§ 11-11-36. Stairs, steps, ladders, and bench seats.

(a)

Egress. A minimum of two means of egress shall be provided for swimming pools with a perimeter of 100 feet or less. One additional means of egress shall be provided for each additional 200 feet of pool perimeter, or fraction thereof. Additional means of egress may be required as determined by the director. The location of the means of egress shall be consistent with the design of the swimming pool. A means of egress shall be provided at both sides of the diving area.

(b)

The design and construction of swimming pool stairs, ladders, and bench seats shall conform to the following:

(1)

The treads of all stairs, ladders, and step holes shall be of non-slip construction.

(2)

When stairs or bench seats are constructed, they shall be recessed into the pool deck, and shall conform to the VUSBC.

(3)

The top and leading edge of all stair treads and bench seats shall be marked by a permanent, non-slip band of contrasting color tile that is a minimum of two inches in width and is located within one inch of the step or bench edge.

(4)

Recessed step holes shall not protrude into the pool. The recessed step shall have a minimum tread width of six inches, a minimum tread length of 12 inches, a minimum height of five inches, and shall drain into the pool to prevent the accumulation of dirt. Each set of recessed step holes shall be provided with handrails on both sides of recessed step holes to fully service all treads and risers.

(5)

Below the water level, there shall be a clearance of not more than six inches nor less than three inches between any ladder tread edge, measured from the pool wall side of the tread, and the pool wall.

(6)

The top surface of the uppermost stair tread shall be located not more than 12 inches below the pool coping or deck.

(7)

The upper railing surface of ladder handrails shall extend a minimum of 28 inches above the pool coping or deck a minimum of 28 inches. Ladder bottom braces shall have end caps or bumpers that rest firmly against the pool wall. The top rung of the ladder shall not be more than 12 inches below the pool deck. (Ord. No. 4649, 3/13/10, Sec. 1; Ord. No. 5010, 5/14/16, Sec. 1)