Section 675IAC20-2-21. Surface skimmer systems

   (a) A surface skimming system shall be:

(1) provided on all public swimming pools; and

(2) designed and constructed to skim the pool surface when the water level is maintained within the operational parameters of the system's rim or weir device.

  (b) When perimeter-type surface skimming systems are provided, they shall meet the following:

(1) Overflow gutters shall extend completely around the pool perimeter with the exception of the following:

(A) Where the gutters would interfere with a means of entry and exit.

(B) "Wave pools" and "zero (0) depth pools".

(2) Overflow gutters shall be capable of continuously removing not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the recirculated water or one (1) gallon per minute per lineal foot of pool perimeter, whichever is greater.

(3) The opening into the gutter beneath the coping shall be not less than four (4) inches, and the interior of the gutter shall be not less than three (3) inches in width or depth.

(4) The overflow edge (lip) shall be rounded and no thicker than two and one-half (2 1/2) inches for the top two (2) inches.

(5) Overflow outlets shall be:

(A) not less than two (2) inches in diameter; and

(B) sufficiently spaced so as to maintain the gutters in a self-cleaning and effective state without discharging back into the pool.

(6) All facilities that have perimeter overflow systems shall be provided with a net surge capacity of at least one (1.0) gallon per square foot of water surface area. Surge capacity shall be provided either in a vacuum filter tank, in the perimeter overflow system, in a surge tank, or a combination thereof. Valving shall be provided where necessary, to automatically retain water during periods of facility use and to discharge water during the periods of nonuse so that the proper operating water level in the facility is maintained at all times.

(7) Perimeter-type surface skimmers shall be designed for removal of water from the pool's upper surface at a rate equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the design turnover flow rate. If the surge volume is to be stored in the perimeter overflow system, the system shall have the capacity to carry one hundred percent (100%) of the design flow while maintaining the surge storage capacity.

(8) Surge weirs shall pass at least fifty percent (50%) of the design circulation flow rate with the water level at the mid-level of the weir. A minimum of one (1) weir shall be provided for each five hundred (500) square feet of pool water surface area or fraction thereof. The combined flow rate through all the surge weirs shall not exceed the design circulation flow rate. Surge weirs shall be uniformly spaced around the pool perimeter. The mid-level of the weir opening shall be at least one (1) inch but not more than two (2) inches below the overflow lip of the perimeter overflow system. A flow-regulating device that will maintain a relatively constant flow rate as the water level is varied shall be included. Surge weirs shall not be utilized at a zero-depth pool.

  (c) Skimmers shall not be installed in pools over thirty (30) feet in width, and, when installed in pools under thirty (30) feet wide, they shall meet the following:

(1) Only be installed where an approved handhold is provided around the perimeter of the pool.

(2) One (1) skimmer shall be provided for every five hundred (500) square feet of pool surface area, or fraction thereof.

(3) Skimming devices shall:

(A) be installed in the pool wall; and

(B) develop sufficient velocity on the water surface to induce floating oils and wastes into the skimmer or skimmers from the entire pool area.

(4) The skimmer weir or weirs shall:

(A) be automatically adjustable;

(B) operate freely with continuous action to variations in water level over a range of at least four (4) inches; and

(C) operate at all flow variations.

(5) No equalizer shall be used nor shall the main outlet be connected to the circulation system through a skimmer.

(6) The skimmer shall be of sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials with an easily removable and cleanable basket or screen through which all overflow water must pass.

(Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission; 675 IAC 20-2-21; filed Aug 14, 1989, 9:00 a.m.: 13 IR 57, eff Sep 1, 1989 [IC 4-22-2-36 suspends the effectiveness of a rule document for thirty (30) days after filing with the secretary of state. LSA Document #89-17 was filed Aug 14, 1989.]; readopted filed Sep 11, 2001, 2:49 p.m.: 25 IR 530; readopted filed Sep 21, 2007, 9:20 a.m.: 20071010-IR-675070388RFA; readopted filed Oct 10, 2007, 9:16 a.m: 20071031-IR-675070388RFA; filed Mar 25, 2011, 10:19 a.m.: 20110420-IR-675090789FRA; readopted filed Aug 7, 2013, 8:51 a.m.: 20130904-IR-675130181RFA)