SECTION 310:315-7-6. Walkways or decks

(a)   Width. A walkway shall entirely surround the pool. It shall not be less than four (4) feet wide at indoor pools. The walk area about outdoor pools and within the fence shall be equivalent to that provided by a walk at least eight (8) feet wide around the pool. In no case shall the minimum width of the walk be less than four (4) feet. Where an outdoor pool is covered for cold weather use, the walkway requirements for indoor pools shall govern the size of cover.

(b)   Slope. All walks, decks and terraces shall have a minimum slope of one-fourth (1/4) inch per foot to drains or points at which the water will have a free, unobstructed flow to points of disposal at all times. Drainage connections to the recirculation system, scum gutter or suitable waste are acceptable. Drainage into the pool is prohibited.

(c)   Finish.

(1)   It is recommended that decks adjoining the pool at public bathing places be constructed of concrete or other impervious material, have a slip-resistant finish, be easily cleanable, not allow standing water, and not cause discomfort to bare feet. Epoxyed gravel should not be used as deck material unless the interstices are filled with a stable, inert material.

(2)   Wooden decks or walkways are prohibited adjoining the pool at public bathing places open to the general public but may be approved at public bathing places not open to the general public, indoors where such decks are sealed by a resin or other waterproof material, and outdoors where the design provides for adequate cleaning, sanitation, safety, and exposure to the drying action of the sun and wind.

(3)   Indoor/outdoor carpets, absorbent or adsorbent coverings or similar deck materials are not recommended for use on the deck or walkways around outdoor public bathing places and prohibited at all indoor public bathing places. If carpeting or other porous materials are used as deck covering at outdoor pools, the substrate supporting the covering, and all ancillary features, shall comply with the recommendations of paragraph one of this chapter and with 310:315-7-6 (and see Public Bathing Place Regulations for disinfection).

(d)   Hose connections. Ample hose connections shall be provided and suitable arranged about decks, walkways, and drains so that they may be flushed with water using a fifty (50) foot section of flexible hose. Approved vacuum breakers shall be included at all hose connections.