Swimming Pool Construction and Design
B.C. Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
V1.0
Health Protection Branch
Population Health and Wellness Division
Ministry of Health
April 2011
B.C. Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
INTRODUCTION
The B.C. Pool Regulation, B.C. Reg. 296/2010 replaced the existing Swimming Pool,
Spray Pool and Wading Pool Regulation, B.C. Reg. 289/72, and the Pool Exemption
Regulation, B.C. Reg. 256/98. The regulation came into effect on October 8, 2010. The regulation modernizes the requirements for the design, construction, alterations to, and operation of swimming and bathing facilities offered for use by the public.
The new regulation is a shift from a prescriptive to an outcome based regulation, and t he
Design Guidelines document is to assist operators and regulators in interpreting the B.C.
Pools Regulation with respect to the design of pools. These guidelines represent generally accepted minimum standards of safe practices.
The guidelines were developed with input from a number of key stakeholders including
British Columbia’s health authorities, BC Parks and Recreation Association, the
Lifesaving Society, Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, Architects Institute of
B.C., W orkSafe BC and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of
B.C.
Where there is a discrepancy between the B.C. Pool Regulation and these guidelines, the Pool Regulation shall prevail.
The design guidelines may be reviewed and updated from time to time. Please visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/protect/ehp_recreational_water_quality.html for updates.
2
B.C. Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. POOL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS ............................................... 4
Deck and Walkway Design .................................................................................. 4
Reduced Walkways ............................................................................................. 6
Surfaces and Other Deck Considerations
V1.0
Health Protection Branch
Population Health and Wellness Division
Ministry of Health
April 2011
B.C. Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
INTRODUCTION
The B.C. Pool Regulation, B.C. Reg. 296/2010 replaced the existing Swimming Pool,
Spray Pool and Wading Pool Regulation, B.C. Reg. 289/72, and the Pool Exemption
Regulation, B.C. Reg. 256/98. The regulation came into effect on October 8, 2010. The regulation modernizes the requirements for the design, construction, alterations to, and operation of swimming and bathing facilities offered for use by the public.
The new regulation is a shift from a prescriptive to an outcome based regulation, and t he
Design Guidelines document is to assist operators and regulators in interpreting the B.C.
Pools Regulation with respect to the design of pools. These guidelines represent generally accepted minimum standards of safe practices.
The guidelines were developed with input from a number of key stakeholders including
British Columbia’s health authorities, BC Parks and Recreation Association, the
Lifesaving Society, Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, Architects Institute of
B.C., W orkSafe BC and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of
B.C.
Where there is a discrepancy between the B.C. Pool Regulation and these guidelines, the Pool Regulation shall prevail.
The design guidelines may be reviewed and updated from time to time. Please visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/protect/ehp_recreational_water_quality.html for updates.
2
B.C. Guidelines for Swimming Pool Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. POOL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS ............................................... 4
Deck and Walkway Design .................................................................................. 4
Reduced Walkways ............................................................................................. 6
Surfaces and Other Deck Considerations
References: Canadian Standards Association, CAN/CSA-Z267-00 (R2004) Safety Code for Amusement Rides and Devices.