Placerville Municipal Code Ch. 10 Public Spas

This chapter shall be known and may be referred to as the CITY OF PLACERVILLE PUBLIC SPA chapter. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

This chapter is enacted for the purpose of licensing and regulating public spas. The city council of the city finds the use of whirlpools, spas or hot tubs when rented, used for a fee, or where use is allowed as an amenity to another enterprise, can readily allow disease transmission if not operated in a safe and sanitary manner and that operation in an unsafe and unsanitary manner is detrimental to the health and welfare of the people and is a public nuisance. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

DISINFECTING OR SANITIZING AGENT: Chlorine in a "free available state" or other equally effective compound approved for use by the health officer.

HEALTH OFFICER: The El Dorado County health officer or his deputies to include registered sanitarians.

PUBLIC SPA: An artificial basin, container or tank constructed of impervious material and used, or intended to be used, for recreative for hire bathing that incorporates water jets or an aeration system. Spas used under medical supervision or the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and of a size only to be used by an individual, are exempt. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

No person shall operate a public spa without a valid health permit issued by the El Dorado County health department. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

No person shall begin construction, reconstruction or alteration of a public spa without first submitting (in triplicate) plans, specifications and such other information as may be required to determine if the proposed facilities comply with these regulations to the city for review and written approval in advance of the issuance of any building or plumbing permit or construction. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

Showers and toilets shall be clean and equipped in accordance with the California Administrative Code, title 17, section 7781. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

The materials used for the spa shall not be adversely affected by exposure to rain, snow, ice, sunlight, local temperature extremes, local air pollution products and the mechanical, electrical and chemical environment in and around spas. The materials used for the spa shell shall, in addition, be light colored, smooth, easily cleanable and shall not be capable of cutting, pinching, puncturing or abrading the users. The shell shall be at all times maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(A) Maximum water depth shall be four feet (4') (1.22m) measured from the water line.

(B) The maximum depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be two feet (2') (61cm) below the water line.

(C) There shall be at least one handrail. Steps or stairs shall be provided where depths are greater than two feet (2') (61cm).

(D) The deck area shall extend around the spa at least four feet (4') (1.22m) on two (2) sides. Deck shall be slip resistant, free from hazards and drain properly. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

The water supply shall be from an approved potable supply and the supply shall be protected from cross connections. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(A) The inlets and outlets must be designed to allow for uniform circulation. Outlets, except skimmers, on pump suction shall be covered with suitable antivortex grates that cannot be removed except with tools, The spa shall be equipped with at least one surface skimming device.

(B) Spa outlets shall be designed so that each pumping system in the spa (filter and/or booster systems) provides one of the following alternatives:

1. Provide two (2) outlets whose pipe diameter sizes are equal (this may be 2 outlet drains or an outlet drain and a skimmer). The system shall be designed so that neither one of the two (2) outlets can be cut out of the suction line by a valve or other means.

2. Provide a grate of at least one square foot.

3. Provide other approved means that guard against outlet entrapment. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(A) The filter, pump, disinfection equipment and other related items shall be kept in an area accessible at all times. This area shall be separate from the customer use area. The jet or air system shall be separate from the filtration system. The one-half (1/2) hour "turnover" is required (30 minutes).

(B) A means shall be provided to drain the spa which may include: bottom drains, circulatory system, etc.

(C) All overflow shall be handled in a sanitary and safe manner so as not to create a nuisance. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

The disinfecting or sanitizing agent shall be, remain at or above one ppm or one milligram per liter (1 mg/l) at all times the spa is in use. The pH shall be kept between 7.2 and 7.8. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

The maximum temperature of the spa water shall be one hundred five degrees Fahrenheit (105°F) (40.5°C). A thermostatic control for the water shall be required. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(A) The spa shall be brushed weekly and emptied at least once per month.

(B) There shall be depth markings plainly and conspicuously posted.

(C) Each spa shall be checked for pH and free chlorine residual every two (2) hours while in operation. There shall be a complete log kept on each spa unit.

(D) A precaution sign is to be mounted adjacent to the entrance to the spa as follows:

CAUTION

1. Elderly persons and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the spa.

2. Unsupervised use by children is prohibited.

3. Do not use while under the influence of alcohol, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics or tranquilizers.

4. Do not use alone.

5. Observe a reasonable time limit, then shower, cool down and, if you wish, return for another brief stay. Long exposures may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.

(E) A sign shall be posted in the immediate vicinity of the spa, stating the location of the nearest telephone with references that emergency telephone numbers are posted at that location. Those emergency numbers should include:

• 1. Name and phone number of nearest available police, fire and/or rescue unit.
• 2. Name and phone number of nearest available physician.
• 3. Name and phone number of nearest ambulance service.
• 4. Name and phone number of nearest available hospital.

(F) It is recommended the attendant be trained in first aid and CPR and have appropriate proof of proficiency. There must be a twenty four (24) unit first aid kit on the premises. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(A) The El Dorado County health officer shall enforce this chapter. The health officer shall have right of entry at all times the public spa is open for business. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)

(B) Any person who operates any public spa without a valid, unexpired and unrevoked permit issued by the El Dorado County health department is subject to penalty section 1-4-5 of this code. (Ord. 1355, 5-8-1984)

(C) Any permit may be suspended or revoked by the health officer if there is a violation of this chapter. The health officer shall issue and serve upon the permittee a notice setting forth in clear and concise language the acts or omissions with which the permittee is charged and informing him of his rights to a hearing. At any time within the fifteen (15) day period after service of such notice, the permittee may request a hearing before the health officer to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. A failure to request a hearing within fifteen (15) days shall be deemed a waiver of a right to such hearing. The El Dorado County health officer may call a hearing for the purpose of investigating any violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1218, 2-12-1980)