Code Corner: 2024 ISPSC Chapter 4: Public Swimming Pools
The Code Corner explores sections of the International Codes® each month, focusing on key elements of these essential codes. This month, we’re spotlighting the scope of Chapter 4 of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®.
The International Codes® (I-Codes®), developed by the International Code Council (ICC), are a family of fifteen coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable and affordable structures.
The I-Codes are the most widely adopted set of model codes globally, implemented in all 50 U.S. states and many countries around the world.
The Building Safety Journal’s series, Code Corner, explores sections of the I-Codes each month, focusing on key elements of these essential codes. This month, we’re spotlighting the scope of Chapter 4 of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®): Public Swimming Pools.
412.1 Safety signage.
Safety signage advising on the danger of diving into shallow areas and on the prevention of drowning shall be provided as required by the authority that governs such pools. Safety signage shall be as shown in Figure 412.1 or similar thereto.
One or more signs must be installed in the pool area to remind users of two very basic cautionary messages for all pools. The sign shown in Figure 412.1 is one example of a sign that has been widely accepted and used for several decades. Other signs may be used, provided that they are comparable in wording and message.
Commentary Figure 412.1 shows a typical “No Diving” sign that would usually be considered as meeting the “similar thereto” requirement of this section regarding Figure 412.1 for pools other than wading pools. In the opinion of this writer, however, the sign shown in the photo seems to be especially lacking the message required by the right side of Figure 412.1,given the fact that the sign is next to a wading pool. The decision of how signage complies with the intent of Figure 412.1 is up to the code official.
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About the Author
Gary has over 40 years of experience working within the Construction and Plumbing Industry. He is a seasoned Construction Project Manager as well as a Licensed Master Plumber in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
In addition, Gary holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL) within the state of Massachusetts and completely understands the significance of code correlation. Lastly, while working with the International Code Council, he is currently an Adult Educational Master Plumbing & Fuel Gas Instructor and Continuing Education Instructor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Member of the International Code Council PMG Team responsible for developing, coordinating, directing and implementing programs to ensure the successful completion of the Government Relations goals and objectives as they apply to the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code (and related services and programs of the International Code Council).
