§ 11-11-45. Overflow gutters and skimmers.

Overflow gutters or skimmers shall be provided on the vertical wall(s) of all swimming pools, and designed to adequately skim the pool surface. The overflow gutter or skimming system shall be capable of continuously removing 80 percent or more of the re-circulated water and returning it to the filter.

(a)

Where overflow gutters are used, they shall extend completely around the swimming pool except at steps, recessed ladders, ramps, and stairs. The overflow gutter shall be designed to serve as a handhold. Overflow gutters having a surge capacity less than one cubic foot per linear foot of pool perimeter shall be indirectly connected to the recirculating system through a properly sized and designed surge tank/balancing tank with a minimum surge capacity of one gallon per square foot of water surface area. Overflow gutters having a surge capacity of one cubic foot, or greater, per linear foot of pool perimeter shall be connected to a properly sized and designed balancing tank. The gutter, drains and piping draining to the surge tank/balancing tank shall be designed to rapidly remove overflow water caused by recirculation, displacement, wave action or other causes produced during the maximum swimming pool load. The opening into the gutter beneath the coping shall not be less than four inches and the interior width of the gutter shall not be less than three inches. Where gutters are used, they shall be designed to prevent patron entrapment or injury. The overflow edge or lip shall be rounded and not greater than 2½ inches thick for the top two inches. The overflow outlets shall be provided with outlet pipes at least two inches in diameter. The outlet fittings shall have a clear opening in the grating at least equal to 1½ times the cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe.

(b)

Where skimmers are used they shall be provided at the rate of one skimmer per 40 feet of pool perimeter or fraction thereof, or one per 400 square feet of pool water surface area or fraction thereof, whichever is greater. They shall be spaced so as to provide maximum skimming action of the pool surface.

(1)

Skimmer throats shall be no greater than the width required for 10-inch weirs.

(2)

Skimmer weirs shall be automatically adjustable to variations in water level over a minimum range of four inches.

(3)

A removable basket or screen to entrap large matter shall be provided in each skimmer.

(4)

The flow rate through the skimmer shall not be less than 20 gallons per minute, nor greater than 35 gallons per minute. Each skimmer shall be provided with a means of adjusting the flow through the skimmer.

(5)

Skimmer systems shall be designed so that all skimmers are interconnected.

(6)

Skimmer lids shall be securely in place at all times. (Ord. No. 4649, 3/13/10, Sec. 1)