Pools, spas and special buildings (Plumbing

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

bathers served by each pool shower head: 40 bathers; bathers served by each pool shower head
max water temperature at pool shower heads: 40°C; max water temperature at pool shower heads
max flow through pool suction outlet openings: 0.45 m/s; max flow through pool suction outlet openings
max time to empty a public pool through its drains: 12 h; max time to empty a public pool through its drains

Part 3 has sections for building types with unusual plumbing: public pools and spas, portable classrooms, self-storage, rapid transit stations and tents. It also has Section 3.18. for existing buildings that change use. These Articles give numbers that are easy to test: turnover rates, shower head ratios, temperatures and velocities. This chapter collects them.

Public pool recirculation

Every public pool needs a recirculation system, and its water is deemed not to be potable (OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1.). It must be separated from the potable supply and from the drainage system by air gaps or other devices that stop backflow in both directions.

Pool type	Daily volume through filter and disinfection
Class A (not modified or wave action)	6 times pool volume
Class B (not wave action)	4 times pool volume
Modified pool	3 times pool volume
Wave action pool	6 times pool volume

Worked example

A Class A pool holds 450 m³. 6 × 450 = 2,700 m³ per day must be filtered, disinfected and returned. A Class B pool of the same size would need 4 × 450 = 1,800 m³.

Pool sanitary facilities

OBC Div. B 3.11.9.1. covers dressing rooms and washrooms. Water closets, urinals and lavatories are counted from Table 3.7.4.3.-C, using the pool occupant load formula in 3.1.17.3.

Item	Requirement
Shower heads	At least 1 per 40 bathers
Shower supply pressure	At least 140 kPa, potable water
Shower water temperature	Tempering devices, not over 40°C
Floors in washrooms, showers, passages	Slope to drains at not less than 1%
Partition bottoms	250 mm to 350 mm above floor
Hose bibbs	For flushing walls and floors

Bathers must pass through or by a shower area on the way from the dressing rooms and washrooms to the deck. Worked example: 220 bathers / 40 = 5.5, so 6 shower heads.

Pool construction items with plumbing content (OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1.): deck drains (outdoor decks slope 2% to 4%, indoor decks 1% to 4%), hose bibbs near the deck perimeter, and foot sprays running freely to waste at accesses from uncleaned surfaces. A modified pool needs at least two drain fittings whose grille openings total at least 10 times the outlet pipe area (OBC Div. B 3.11.6.1.), and a non-submerged ramp landing needs a floor drain (OBC Div. B 3.11.5.1.).

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Public spas

A spa circulates a small volume of hot water quickly. OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. borrows several pool rules (non-potable status, separation, flow meter, make-up water meter, colour coding) and adds its own:

Item	Value
Turnover, larger spas (over 6)	Not more than 30 minutes
Turnover, over 4 up to 6	Not more than 20 minutes
Turnover, 4 or less	Not more than 15 minutes
Suction outlets	At least two on a full size manifold, 900 mm apart
Velocity in suction pipe	Not over 1.8 m/s
Velocity in pressure pipe	Plastic 3.0 m/s, copper 1.8 m/s
Heater upper limit cut-off	Independent of thermostat, 40°C maximum
Cartridge filters	Surface type, 0.27 L/s/m² maximum

The Code states the turnover thresholds in volume terms (4 and 6). Velocities are calculated as if every suction source runs at once. Jets need a timer the user must leave the spa to reset, and every suction system needs vacuum relief.

Service rooms. Spa service rooms follow the pool rules (OBC Div. B 3.12.6.1., OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1.). A compressed chlorine gas room needs a 1 h gas-tight fire separation, a door to the outdoors, emergency ventilation of at least 30 air changes per hour with suction not more than 900 mm above the floor, and a platform scale for each cylinder in use. Chemical storage needs ventilation, a water hose connection and a floor drain. Chlorine piping up to 25 mm may be combustible where it penetrates this room's separation, with an F rated firestop.

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Other special buildings

Building	Plumbing rule
Portable classroom	No washrooms needed if the main school building's facilities meet Subsection 3.7.4. for the total load of school plus portables (3.9.3.8.)
Self-service storage	Two washrooms, each with a water closet and lavatory, in one of the buildings on the property (3.10.2.7.)
Rapid transit station, staffed	A washroom for each sex for employees, 1 water closet and 1 lavatory each; one shared room if 5 or fewer employees (3.13.6.2.)
Rapid transit station, end of line	A public washroom for each sex with at least 3 water closets and 2 lavatories
Tent	Water closets from Table 3.7.4.3.-E; privies or chemical closets permitted instead (3.14.1.8.)

Transit station washrooms must be barrier-free: a single-closet washroom is built as a universal washroom, and a multi-closet one follows the barrier-free stall rules (OBC Div. B 3.13.8.5.). Transit stations also have standpipe supply piping of at least 100 mm (OBC Div. B 3.13.5.11.).

Worked example: tent

A tent for 200 persons, half of each sex. Table 3.7.4.3.-E row "91 to 110" gives 5 water closets for each sex. Using Table C by mistake would give only 2.

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Existing buildings and change of use

Section 3.18. applies when an existing building undergoes certain changes of use, such as a change of major occupancy marked "Y" in Div. C Table 1.3.1.4., or a combustible building is extended above four storeys (OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1.). For the listed changes of use, the changed part must be brought up to Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new occupancy (OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1.). For plumbing, that means the fixture counts of Section 3.7. for the new use.

The performance level after construction may not be lower than before; where it would drop, compensating construction under Part 11 is required (OBC Div. B 3.18.2.2.). Performance level is defined as how all or part of an existing building functions with respect to its building systems (OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.).

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Chapter review

Chapter at a glance

One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Public pool recirculation	Every public pool needs a recirculation system, and its water is deemed not to be potable.
Pool sanitary facilities	Bathers must pass through or by a shower area on the way from the dressing rooms and washrooms to the deck.
Public spas	A spa circulates a small volume of hot water quickly.
Other special buildings	Transit station washrooms must be barrier-free: a single-closet washroom is built as a universal washroom, and a multi-closet one follows the barrier-free stall rules.
Existing buildings and change of use	Section 3.18. applies when an existing building undergoes certain changes of use, such as a change of major occupancy marked "Y" in Div. C Table 1.3.1.4., or a combustible…

Public pool recirculation
Every public pool needs a recirculation system, and its water is deemed not to be potable.
Pool sanitary facilities
Bathers must pass through or by a shower area on the way from the dressing rooms and washrooms to the deck.
Public spas
A spa circulates a small volume of hot water quickly.
Other special buildings
Transit station washrooms must be barrier-free: a single-closet washroom is built as a universal washroom, and a multi-closet one follows the barrier-free stall rules.
Existing buildings and change of use
Section 3.18. applies when an existing building undergoes certain changes of use, such as a change of major occupancy marked "Y" in Div. C Table 1.3.1.4., or a combustible…

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Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1. Recirculation Systems
(1)Every public pool shall be equipped with a recirculation system.
(2)For the purposes of this Subsection, the water in a public pool and its recirculation system is deemed not to be potable water.
(3)The water in a public pool and its recirculation system shall be separated from the potable water supply and from the sewer or drainage system into which it drains by air gaps or other devices that prevent
(a)the water in the pool or its recirculation system from flowing back into the potable water supply, and
(b)the water in the sewer or drainage system from flowing back into the pool or its recirculation system.
(4)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be designed, constructed and equipped to comply with Sentences (5) to (20).
(5)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing through the pool each day a volume of water of at least
(a)in the case of a Class A pool, other than a modified pool or a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(b)in the case of a Class B pool, other than a wave action pool, four times the total water volume of the pool,
(c)in the case of a modified pool, three times the total water volume of the pool, and
(d)in the case of a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(6)A recirculation system shall be equipped with a flow meter registering the rate of water flow.
(7)All pools shall be provided with automatic make-up water devices and provided with water meters to register the volume of all make-up water added to a public pool or its recirculation system.
(8)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public pool by means of
(a)a chlorination or hypochlorination system provided with a chemical controller for regulating the dosage of chlorine and capable of providing not less than,
(i)in the case of an outdoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 300 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(ii)in the case of an indoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(iii)in the case of an outdoor wave action pool, 1,200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, and
(iv)in the case of an indoor wave action pool, 800 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, or
(b)a bromination system capable of maintaining in the pool water a total bromine residual of 3 mg/L.
(9)Chlorination equipment for a public pool shall contain a mechanism whereby the chlorine feed shall automatically terminate whenever the recirculation system ceases to supply clean water to the pool.
(10)All exposed potable water piping and chlorine piping within a public pool water treatment service room shall be colour coded by means of
(a)painting the entire outer surface of the piping, or
(b)coloured bands at least 25 mm in width that are spaced along the piping at intervals of not more than 1,200 mm.
(11)The colour coding referred to in Sentence (10) shall be yellow for chlorine and green for potable water.
(12)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, a public pool shall be equipped with overflow gutters or surface skimmers connected to the recirculation system that are capable of removing surface film from the surface of the water and withdrawing each day and discharging to the waste drains up to 15% of the total volume of pool water.
(13)A public pool shall be equipped with clean water inlets arranged in conjunction with surface skimmers or overflow gutters to provide uniform distribution and circulation of clean water.
(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (19), all fittings at or below the water surface that allow water and/or air to be passed to or from the public pool shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be securely held in place by corrosion resistance fastening that require a tool for removal and are galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(15)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, all fittings below the water surface that provide suction or gravity flow in a public pool shall
(a)be provided with a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets interconnected to a full size manifold, and
(b)be separated by a clear distance of not less than 1,200 mm.
(16)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, water in all public pools shall be capable of being emptied through the pool drains in 12 hours or less.
(17)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, openings in suction or gravity fittings shall
(a)be such that the flow of water does not exceed 0.45 m/s and the velocity is calculated assuming all possible sources of suction flow are present at one time, and
(b)be such that every suction fitting located within 1,000 mm of the water surface, except for skimmers and gutter fittings, contain openings with a minimum aggregate area of 0.2 m².
(18)Except for skimmers and gutters, all submerged suction and gravity fittings shall be clearly and permanently marked with a 50 mm wide band in a contrasting colour.
(19)Fittings returning water and/or air to the pool tank that are located within 300 mm of the water surface are permitted to have openings with one dimension more than 7 mm but shall contain no openings more than 25 mm in diameter.
(20)Submerged skimmer equalizer fittings and vacuum fittings are not permitted in public pools.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Make-up water
Make-up water means water added to a public pool from an external source.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.9.1. Dressing Rooms and Sanitary Facilities
(1)Except as otherwise permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), every public pool shall be equipped with dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower heads, water closets, urinals, lavatories and drinking fountains that shall be designed, constructed and equipped to comply with Sentences (4) to (14).
(2)Where a Class A pool is installed on the premises of a recreational camp, dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower heads, water closets, urinals, lavatories and drinking fountains are not required if
(a)dressing, water closet and shower facilities are conveniently available for bathers elsewhere on the premises, and
(b)foot sprays are provided in accordance with Sentence 3.11.3.1.(18).
(3)Where a Class B pool is installed, dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower heads, lavatories, water closets, drinking fountains and urinals are not required if
(a)dressing, water closet and shower facilities are conveniently available elsewhere on the premises for bathers when the pool is open for use, and
(b)foot sprays are provided in accordance with Sentence 3.11.3.1.(18).
(4)The minimum number of water closets, urinals and lavatories shall be determined from Article 3.7.4.3. and Table 3.7.4.3.-C for an occupant load based on
(a)the formula in Sentence 3.1.17.3.(1) for all public pools, except a wave action pool, or
(b)the formula in Sentence 3.1.17.3.(2) for a wave action pool.
(5)A minimum of one shower head shall be provided for every 40 bathers.
(6)Where dressing and locker rooms, water closets and urinals are provided in conjunction with a public pool, they shall be located in such a manner that bathers, after using them, shall pass through or by a shower area to reach the pool deck.
(7)All shower heads shall be supplied with potable water at a pressure of at least 140 kPa.
(8)The shower water system shall have one or more tempering devices capable of being adjusted to ensure that water supplied to shower heads does not exceed 40°C.
(9)Floors in washrooms, shower areas and passageways used by bathers shall slope to waste drains at not less than 1% and shall be of hard surfaced materials that do not become slippery when wet.
(10)Joints between floors and walls shall be coved in areas described in Sentence (9) and in dressing and locker rooms.
(11)Hose bibbs shall be provided in safe locations convenient for flushing down the walls and floors in washrooms, shower areas and passageways used by bathers.
(12)Partitions or walls shall be provided to ensure privacy of dressing rooms, washrooms and shower areas.
(13)The bottom of interior partitions in dressing rooms and washrooms shall be between 250 mm and 350 mm above the floor.
(14)Dressing and locker room floors shall have non-slip surfaces that permit convenient and thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.9.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1. Construction Requirements
(1)Except as otherwise required in Subsections 3.11.4., 3.11.5., 3.11.6. and 3.11.7. or otherwise exempted in Sentences (2) and (3), Class A pools and Class B pools shall be designed and constructed to comply with Sentences (2) to (28) and Articles 3.11.3.2. and 3.11.3.3.
(2)Where a Class B pool is constructed for use solely in conjunction with a club, child care facility, day camp or establishment or institution for the care of persons who are infirm, aged or in custodial care, the pool shall be exempt from the requirements of Clause (9)(a) and Sentences (13) and (14).
(3)Where a Class B pool is constructed for use solely in conjunction with an establishment or institution for the treatment of persons with disabilities or persons who are ill, the pool shall be exempt from the requirements of Sentences (6) and (7), Clause (9)(a) and Sentences (13) and (14).
(4)A public pool shall be constructed to have a water depth of not less than 750 mm except for
(a)a modified pool,
(b)a wave action pool,
(c)a pool for therapeutic use,
(d)a beach entry ramp, and
(e)a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1).
(5)The beach entry ramp permitted in Clause (4)(d) shall be protected with permanent barriers between 900 mm to 1,200 mm along the pool deck to prevent entry into the pool until the minimum water pool depth is 750 mm.
(6)Except for a modified pool, a wave action pool and a pool used exclusively for scuba diving, the slope of the bottom of any portion of a public pool shall not exceed
(a)8% where the water depth is 1,350 mm or less,
(b)33% where the water depth is more than 1,350 mm and less than 2,000 mm, and
(c)50% where the water depth is 2,000 mm or more.
(7)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where the slope of any portion of the bottom of a public pool is more than 8%, the walls of the pool shall be equipped with recessed fittings to which a safety line supported by buoys can be attached across the surface of the water and the recessed fittings shall be installed at a horizontal distance of at least 300 mm measured from the vertical projection of the top of the slope in the direction of the shallow end of the pool.
(8)Except for a modified pool, wave action pool and a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1), the side and end walls of a public pool shall be vertical from the top of the walls to within 150 mm of the bottom except at steps or recessed ladders or in water depths of 1,350 mm or more.
(9)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool and except as provided in Sentence (11), a public pool shall be surrounded by a hard-surfaced pool deck that shall
(a)except for a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1), be not less than 1,800 mm wide with at least 1,100 mm of that width being a barrier-free path of travel described in Article 3.8.1.3., (See Note A-3.11.3.1.(9)(a))
(b)in the case of an outdoor pool, be sloped away from the pool to waste drains or to adjacent lower ground at a slope of between 2% and 4%, and
(c)in the case of an indoor pool, be impervious and sloped away from the pool to waste drains at a slope of between 1% and 4%.
(10)Where a public pool is constructed with a ledge, the ledge shall
(a)be placed only in parts of the pool where the water depth is 1,350 mm or more,
(b)be not more than 200 mm wide,
(c)be at least 1,000 mm below the water surface,
(d)where located on the side of the pool, be gradually tapered towards the shallow end of the pool in such a manner as to prevent a harmful obstruction, and
(e)have a band of contrasting colour along the entire juncture of the side and top of the ledge.
(11)Notwithstanding Sentences (12) to (17), where a public pool is constructed on any level surface with walls rising above that surface and has a constant water depth not exceeding 1,100 mm and a water surface area not exceeding 100 m², the pool deck may be an elevated platform surrounding the pool if it has
(a)an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm,
(b)a height of at least 75 mm above grade or pavement elevation,
(c)6 mm wide openings for drainage, and
(d)a non-slip surface that is capable of being kept clean and disinfected.
(12)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where a pool deck projects over the water surface, the projection shall not exceed 50 mm.
(13)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the pool deck shall be separated from any adjacent spectator area or gallery and from any spectator access to such area or gallery by a gate or other barrier.
(14)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the perimeter of the pool deck shall be clearly delineated by a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. and located where any area contiguous to the pool deck may be confused with the deck. (See Note A-3.11.3.1.(14))
(15)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the perimeter of the pool deck shall be clearly delineated by painted lines or other means where any area contiguous to the pool deck may be confused with the deck.
(16)Perimeter drainage shall be provided where necessary to prevent surface run-off from draining onto the pool deck.
(17)Except for a modified pool, one or more hose bibbs shall be installed near the perimeter of the pool deck in locations convenient for flushing the pool deck.
(18)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where access to the pool enclosure is over any surface that is not subject to regular cleaning and sanitizing, a foot spray to wash feet by means of a spray running freely to waste shall be provided at each such access.
(19)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, at least
(a)one ladder or set of steps shall be provided in both the deep and shallow areas of a public pool for entry into and egress from the pool water, and
(b)one barrier-free access shall be provided for entry into and egress from the water of a public pool as required by Article 3.11.3.3.
(20)The pool deck, the submerged parts of a public pool, the walls or partitions adjacent to a pool deck and the pavement or floor adjacent to a pool deck shall have surfaces that permit thorough cleaning.
(21)Except for markings for safety or competition purposes, submerged surfaces in public pools shall be finished white or light in colour.
(22)Except in a modified pool, a black disc 150 mm in diameter on a white background shall be affixed to the bottom of a public pool within the area of its greatest depth.
(23)A public pool shall be equipped with lockable doors or other barriers capable of preventing public access to the pool deck.
(24)Except for a modified pool, wave action pool or a pool installed at a recreational camp, a Class A pool shall be provided with,
(a)where the water surface area is greater than 150 m² but not greater than 230 m², at least one lifeguard control station, and
(b)where the water surface area is greater than 230 m², at least two lifeguard control stations.
(25)Except for a modified pool, every public pool shall display on the deck clearly marked figures, not less than 100 mm high, that set out
(a)the water depths indicating the deep points, the breaks between gentle and steep bottom slopes and the shallow points.
(b)the words shallow area at one or more appropriate locations, and
(c)where the water depth exceeds 2,500 mm, the words DEEP AREA at one or more appropriate locations.
(26)Except for a modified pool and a pool to which Sentence 3.11.5.2.(2) applies, every public pool having a maximum water depth of 2,500 mm or less shall display a warning notice posted in a location clearly visible to divers on which are printed in letters at least 150 mm high the words caution — avoid deep dives or shallow water — no diving.
(27)Except where no space is provided between ladder treads and the pool wall, the space between the pool wall and submerged portions of any treads of a ladder for entry into and egress from the water shall be not more than 150 mm and not less than 75 mm.
(28)If a set of steps is provided for entry into and egress from public pools in Sentence (19), the steps shall
(a)be equipped with a handrail,
(b)have a non-slip surface, and
(c)have a band of contrasting colour along the entire juncture of the side and top of the edges
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.6.1. Construction Requirements
(1)A modified pool is exempt from Sentences 3.11.3.1.(4) to (9), (12), (13), (14), (17), (18), (19), (22), (24), (25) and (26), Sentence 3.11.8.1.(12) and Article 3.11.3.3.
(2)A modified pool shall be designed and constructed to comply with Sentences (3) to (9).
(3)A modified pool and its pool deck shall be constructed of hard-surfaced material that permits thorough cleaning.
(4)The slope of the bottom of any portion of a modified pool shall not exceed 1 in 12.
(5)The depth of the water in any portion of a modified pool shall not be more than 1,800 mm.
(6)A modified pool shall be surrounded on all sides by a hard-surfaced pool deck that shall
(a)be at least 3 m wide,
(b)have a continuous crest surrounding the pool at least 100 mm above the pool water surface, and
(c)be sloped to shed water from the crest to the outer perimeter of the pool deck.
(7)A modified pool shall be provided with two or more drain fittings covered with protective grilles with openings having an aggregate area of at least 10 times the internal cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe or pipes connected to the recirculation system that is capable of completely draining the pool.
(8)Provision shall be made for lifeguard control stations adjacent to the edge of the water at intervals of not more than 60 m.
(9)The bottom of a modified pool shall be marked with continuous black contour lines
(a)150 mm wide located where the water depth is 600 mm, and
(b)300 mm wide located where the water depth is 1,200 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.5.1. Ramps into Public Pools
(1)Where barrier-free access for entry into and egress from the water of a public pool is provided by a ramp as required by Clause 3.11.3.3.(1)(a), the pool shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sentences (2) to (4).
(2)A ramp shall have
(a)along each side a handrail that
(i)has a height of not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm, and
(ii)runs parallel to the slope of the ramp,
(b)a width of at least 1,100 mm,
(c)a curb or other means to prevent a wheelchair from falling off the side of the ramp,
(d)surface finishes capable of being kept clean, sanitary and free from slipperiness, and
(e)a landing at the bottom at least 1,500 mm in length and the same width as the ramp.
(3)Where a ramp that is not submerged is adjacent to the pool wall and is used for access to the water, the pool shall be constructed so that
(a)the landing at the bottom of the ramp is at least 450 mm but not more than 550 mm below the top of the wall separating the ramp from the pool,
(b)the landing is equipped with a floor drain at its lowest point,
(c)the top of the wall between the pool and the ramp is at least 250 mm and not more than 300 mm in width,
(d)the pool deck is capable of accommodating a movable barrier separating the deck from the ramp,
(e)the water depth at the landing is accurately and clearly marked at the landing in figures at least 100 mm high on the top of the wall separating the pool from the ramp, and
(f)the ramp has a slope not exceeding 1 in 12.
(4)Where a submerged ramp is adjacent to the pool wall and is used for access to the water, the pool shall be constructed so that
(a)the water depth at the bottom of the ramp is at least 600 mm and not greater than 900 mm,
(b)a hard-surfaced area that is at least 900 mm wide is contiguous to the entire length of the part of the submerged ramp that pierces any part of the deck, (See Note A-3.11.5.1.(4)(b))
(c)the area described in Clause (b) is capable of accommodating a movable barrier separating the area from the deck,
(d)the finishes in submerged portions of the ramps and curbs are different in colour or shade from each other and from that of the pool walls and bottom, and
(e)the submerged ramp has a slope not exceeding 1 in 9.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. Water Circulation Systems
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, the water circulation system of a public spa shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.8.1.(2), (3), (6), (7), (9), (10), (11), (13) and (20).
(2)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing the public spa water through the public spa with a turnover period of not more than
(a)30 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 6 m²,
(b)20 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 4 m² but does not exceed 6 m², or
(c)15 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that does not exceed 4 m².
(3)If cartridge-type filters are used for a public spa, the filters shall be a surface-type that is designed for a maximum flow rate of 0.27 L/s/m² effective filter area.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (6), every circulation system in a public spa shall be served by a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets
(a)that are interconnected to a full-size manifold, and
(b)except as provided in Sentence (5), that are separated by a clear distance of not less than 900 mm.
(5)If compliance with Clause (4)(b) is impracticable because of dimensional restrictions at the bottom of the public spa, the outlets may be located on two different planes of the public spa if
(a)at least one of the outlets through which the public spa can be emptied to a full-size manifold is located on the bottom of the public spa, and
(b)the bottom of all outlets, other than skimmers, are not more than 75 mm from the floor of the public spa.
(6)A circulation system in a factory-built public spa may be served by a built-in suction or gravity outlet with multiple openings that are connected to a full-size manifold.
(7)All fittings at or below the water surface that allow water or air or both to be passed to or from the public spa shall be securely held in place by corrosion resistant fastening that requires a tool for removal and is galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(8)Except as provided in Sentence (9), all suction or gravity fittings installed at or below the water line of a public spa shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be designed so that the flow of water through the openings does not exceed 0.45 m/s.
(9)Sentence (8) does not apply to suction and gravity outlets that are equipped with anti-entrapment covers that comply with the requirements of ASME A112.19.8, "Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs."
(10)The calculation of water velocities for the purposes of Clause (8)(b) and Sentences (11) and (12) and the calculation of water flow rates for the purposes of Sentence (9) shall be based on the assumption that all possible sources of suction flow are present at the same time.
(11)The water velocity in a suction pipe shall not exceed 1.8 m/s.
(12)The water velocity in a pressure pipe shall not exceed
(a)3.0 m/s for plastic piping, and
(b)1.8 m/s for copper piping.
(13)Every suction system that serves a public spa shall be equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism that shall include
(a)a vacuum release system,
(b)a vacuum limit system, or
(c)other engineered systems that are designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances.
(14)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public spa by means of a chlorination, hypochlorination or bromination system that is capable of regulating the dosage of chlorine or bromine.
(15)If a two-speed pump is utilized for a public spa, the filter and heater shall be sized to accommodate the maximum pump output, without exceeding the manufacturer's design flow rate of the filter element or heater and without by-passing the filter element.
(16)A public spa equipped with hydro-massage jet fittings shall be provided with a timing device
(a)that controls the period of operation of the jet pump, and
(b)that is placed in a location where the user must exit the public spa to reset the timer.
(17)A public spa water heater shall be equipped with an upper limit cut-off device,
(a)that is independent of the normal public spa water temperature thermostat, and
(b)that limits the maximum water temperature of the public spa to 40°C.
(18)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of both completely and partially draining and refilling the public spa water.
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OBC Div. B 3.12.6.1. Service Rooms and Storage Facilities
(1)Service rooms and storage facilities for all public spas shall comply with the requirements of Article 3.11.11.1.
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OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1. Service Rooms and Storage Facilities
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, service rooms shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.6.2.1.(5), 3.6.2.1.(7) and 3.6.2.1.(8) and Articles 3.5.3.3. and 3.6.2.2.
(2)Where compressed chlorine gas is used as a pool water disinfectant, the cylinders or containers of gas shall be located in a service room that
(a)except as provided in Sentences 3.1.9.4.(4), (5) and (7) to (9), is separated from the remainder of the building by a 1 h fire separation that is substantially gas tight,
(b)is designed for the sole purpose of containing all installed pressurized chlorine gas apparatus and piping and storing all chlorine gas containers or chlorine gas cylinders that are individually secured against toppling,
(c)is located at or above ground level,
(d)is provided with an exit door opening to the outdoors,
(e)has screened openings to the outdoors with at least one opening located within 150 mm from the floor and at least one opening located within 150 mm from the ceiling, each opening being 2% of the area of the floor,
(f)is equipped with emergency mechanical ventilation capable of producing at least 30 air changes per hour, taking suction at a maximum of 900 mm above the floor level and discharging at least 2,500 mm above ground level directly to the outdoors, and
(g)contains a platform weigh scale of at least 135 kg capacity for each chlorine cylinder in use.
(3)Storage facilities shall be provided for the safe storage of all chemicals required in pool operations.
(4)The storage facilities shall be ventilated and shall be equipped with a water hose connection and a floor drain.
(5)Service rooms and storage facilities, including rooms and facilities that contain electrical or mechanical equipment or chemicals or chemical feeders, shall be equipped with a secure locking device.
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OBC Div. B 3.9.3.8. Washroom Facilities
(1)Washroom facilities need not be provided in a portable classroom where the facilities in the main school building comply with the requirements of Subsection 3.7.4. for the total occupant load of the main school building and the portable classrooms.
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OBC Div. B 3.10.2.7. Sanitary Facilities
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Subsection 3.7.4. shall apply.
(2)Except as permitted in Sentences 3.7.4.1.(2) and (3), two washrooms, each containing a water closet and a lavatory, shall be provided within one of the buildings on the property.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.6.2. Washrooms Required
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a washroom for each sex, containing at least one water closet and one lavatory, shall be provided in each rapid transit station for use by employees.
(2)Where the number of employees in a rapid transit station is not more than five, a washroom containing one water closet and one lavatory is permitted to be used by both sexes provided the door to the room can be locked from the inside.
(3)Where a rapid transit station is not staffed during operating hours, a washroom is not required in the station.
(4)In each rapid transit station located at the end of a line, a washroom for each sex, containing no fewer than three water closets and two lavatories, shall be provided for use by the public.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.8. Sanitary Facilities
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the minimum number of water closets for tents shall be determined in accordance with Table 3.7.4.3.-E.
(2)Article 3.7.4.16. applies to sanitary facilities in Sentence (1).
(3)Sanitary privies, chemical closets or other means for the disposal of human waste may be provided in lieu of toilet fixtures.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.8.5. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free
(1)A barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to the washrooms required in Article 3.13.6.2.
(2)Where a washroom required in Sentence 3.13.6.2.(1) contains only one water closet and one lavatory, the washroom shall be designed in conformance with the requirements in Article 3.8.3.12.
(3)Where a washroom required in Sentence 3.13.6.2.(1) contains more than one water closet, the washroom shall be designed in conformance with the requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11.
(4)The washroom required in Sentence 3.13.6.2.(2) shall be designed in conformance with the requirements in Article 3.8.3.12.
(5)The washrooms required in Sentence 3.13.6.2.(4) shall be designed in conformance with the requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8, to 3.8.3.11.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.5.11. Standpipe and Hose Systems
(1)A standpipe and hose system conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. be installed in a rapid transit station, except as otherwise required or permitted in this Article.
(2)Where a rapid transit station includes more than one standpipe riser there shall be a cross-connection pipe having a diameter not less than 100 mm between each standpipe riser so that supplying of water through any fire department connection will furnish water throughout each riser.
(3)There shall be identification on a fire department connection for a standpipe system in a rapid transit station to indicate that the connection is part of the station system.
(4)Hose stations shall be located so that every portion of the rapid transit station can be reached by a hose stream and is within 3 m of a hose nozzle when the hose is extended.
(5)In addition to the requirements in Sentence (4), hose stations shall be located in each tunnel not more than 20 m from the end of the platform.
(6)Each hose station shall have a 38 mm hose connection and a 65 mm hose connection.
(7)All supply piping shall have a diameter not less than 100 mm.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies where proposed construction
(a)in respect of an existing building will result in any of the following changes of use of all or part of the building:
(i)a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a "Y" in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(ii)a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a Group C major occupancy,
(iii)a suite or part of a suite of a Group A, Division 2 or a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy is converted to a gaming premises,
(iv)a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(v)a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building,
(vi)a building or part of a building is changed to a retirement home, or
(vii)the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined, or
(b)in respect of an existing building of combustible construction will extend the building by adding a storey or storeys such that the extended building will be more than four storeys in building height.
(2)For the purposes of this Section and Sentences 11.4.2.1.(1) and 11.4.2.5.(4), the changes of use set out in Subclauses (1)(a)(ii) to (iv) and (vi) shall also be deemed to constitute a change in major occupancy.
(3)The requirements of this Section are in addition to the requirements of other Parts of this Division as they apply to the proposed construction.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction
(1)Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Subclauses 3.18.1.1.(1)(a)(i) to (iv) and (vi), additional construction shall be required in order that the building or part of a building subject to the change of use conforms to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the building or part of a building is to support.
(2)For the purposes of this Article, existing buildings shall be classified as to their construction and occupancy as provided for in Sentence 11.2.1.1.(1).
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OBC Div. B 3.18.2.2. Performance Level and Compensating Construction
(1)The performance level of a building after construction shall not be less than the performance level of the building prior to construction.
(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), reduction of performance level shall be determined in accordance with Articles 11.4.2.1., 11.4.2.3., 11.4.2.5. and 11.4.2.6.
(3)Where proposed construction would reduce the performance level of an existing building, compensating construction shall be required in conformance with Articles 11.4.3.1., 11.4.3.2., 11.4.3.4., 11.4.3.6. and 11.4.3.7.
(4)Section 11.5. applies in respect of the requirements of Sentences 11.4.3.4.(1), (3) and (4).
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OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Performance level
Performance level means the level of performance under which all or part of an existing building functions with respect to its building systems.
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