(1) Owners providing special features shall ensure the features meet the requirements of this section.

(2) Benches. A single bench or seat that is recessed from the general wall of the swimming pool may be built into the shallow area of the pool, if it meets the following conditions. The bench: (See figure 091.1.)

(a) May not be located in an area that is used for lap swimming;

(b) May not exceed twenty percent of the length of the side it is located on or five percent of the perimeter of a free form pool;

(c) Must have a minimum two-inch or wider durable continuous line of a contrasting color on the top and side of the bench edge, so as to be readily visible to persons standing on the deck and persons swimming in the water; and

(d) The area of the deck above the bench must be labeled in nonslip lettering at least four inches high: "no diving."

figure 091.1

(3) Ledges. In general use swimming pools, a single ledge may be built into the deep end of the pool, if:

(a) The ledge construction conforms with FINA facilities rules, 2001-2002, Swimming Pools, FR2.4.2;

(b) The ledge is in a contrasting color from the rest of the pool for easy visibility.

(4) Waterfalls. A waterfall feature may be built at swim pool or spa pool facilities if the following conditions are met:

(a) If located in or adjacent to shallow swimming pool water levels, it must be set back from the edge of the pool a distance specified in Table 091.2; exceptions may be made for lifeguarded pools;

(b) If located at, or adjacent to, deep swimming pool water levels, it will be considered a diving platform and the adjacent pool area must conform to diving envelope design specified in WAC 246-260-041(5);

(c) Minimum walkway areas required in other sections of this chapter must be maintained around pools;

(d) Water in waterfalls that commingles with pool water must meet water quality and treatment requirements specified in other sections of this chapter and any additional disinfection required by the department or local health officer to address anticipated increased demands and aerosolization of disinfectant;

(e) Flows may not create turbulence that might create a safety hazard or reduce visibility in the pool; and

(f) Waterfalls that flow from pool sidewalls may not exceed five percent of the total pool perimeter.

(5) Rockeries. A decorative rock feature may be built at a swim pool or spa pool facility, if the following conditions are met:

(a) If located adjacent to shallow swimming pool water, it must be set back from the edge of the pool a distance specified in Table 091.2; exceptions may be made for lifeguarded pools;

(b) If located at or adjacent to deep swimming pool water levels, it will be considered a diving platform and the adjacent pool area must conform to diving envelope design specified in WAC 246-260-041(5);

(c) The design has a nonslip surface without sharp or cutting edges in any areas that provide a potential foothold, stepping or standing access; and

(d) It slopes to drain water away from the pool.

(6) Play toy equipment. Play toy equipment may be built at pool facilities provided the following conditions are met:

(a) Can only be used in lifeguarded pools;

(b) It must comply with the requirements of chapter 246-262 WAC;

(c) Its design conforms to ASTM standard F1292 including establishing fall zones;

(d) Surfaces must be easily cleanable;

(e) It must be operated in accordance with a written plan of operation developed by the owner, addressing placement of the toy, protection from falls, entrapment, entanglement of bathers from each other, and visibility of users to lifeguards; and

(7) Special use pools. At least thirty days prior to development of final plans and specifications, owners shall submit proposals at a preliminary design conference for pools designed for special use purposes (e.g., scuba training, kayaking, portable rental spas, sensory deprivation tanks, public promotions at sports fields, county fairs, and any special events using portable pools) to the department or local health officer for review and approval. The department or local health officer has flexibility in applying portions of this chapter or additional requirements necessary to assure health and safety for users of these special use pools.

(8) Ballet rails.

(a) Owners may install ballet-type rails on pools having uses limited to exercise and training;

(b) Owners may install ballet-type rail on general or limited use pools, if:

(i) The rail is inset into the wall to preclude any obstructions in the pool; and

(ii) The rail is removable and covers are provided and used to maintain a flush surface in general use pools.