4.1.2.3.5

Theoretical Peak Occupancy

Code

The technical specifications for each AQUATIC FACILITY and each AQUATIC VENUE shall include THEORETICAL PEAK OCCUPANCY, respectively.

Annex

Design professionals need to consider the THEORETICAL PEAK OCCUPANCY of an AQUATIC FACILITY as part of the design process. This requires calculation and integration of peak occupancy numbers for the water as well as the surrounding deck and seating areas. The rationale for the THEORETICAL PEAK OCCUPANCY density factor numbers for specific AQUATIC VENUE types is as follows: 1. FLAT WATER a. These AQUATIC VENUES generally are for swimming. b. The density factor was established at 20 ft2 per person. This represents an average horizontal BATHER occupying a five foot (1.5 m) by four foot (1.2 m) area. c. Assuming a BATHER is swimming horizontally; a full body length is an average five foot (1.5 m) with a five foot span to equal 25 ft2 (2.3 m2). There was a need to account for higher densities in shallow areas where BATHERS wade vertically versus swim horizontally. The middle ground decided was 20 ft2 (1.9 m2). 2. AGITATED WATER a. These AQUATIC VENUES generally are for wading, splashing, and enjoyment of features without swimming. b. The density factor was established at 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) per BATHER. This represents an average vertical BATHER occupying a five foot (1.5 m) by three foot (91 cm) area. This also complies with the Illinois State Pool Code. 3. HOT WATER a. These AQUATIC VENUES generally are for lounging such as hot tubs, warming POOLS, etc. b. The density factor was established at 10 ft2 (0.9 m2) per BATHER. This represents an average user sitting in a three foot (91 cm) by three foot (91cm) area. 4. DECK and Spectator Areas a. For decks at leisure POOLS, one can assume a density factor of 50 ft2 (4.6 m2) per BATHER of deck space based on Illinois State Pool Code. When adding seating and tables, which separate groups, the square footage allows for a reduced density. b. For spectator areas, the MAHC Committee chose a density factor of 6.6 ft2 (0.6 m2) per PATRON for stadium seating from ASHRAE 62.1. This seating is generally well above the water level. The density factors in MAHC Section 4.1.2.3.5.3 may be modified for higher BATHER or PATRON density, but they shall not be modified to be lower than the density factors listed. The designer/engineer of the AQUATIC FACILITY or AQUATIC VENUE can document the intended use is different. For example, a swimming POOL that is normally a FLAT WATER venue has a density factor of 20 ft2 (1.9 m2) per BATHER. However, when designing a FLAT WATER WADING POOL with more vertical use than horizontal swimming, the POOL would have a higher density of BATHERS so the density factor could be modified to 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) per BATHER.

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