Code
A four foot (1.2 m) wide, continuous, unobstructed PERIMETER DECK shall be provided on two consecutive or adjacent sides or fifty percent or more of the SPA perimeter.
Annex
This is to provide adequate area for life saving and rescue purposes. The AHJ may allow a smaller rescue area based on the assessment of a local emergency rescue agency.
SPAS elevated for transfer wall or other purposes need to be provided with an effective BARRIER so that the elevated wall is not used as a platform to access an adjacent AQUATIC VENUE. An effective BARRIER shall be one that does not allow BATHERS to walk on the elevated wall.
Small and/or narrow SPAS are examples where the AHJ may allow a relief from the 50% minimum DECK requirements. The rationale is that if a SPA is of a limited size or width then it can be entirely be guarded effectively from one side or one location.