The Model Aquatic Health Code

Documentation of AQUATIC FACILITY new construction or SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION plan compliance shall be maintained in the AHJ’s AQUATIC FACILITY files.

Construction permits required in this CODE and all other applicable permits shall be obtained before any AQUATIC FACILITY may be constructed.

A construction permit or other applicable permits may be required from the AHJ before SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION of an AQUATIC FACILITY.

The AHJ shall issue a permit to the owner to operate the AQUATIC FACILITY: 1) After receiving a certificate of completion from the design professional verifying information submitted, and 2) When new construction, SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATIONS, or annual renewal requirements of this CODE have been met.

The permit (license) to operate may be withheld, revoked or denied by the AHJ for noncompliance of the AQUATIC FACILITY with the requirements of this CODE, and the owner will be provided: 1) Specific reasons for disapproval and procedure for resubmittal; 2) Notice of the rights to appeal this denial and procedures for requesting an appeal; and 3) Reviewer’s name, signature and date of review and denial.

Documentation of AQUATIC FACILITY permit renewal or denial shall be maintained in the AHJ’s AQUATIC FACILITY files.

AQUATIC VENUES shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or impervious and structurally sound material(s), which provide a smooth, easily cleaned, watertight structure capable of withstanding the anticipated stresses/loads for full and empty conditions taking into consideration climatic, hydrostatic, seismic, and the integration of the AQUATIC VENUE with other structural conditions and as required by applicable CODES.

All materials shall be inert, non-toxic, resistant to corrosion, impervious, enduring, and resistant to damages related to environmental conditions of the installation region.

Where located in areas subject to freezing, AQUATIC VENUES and appurtenances shall be protected and designed from damage due to freezing.

The AHJ may grant a variance to the color requirements of this CODE for Munsell color values less than 6.5.

Competitive or lap POOLS may have lane markings and end wall targets installed in accordance with FINA, NCAA, USA Swimming, NFSHSA, or other recognized STANDARD.

Any graphics, color, or finish incorporated into the construction of a POOL or painted on the floor or walls must not prevent the detection of a BATHER in distress, algae, sediment, or other objects in the AQUATIC VENUE.

Permission in writing from the AHJ for the use of graphics that do not comply with the requirements of this CODE shall be obtained before the graphics are used.

POOLS shall be designed in such a way to maintain their ability to retain the designed amount of water.

All vertical walls shall have a durable finish suitable for regular scrubbing and cleaning at the waterline.

The finish shall be able to withstand daily brushing, scrubbing, and cleaning of the surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

SKIMMER POOLS shall have a six inch (152 mm) to 12 inch (305 mm) high waterline finish that meets the requirements of MAHC Section 4.2.1.8 and 4.2.1.8.1.