Martinez Municipal Code Ch. 17.32 Mechanical System

Unless otherwise specified in this Code, all piping, equipment and materials used in the plumbing system shall conform to the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, as published by the Western Plumbing Officials Association.

(Prior code § 9902)

All materials, piping, valves, equipment or appliances entering into the construction of swimming pools or portions thereof, shall be of a type complying with the Code or of a type approved by an approved testing agency to an approved standard, and acceptable to the Administrative Authority.

(Prior code § 9902.1)

A. The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, method of construction, appliance, or equipment, provided any such alternate has been first approved and its use authorized by the Administrative Authority.

B. When there is insufficient evidence to substantiate claims for alternates, the Administrative Authority may require tests, as proof of compliance, to be made by an approved testing agency at the expense of the applicant.

(Prior code § 9902.2)

A. Approved Equipment Required. Every private swimming pool shall be equipped with approved equipment consisting of a filter, pump and component parts.

B. Turnover Time. The system shall be designed to provide complete turnover of the pool contents in 12 hours or less.

(Prior code § 9902.3)

Pool circulation piping shall be sized so that the water velocity will not exceed the values given in Table 3-1 for the design rate.

Table 3-1 Maximum Velocity of flow In Feet Per Second

(Prior code § 9902.4(1))

Pool circulation piping shall be of the following approved material:

(Prior code § 9902.4(2))

Where metals not normally considered compatible on the electromotive scale are joined, such point of joining shall be located above grade and a dielectric coupling shall be employed.

(Prior code § 9902.4(3))

All piping materials shall be installed in strict accord with the manufacturer's installation standards.

(Prior code § 9902.4(4))

A. Approved full-way valves shall be installed where appropriate to insure proper functioning of the filtration and piping system.

B. Where the pool pump and filter are located below the maximum water level, valves shall be installed on the discharge and suction lines.

C. All valves shall be located where they will be readily and easily accessible for maintenance and removal. Valves located under concrete slabs shall be set in a pit having at least a dimension of 10 pipe diameters, with a minimum of at least 12 inches, and fitted with a suitable cover.

D. Valves up to and including 2 inches in size shall be brass, stainless steel or equal. Sizes over 2 inches may have cast iron, brass, stainless steel or equal bodies. Each gate valve shall be a full-way type with working parts of corrosion resistant metal.

E. Combination valves may be installed when approved by the Administrative Authority.

F. Check or full-way valves shall be installed on the circulating pump suction piping when:

1. Non-self-priming pumps i.e., straight centrifugal) are located above the pool water level;

2. Self-priming pumps are located in excess of 2 feet above the water level.

G. Where check valves are installed they shall be of the swing check pattern.

(Prior code § 9902.5)

All pool piping shall be inspected and approved before being covered or concealed. It shall be tested and proved tight to the satisfaction of the Administrative Authority, under a static water or air pressure test of not less than 30 pounds per square inch.

Exception: Circulating pumps need not be tested as required in this section.

Gas piping shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this title.

(Prior code § 9902.6)

Pool fittings shall be of such type and design as to be appropriate for the specific application as set out in Sections 17.32.120 through 7.32.160.

(Prior code § 9902.7)

Approved surface skimmers are required and shall be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Skimmers shall be installed on the basis of one per 800 square feet of surface area, or fraction thereof, and shall be designed for a flow rate of at least 25 G.P.M. per skimmer.

(Prior code § 9902.7(1))

An approved main outlet shall be provided at the deepest point in every pool for emptying and/or circulation of the water in the pool. For other than portable pools this outlet shall be installed by means of en approved prefabricated assembly which incorporates a removable grate or antivortex plate and which also provides for a hydrostatic relief tube or system, to effectively protect the pool structure.

(Prior code § 9902.7(2))

Approved manufactured inlet fittings for the return of recirculated pool water shall be provided on the basis of at least one per 14,400 gallons of pool capacity. Such inlet fittings shall be of such design and construction as to insure an adequate seal to the pool structure and shall incorporate a convenient means of sealing for pressure testing of the pool circulation piping. Inlets shall be located so as to aid in establishing flow patterns within the pool which are beneficial to effective skimming of the pool surface and mixing of the pool contents. Where more than one inlet is required, the shortest distance between any two required inlets shall be at least 20 feet.

(Prior code § 9902.7(3))

Approved manufactured vacuum fittings, where provided, shall be located in a convenient position below the minimum operating water level.

(Prior code § 9902.7(4))

Approved manufactured gutter fittings, where provided, shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(Prior code § 9902.7(5))

A. Pool circulating pumps shall be approved and shall be equipped on the inlet side with an approved type hair and lint strainer.

B. Pumps shall have a design capacity at the following heads:

1. Pressure diatomaceous earth: At least 60 feet;

2. Vacuum diatomaceous earth: 20 inches vacuum on the suction side and 45 feet total head;

3. Sand and gravel: At least 45 feet. Pump impellers, shafts, wear rings and other working parts shall be of corrosion-resistant materials. Pumps in sizes up to and including 2 horsepower shall have pump cases of corrosion-resistant materials. Pumps in sizes over 2 horsepower may have cast iron pump cases.

C. Corrosion-resistant materials: The following is a list of presently accepted corrosion-resistant materials.

1. Approved copper alloys (including bronze and brass);

2. AINSI type 300 series stainless steel;

3. Monel;

4. Approved synthetic (certain plastics, fiberglass, etc) materials.

(Prior code § 9902.8)

Diatomite-type filters shall be approved for operation under either pressure or vacuum. The design capacity shall not exceed 2 gallons per minute per square foot of effective filter area for pressure and/or vacuum filters. A 2 ½ gallon per minute per square foot rate is permissible when body feed is used.

(Prior code § 9902.9(1))

Rapid sand filters (flow up to 5 G.P.M. per square foot) shall be constructed in accordance with approved standards. Where high rate sand filters (flow in excess of 5 G.P.M. per square foot) are used, they shall be approved. The circulation system and backwash piping shall be adequate for proper backwashing of the filter and shall provide backwash flow rates of at least 12 G.P.M. per square foot for rapid sand filters or 15 G.P.M. per square foot for high rate sand filters.

(Prior code § 9902.9(2))

A. Every filter system shall be provided with operating instructions.

B. A filter system shall be equipped with the following:

1. An influent pressure gauge shall be provided;

2. An effluent pressure gauge shall be provided;

3. A valve to release the air at the top of each filter;

4. A backwash sight glass where the backwash discharge outlet to the receptor is not visible from the backwash control valve.

Note: Sight glass shall be installed adjacent to the backwash control valve.

(Prior code § 9902.9(3))

All mechanical equipment shall be set on a poured-in-place concrete base or slab. All mechanical equipment, unless approved for outdoor installation, shall be adequately protected against the weather or installed within a building.

(Prior code § 9902.10)

Equipment shall be so installed as to provide ready accessibility for cleaning, operating, maintenance and servicing.

(Prior code 9902.11)

A. No direct or indirect connection shall be made between any storm drain, sewer, drainage system, seepage pit, underground leaching pit or subsoil drainage line, and any line connected to a swimming pool unless approved by the Administrative Authority.

B. When the waste water from a swimming pool is to be disposed of through a public sewer, a 4-inch cast iron P trap shall be installed on the lower terminus of the building drain and the tail piece from the trap shall extend a minimum of 3 inches above finished grade and below finished flood grade. The connection between the filter waste discharge piping and the P trap shall be made by means of an indirect connection.

C. Plans and specifications for any deviation from the above manner of installation shall be first approved by the Administrative Authority before any portion of any such system is installed.

D. When waste water disposal is to seepage pit installation, it shall be installed in accordance with the approval granted by the health department.

(Prior code § 9902.12(1))

A. A separation tank may be used with diatomite systems, in lieu of the aforementioned means of waster water disposal when connected as a reclamation system.

B. A separation tank shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials for a design pressure of 75 psi. The tank shall be provided with quick removable cover, inlet and outlet connections, site glass, pressure gauge and air cock. Collector bag shall be of material resistant to moisture and chemicals customarily used in swimming pools and provided with back support for free water flow and to prevent rupture of separator bag.

C. When separation tanks are used they shall contain usable volume according to the following schedule:

Above 60 square feet effective filter area, provide usable volume on the basis of 22.5 cubic inches per square foot of effective filter area.

(Prior code § 9902.12(2))

All pools shall be equipped with an approved type of filling system with backflow protection. No over-the-rim spout shall be accepted unless located under a diving board or properly guarded.

(Prior code § 9902.13)

Swimming pool water heating equipment shall conform to the design, construction and installation requirements as set forth in the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, shall bear the A.G.A. label, and shall include a consideration of combustion air, venting and gas supply requirements for water heaters and in addition, the following shall be required:

A. An approved permanent bypass or antisiphon device shall be installed to provide a positive means of retaining water in the heater when the pump is not in operation.

B. When the heater is installed in a pit, the pit shall be provided with approved drainage facilities.

C. All water heating equipment shall be installed with flanges or union connection adjacent to the heater.

D. When water heating equipment is installed in a closed system, i.e., has a valve between the appliance and the pool, a pressure relief valve shall be installed on the discharge side of the water heating equipment. For units up to and including 200,000 B.T.U./Hr. input the relief valve shall be A.G.A. rated and for inputs over 200,000 B.T.U./Hr., the valve shall be A.S.M.E. rated.

E. A check valve shall be located between the heater and the filter.

(Prior code § 9902.14)

No gas piping shall be strained or bent and no appliance shall be supported by or develop any strain or stress on its supply piping.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

Upon completion of the installation, alteration or repair of any gas piping, and prior to the use thereof, the Administrative Authority shall be notified that such gas piping is ready for inspection.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

The Administrative Authority shall make the following inspections and shall either approve that portion of the work as completed, or shall notify the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this Code:

A. Rough Piping Inspection. Rough piping inspection shall be made after all gas piping authorized by the permit has been installed and before any such piping has been covered or concealed or any fixture or appliance has been attached thereto. This inspection shall include a determination that the gas piping size, material and installation meet the requirements of this Code.

This inspection shall include an air pressure test, at which time the gas piping shall stand a pressure of not less than 10 pounds per square inch gauge pressure, and shall hold this pressure for a length of time satisfactory to the Administrative Authority, but in no case for less than 15 minutes with no perceptible drop in pressure. For welded piping and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of 14 inches water column pressure, the test pressure shall be not less than 60 pounds per square inch and shall be continued for a length of time satisfactory to the Administrative Authority, but in no case for less than 30 minutes. These tests shall be made using air pressure only, and shall be made in the presence of the Administrative Authority. All necessary apparatus for conducting tests shall be furnished by the permit holder.

B. Final Piping Inspection. Final piping inspection shall be made after all piping authorized by the permit has been installed, and after all portions thereof, which are to be covered or concealed, are so concealed, and after any fixture, appliance or shutoff valve has been attached thereto.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

In cases where the work authorized by the permit consists of a minor installation of additional piping to piping already connected to a gas meter, the foregoing inspections may be waived at the discretion of the Administrative Authority. In this event, the Administrative Authority shall make such inspection as he deems advisable in order to assure himself that the work has been performed in accordance with the intent of this Code.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

If, upon final piping inspection, the installation is found to comply with the provisions of this Code, a certificate of inspection may be issued by the Administrative Authority.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

A. All pipe used for the installation, extension, alteration or repair of any gas piping shall be standard weight wrought iron or steel (galvanized or black), yellow brass (containing not more than 75 percent copper) or internally tinned or equivalently treated copper of iron pipe size.

B. All such pipe shall be either new, or shall previously have been used for no other purpose than conveying gas; it shall be in good condition and free from internal obstructions. Burred ends shall be reamed to the full bore of the pipe.

C. All fittings used in connection with the above piping shall be of malleable iron or yellow brass (containing not more than 75 percent copper).

D. All valves and appurtenances used in connection with the above piping shall be of a type designed and approved for use with fuel gas.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

A. All joints in the piping system, unless welded, shall be screwed joints, having approved standard threads. Such screwed joints shall be made up with approved pipe joint material, insoluble in the presence of fuel gas and applied to the male threads only.

B. No gas piping shall be installed in or on the ground under any building or structure, and all exposed gas piping shall be kept at least 6 inches above grade or structure.

C. Where water vapor is present in the fuel gas served, accessible drip pipes shall be provided at points where condensation will tend to collect.

D. Ferrous gas piping installed underground in exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion by approved coatings or wrapping materials, and all such horizontal piping shall have at least 12 inches of earth cover or other equivalent protection. Risers shall be wrapped to a point at least 6 inches above grade.

E. All gas pipe protective coatings shall be approved types, machine applied, and conform to recognized standards. Field wrapping shall provide equivalent protection and is restricted to those short sections and fittings necessarily stripped for threading or welding. Zinc coatings (galvanizing) shall not be deemed adequate protection for piping below ground. Ferrous metals in exposed exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Authority.

F. All gas piping shall be adequately supported by metal straps or hooks at intervals of not more than 6 feet for piping 1 inch or smaller and not more than 10 feet for larger piping. Gas piping installed below grade shall be effectively supported at all points on undisturbed or well compacted soil. Material used for backfill around the pipe shall be free of rocks, building materials, hot ashes and trash.

G. Where unions are necessary, right and left nipples and couplings shall be used. Ground-joint unions may be used in exposed fixtures, appliance or equipment connections and in exposed exterior locations. Bushings shall not be used in concealed locations.

H. Valves used in connection with gas piping shall be approved types having a full bore equivalent to the area of the piping served.

I. An accessible shut-off valve of a type set forth in subsection H of this section, shall be installed in the fuel supply piping outside of each appliance and ahead of the union connection thereto, and in addition to any valve on the appliance. Shut-off valves shall be within 3 feet of the appliance. Shut-off valves may be located immediately adjacent to and inside or under an appliance when placed in an accessible and protected location and then such appliance may be removed without removal of the valve.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

In addition to the requirements of this Code for gas piping, the facilities and piping for use with liquefied petroleum gas shall meet the following requirements:

A. All liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall conform to approved standards. All such facilities and their locations shall be acceptable to the Administrative Authority and shall conform to State and local fire prevention regulations.

B. All liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall be so placed as to be at all times readily accessible for inspection, reading, testing and shutting off the gas supply. All service piping and main supply shut-off valves shall be outside of the building. All main supply valves shall be of an approved type and readily accessible.

C. Liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall not be located in any pit or basement, under show windows or interior stairways, in engine, boiler, heater or electric meter rooms. When not prohibited by another regulation, approved liquefied petroleum gas metering devices may be located in the open under exterior stairways.

D. Liquefied petroleum gas piping shall not serve any gas water heater located in a pit or basement where heavier than air gas might collect to form a flammable mixture.

E. Pipe joint compounds used on thread connections shall be insoluble in liquefied petroleum gas.

F. Every valve and appurtenance used on such piping shall be designed and approved for use with liquefied petroleum gas.

G. Discharge from relief valves shall be into the open air and shall be at least 5 feet away from any opening into a building.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

A. Leaks in gas piping shall be located by applying soapy water to the exterior of the piping.

B. Fire or acid shall not be used to locate or repair leeks, nor shall any substance other then air be introduced into the gas piping.

C. It is not permissible to repair defects in gas piping or fittings, but upon having been located, the defective pipe or fittings shall be removed and replaced with sound material.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

A. The following regulations as set forth in this section and in Section 17.32.370 shall be the standard for the installation of gas piping. All regulations and tables are based on the use of natural gas having a specific gravity of 0.65, supplied at approximately 8 inches water column pressure at the outlet of the meter.

B. The hourly volume of gas required at each piping outlet shall be taken as not less than the maximum hourly rating, as specified by the manufacturer of the appliance or appliances to be connected to each such outlet.

C. Where the manufacturer's rating of an appliance is given in British Thermal Units (B.T.U.) per hour, this rating shall be divided by the heating valve of the gas to be delivered in B.T.U. per cubic foot, to obtain the corresponding gas demand in cubic feet per hour.

(Prior code § 9902.15)

A. Where the maximum demand does not exceed 250 cubic feet per hour and the maximum length of piping between the meter and the most distant outlet is not over 250 feet, the size of each section and each outlet of any system of gas piping shall be determined by means of Table 3-11. Other systems within the range of Table 3-11 may be sized from that table or by means of the methods set forth in subsection C of this section.

B. To determine the size of each section of pipe in any system within the range of Table 3-11, proceed as follows:

1. Measure the length of the pipe from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet on the system;

2. In Table 3-11 select the column showing that distance, or the next longer distance, if the table does not give the exact length;

3. Use this vertical column to locate all gas demand figures for this particular system of gas piping;

4. Starting at the most remote outlet, find in the vertical column just selected, the gas demand for that outlet. If the exact figure of demand is not shown, choose the next larger figure below in the column;

5. Opposite this demand figure, in the first column at the left in Table 3-11 will be found the correct size of pipe;

6. Proceed in a similar manner for each outlet and each section of pipe. For each section of pipe determine the total gas demand supplied for that section.

C. For conditions other than those covered by subsection A of this section, such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Administrative Authority and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or other point of supply and any outlet when full demand is being supplied to all outlets, will at no time exceed 0.5 inches water column pressure.

D. Where gas of a different specific gravity is to be delivered, or where the pressure may be higher than 14 inches or lower than 7 inches of water column, the design, pipe sizing, materials, location and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Administrative Authority and the gas utility supplying the gas.

E. The appliance connecting piping shall at no time have a diameter less than the inlet connection of the appliance as provided by the manufacturer and shall not exceed 2 feet in length.

Table 3-11 Distance

(Prior code § 9902.15)