Section 76.11. Recirculation system.

 

(1)   General. Each pool shall have a water recirculation system with disinfection treatment and filtration equipment consisting of overflow gutters or skimmers, main drains, inlets, pumps, piping, and filters. The system shall be operated continuously except for seasonal closing or during periods of necessary maintenance.

(2)   Skimmers and recirculation flow.

(a) The flow through each skimmer shall be adjusted as often as necessary to maintain a vigorous skimming action at each skimmer. The pool water level shall be maintained at an elevation so that continuous effective surface skimming is accomplished through skimmers or over the gutter lip. For gutter pools, approximately 75% of the required recirculation flow shall be through the gutter and 25% through the main drain during normal operation. For pools with skimmers, approximately 80% of the recirculation flow shall be through skimmers and 20% through the main drain. For reverse flow pools, 100% of the required circulation shall be through the gutter or skimmer.

(b) Skimmers, skimmer weirs, and overflow gutters and drains shall be maintained so that they are clean and shall be repaired or replaced as needed. Skimmer covers shall be securely seated on deck.

(c) Inlets shall be checked and adjusted to ensure that the rate of flow through each inlet is such that a uniform distribution pattern is established. Inlets in pools with surface skimmers shall be directed as necessary to ensure that there is effective skimming in all areas.

(d) Strainer baskets or screens shall be continuously in use and maintained. Clean spare strainer baskets or screens shall be available. Strainer baskets for skimmers and pump strainers shall be cleaned at least daily.

(3)   Surge tanks. Surge tanks shall be operated within designed water levels.

(4)   Pumps. The pump manufacturer's maintenance and operating instructions shall be followed. Recirculation pumps shall continuously achieve the designed pool water recirculation rate except during maintenance operations. The turnover time for pools shall be as follows:

(a) Swimming or combination pools. The maximum turnover time for a pool used for swimming or for a combination pool shall be 6 hours.

(b) Water attractions. The maximum turnover times for a water attraction constructed after the effective date of this rule shall be as listed in Table ATCP 76.11 A. - See PDF for table

(c) Wading pools. The maximum turnover time for a wading pool shall be 2 hours.

(d) Whirlpools. The maximum turnover time for a whirlpool shall be 30 minutes.

(e) Therapy and exercise pools. The turnover times for exercise and therapy pools constructed after the effective date of this rule shall be as provided in Table ATCP 76.11 B. - See PDF for table

(5)   Flowmeters, valves, and gauges. Flowmeters, valves and gauges shall be maintained in operating condition.

(5m)   Piping. Water treatment system piping shall have permanent labels, numbered tags or a color coding system that identifies valves, piping, and the direction of water flow. Labels, tags, or color coding shall correspond to a conspicuously posted, easily-read chart that explains the system.

(6)   Filters.

(a) General. The manufacturer's data plate shall be visible on all filters. Filter shells and appurtenances shall be maintained in operating condition.

(b) Sand filters.

1. Rapid–rate sand filters shall be backwashed when the pressure differential is greater than 7 pounds per square inch or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is less.

2. High–rate sand filters shall be backwashed when the pressure differential is greater than 11 pounds per square inch or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is less.

3. Vacuum sand filters shall be backwashed when the vacuum increases 8 inches of mercury above the initial reading or as recommended by the manufacturer. The backwash procedure shall follow the filter manufacturer's written directions which shall be conspicuously posted in the filter area on an easily read chart.

4. Filter media shall be inspected annually and cleaned or replaced when necessary.

(c) Diatomaceous earth filters.

1. Pressure–type diatomaceous earth filters shall be backwashed when the pressure differential is greater than 25 pounds per square inch or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is less.

2. Vacuum–type diatomaceous earth filters shall be backwashed when the vacuum gauge reading increases to greater than 8 inches of mercury or as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Septum covers shall be removed, cleaned or replaced when they no longer provide effective filtration or create a friction loss preventing maintenance of the required recirculation rate.

4. Diatomaceous earth wastewater separation tanks, where installed, shall be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.

5. Positive displacement feeder suction intake shall be suspended at least 6 inches above any sludge layer in the solution tank. Tanks for mixing and distribution of chemicals shall be appropriately labeled. A cover with a screened vent shall be provided on all mixing and distribution tanks. The installation shall be maintained to prevent backflow of water into the tanks and to prevent the chemicals from being siphoned out of the tanks into the pool recirculation system.

6. Diatomaceous earth slurry feeders. The lowest effective concentration of solution shall be used in a diatomaceous earth slurry feeder. The concentration of solution may not exceed 5% by weight. The diatomite slurry feeder head and lines shall be flushed once every 15 minutes for at least one minute to assure proper and continuous operation. Water from the discharge side of the recirculation pump may be used. If connection is to a potable water supply line, the supply line shall be equipped with an approved backflow or backsiphonage prevention device. Diatomite slurry tank agitators shall run continuously.

(d) Cartridge filters.

1. Cartridge–type filters shall be removed and cleaned when the pressure differential is greater than 11 pounds per square inch or as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Cartridges shall be replaced when plugged or damaged. A duplicate set of replacement cartridges shall be available on-site and used when removing a dirty cartridge from the filter for cleaning.

CR 06-086 : cr. Register August 2007 No. 620 , eff. 2-1-08; CR 09-115 : am. (1), r. and recr. Table B Register May 2010 No. 653 , eff. 6-1-10; renum. from DHS 172.11 Register June 2016 No. 726 ; correction in (4) (b), (e), Table A, B made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726 .

Note

See s. SPS 390.14 for design requirements for the recirculation system. Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1