Spa Pool Construction Guide

County of Orange, Health Care Agency, Environmental Health
1241 E. Dyer Rd., Ste. 120, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Telephone (714) 433-6074

When submitting spa pool plans for approval, a plan check fee for their review and 3 sets of plans at ½" = 1', with the following information are required:

1. Name and mailing address of owner.

2. Address of the pool to be constructed.

3. Name, address and telephone number of pool company or pool builder.

4. Scaled plot plan showing pool location in relationship to all buildings.

5. Floor plan of the restroom facilities (when required) to be used by bathers.

(NOTE: If the farthest living quarters are over 300 feet in travel distance from pool side, separate and adjacent restroom facilities will be required. An accompanying plot plan must have dimensions to scale that indicate the distance to the farthest living quarters).
 

Restroom Facility Requirements (When required)

1. Separate restrooms for both men and women, with access for the disabled.

2. View screens for privacy.

3. Smooth, moisture resistant wall finishes throughout.

4. Floors must be extended upwards onto the wall at least 5", with a coved junction and shall slope to floor drains.

5. Shower(s) with adequate drainage and hot and cold water.

6. Hand lavatory with single-service soap and towel dispensers and hot and cold water.

7. Drinking fountain in the pool area.

8. A water closet in each restroom (minimum).

9. Carpet is not allowed in restroom or shower rooms.
 

Profile View (Longitudinal Section), drawn through center line of the pool, must indicate the following data:

1. Overall length dimension.

2. Depth at main drain.

3. Sectional view of coping, drawn to scale.

4. Depth at bottom of steps.

5. Dimensions of steps.

6. Water depth at bench.

7. Location of handrail(s).

8. Location of fill line.

TOP VIEW must indicate the following data:

1. Skimmer and suction line location and size(s).

2. Fill line location (permanently installed).

3. Location and sizes of return lines and main drain line(s).

4. Location of steps and safety handrails.

5. Pool light location(s), and wattage.

6. Location of equipment room and area, face piping line size, and required equipment location.
 

Equipment Specificationss

1. Filter: make, model number and square footage.

2. Pumps: make, model number and horsepower rating.

3. Skimmer: make and model number with equalizer line (if not connected to main drain.

4. Disinfectant Feeder: make and model number.

5. Flow indicator: make and model number.

6. Influent and effluent pressure gauges.

7. Backwash line to sewer with air-gap separation. A sight glass if required.

8. Interior pool finish color must be white, or a light pastel. (Light reflectance value 55 or greater.)

9. Backflow prevention device on fresh water fill at supply valve.

10. Equipment room floors must be concrete, sloped to drainage.
 

Supporting Data (Indicate or list the following).

1. Pool capacity in total gallons.

2. Square footage. (Cannot exceed 250 square feet.)

3. Dimensions of pool length, width and depth. (Note: Depth cannot exceed 4 feet.)

4. Note pipe sizes of return lines and suction lines, also type of piping to be used (copper, PVC, etc.).

5. Four feet of paved and unobstructed decking shall extend around a minimum of 50% of spa pool (minimum 6 feet between a spa and any other pool), sloped away from pool at ¼ inch per foot to drains.)

6. Depth markers on 2 sides.

7. Location of hose bibs in the pool area. (Backflow prevention devices are required).

8. Drain grates must be screwdown type and IAPMO approved. Booster drains must be installed in duplicate, located on separate design planes or locate 3 feet apart.
 

Safety Equipment

1. Sign, which states, "No Lifeguard On Duty. Children Under The Age Of 14 Should Not Use Pool Without An Adult In Attendance."

2. Artificial respiration demonstration sign.

3. Emergency telephone numbers sign (“911”).

4. Test-kit for pH and chlorine.

5. First-Aid kit.

6. Health warning sign.

7. Occupant Load sign. (1 bather/10 square feet of water surface area).
 

Additional Requirements

1. For current fencing requirements, contact the Environmental Health Division. (Contact your local building department for their fencing requirements.)

2. The pool must be on a separate recirculation system and must be designed for a 30-minute turnover rate.

3. Two safety handrails must be provided on steps with 12-inch risers. If only one handrail is supplied, step risers cannot exceed 9 inches in height. The top section of the handrail must be at least 28 inches above the deck.

4. A dark contrasting color tile may be installed on the edge of steps and benches.

5. The water jet and recirculation systems must be independent of each other and not interconnected in any manner. No air can be injected into the recirculation system. Place the recirculation system on a separate time clock capable of operating on a 24-hour basis. The water jet system switch is for a limited period with patron control operation.

6. A clearly labeled emergency shut-off switch for control of both the recirculation and water jet systems shall be installed adjacent to the spa.

7. The water depth over the bench must not exceed 24 inches.

8. Step treads must be at least 12 inches wide and curved top steps 18 inches wide.

9. Maximum temperature allowed 104°Fahrenheit (40°Celsius).

10. Recirculation and booster suction outlets may not be located under the same grate.

SPACONST Rev 6-27-01