shall be posted. (CBC §3120B.6.)

Emergency Shut-Off. In letters at least one inch (25 mm) high a sign shall be posted at the spa emergency shut off switch stating, “EMERGENCY SHUT OFF SWITCH.” (CBC §3120B.8.)

Exit. Where automatic gaseous chlorine chemical feeders are used, a sign shall be posted at the pool area entrance which shows in a diagrammatic form an emergency evacuation procedure. Designated emergency exits shall be marked “EXIT.” (CBC §3120B.14.)

Gaseous Oxidizer. Where automatic gaseous chlorine chemical feeders are used, a warning sign with the appropriate hazard identification symbol shall be posted on the exterior side of the door entering the chemical feeder room or area. The sign shall state, “DANGER: GASEOUS OXIDIZER - (specific chemical name),” or as otherwise required by the California Fire Code. (CBC §3120B.15.)

Keep Closed. A sign shall be posted on the exterior side of gates and doors leading into the pool enclosure area stating, “KEEP CLOSED.” (CBC §3120B.10.)

Spa Pool. The pool user capacity of a spa pool shall be based on one pool user for every 10 square feet (0.929 m2) of pool water surface area. (CBC §3120B.2.1.)

Other Pools. The pool user capacity for all other pools shall be based on one pool user for every 20 square feet (1.858 m2) of pool water surface area. Exception: Pool user capacity requirements do not apply to wading pools or spray grounds. (CBC §3120B.2.2.)

No Diving
. Signs shall be posted in conspicuous places and shall state, “NO DIVING” at pools with a maximum water depth of 6 feet or less. (CBC §3120B.3.)

No Lifeguard. Where no lifeguard service is provided, a warning sign shall be posted stating, “WARNING:NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.” The sign also shall state in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high, “Children under the age of 14 shall not use pool without a parent or adult guardian in attendance.” (CBC §3120B.4.)

Warning for Spa Pool. A warning sign for spa pools shall be posted stating, “CAUTION” and shall include the following language in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high:

1. Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult with a physician before entering the spa.
2. Unsupervised use by children under the age of 14 is prohibited.
3. Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.
4. Do not use alone.
5. Long exposure may result in hyperthermia, nausea, dizziness
or fainting. (CBC §3120B.7.)

No Use After Dark. Where pools were constructed for which lighting was not required, a sign shall be posted at each pool entrance on the outside of the gate(s) stating, “NO USE OF POOL ALLOWED AFTER DARK.” (CBC §3120B.9.)

Wave Pools. A sign in letters at least 1 inch (25 mm) high shall be posted that describes the requirements for wave pools as described in Section 115952, Health and Safety Code. (CBC §3120B.12.)

Spray Ground. A sign shall be posted at each spray ground and be visible from any part of the spray ground that states, “CAUTION: WATER IS RECIRCULATED. DO NOT DRINK.” (CBC §3120B.13.)

Turn On Before Entering. Where automatic gaseous chemical feeders are used, a sign shall be posted at the switch to the light and ventilation system for the gaseous chemical feeder room stating, “TURN ON BEFORE ENTERING,” or as otherwise required by the California Fire Code or the California Electrical Code. (CBC §3120B.16.)

User Capacity. A sign shall indicate the maximum number of pool users permitted for each pool. (CBC §3120B.2.)

Recommendation: Make sure you check with appropriate agencies to ensure you have the most up-to-date signage.

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