Mecklenburg County Public Swimming Pools 2020

Katie Rudisill, REHS704-309-5494Sr. EHS, PEHS

Chris Sells, REHS Tim Dutcher, REHS Jeremy Michael,REHS704-576-8678 980-314-1631 980-314-1642Sr. EHS, PEHS PEHS Supervisor PEHS Manager

Topics• Website

• Permit Checklists• Expired Covers List• VGB Documents

• Mecklenburg County Local Operating Permit

• North Carolina Operating Permit and Inspections

• 2020 Permitting Process

• 2020 Application and Fee Submittal

• Summer EA’s

• PDSC Form Enforcement

• In-Field Plan Review Applications

• General and Equipment Changes

• Code Enforcement –Electrical Requirements

• Night Swimming

• Fencing Reminders

• Plugging Equalizers

Website –http://Meckpools.charmeck.org

What’s new on our website? • 2020 VGB Document – Includes pump

information, main drain and equalizer information

• New Pump and Pump Curve List – updated with more pumps – PDF

• Note: Aquastar 6HPHAxxx EQ line covers have a new flow rating of 92 gpm on wall.

• Permit Checklists• Swimming Pool

• Wading Pool

• Spas

• Water Recreation Attractions

• Available in Spanish also

• Pump Curve Document• Provides assistance

with manufacturer, model number and corresponding pump curve

• Great tool for assisting with PDSC forms

• VGB Approved Cover Document

• Provides general quick reference for drain covers and corresponding manufacturer specs

• Does not replace manufacturer specifications

2020 Operating Season

Permit Inspections • ALL seasonal and annual public swimming pools

including pools, wading pools, spas, spray pads, etc. will be required to have a permit inspection beforean operation permit will be issued

• A State and Local permit will be issued onsite• State Permit – Will be paper• Local Permit – Will be a sticker

Local Permit must be posted at pool. State permit must be present.

Permit Inspections • Pools are required to be in compliance with

The Mecklenburg County Health Ordinance – Rules Governing Public Swimming Pools

-AND-

The State Rules – NC Public Swimming Pool Rules .2500

• Permit Checklists available on our website for pre-permit inspections – guidance on rules

Meck. Co. Local Ordinance

Lifeguard/Safety RequirementsType A Pool – All pools except hotels, apartments and condominiums

• Type A Pools with Depth 5 ft. or less• A lifeguard or other person trained in lifesaving techniques must

be provided but is not required to remain in the pool area. • This may include a CPO that visits the property daily.

• A suitable alarm shall be provided to summon such lifeguard in the event of an emergency.

• A phone can be designated as a suitable alarm.

• Type A Pools with Depth greater than 5 ft.• A lifeguard shall be provided at ALL times.

Lifeguard/Safety Requirements• A lifeguard variance request may be made to

Public Health by submitting Lifeguard Variance Request form.

• Request form can be sent to Tim Dutcher.• Form can be found on our website at

http://Meckpools.charmeck.org.

• Once approved, you will receive notification of approval of variance for lifeguards.

• If previously approved for variance, will be in the field book for the inspector.

State Permit Inspections• Will be completed as done previously, like a pre-

permit inspection.

• Utilize the permit checklists on our website to ensure compliance (referenced previously).

North Carolina State Operating Permit

1. Will be provided by your inspector after permit inspection is passed.

2. Will be available on our website at http://Meckpools.charmeck.org**Allow time for scanning

2020 Permitting Process

2020 Permit Process• All seasonal and annual pools will require a permit inspection before

opening

• The first day to complete a scheduled permit inspection for seasonal pools will be on April 1st

• Annual pools – if annual inspection has been completed prior to May 1, permit will be issued with the inspection acting as the pre-permit inspection. Pool must be in “good standing” on A status.

• A list of every seasonal pool and their assigned inspector will be posted on our website: http://meckpools.charmeck.org under Inspector Assignment List

• Contact your inspector beginning mid-March, 2020• Go to the website, look up your pool, and contact the

inspector to schedule an inspection

Permit Inspection Reminders• Remember that all items on the permit checklists should be

correct before scheduling a permit inspection• If an inspector conducts a scheduled inspection and the pool

does not pass, $100 return visit fee will be charged

• Your local permit shall be posted visible upon entrance to the pool. Post sticker visible upon entrance to the pool.

• Your State permit is only required accessible.

2020 Application and Fee Submittal

2020 Permitting - Website

2020 Permitting –Application Process

• Application • Fields populated with most

current info from our database• Make any changes to owner,

operator, phone number, email address, etc. by striking through and writing in new information

• Note: It is important we have most current email, mailing address, etc. since this is how we contact operator’s and owners

2020 Permitting - Fees• Permit fees will stay the same

• Seasonal Fee - $130

• Annual Fee - $250

• Late fees have not changed = $120• Permit applications with fee must be received by

February 28th

• A late fee will be applied for EACH pool

2020 Permitting –Application Process• Payment Invoices will

be available again this year

• If you need a W-9, please contact Sabrena Davis at (980) 314-2959

How to Pay• Mail Check to or Pay in the Office:

3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 8000

Charlotte, NC 28208

• Pay Over Phone:980-314-1620If application is separate from payment –1. Write the permit ID on bottom of check or2. Write payment by credit card on bottom of

application and provide contact information for payment

Summer Environmental Assistants Safety Visits

Summer Environmental Assistants• Visits made again at pools throughout the 2020 Season

• These are safety visits, to ensure compliance with the State AND Local requirements

PDSC Enforcement

PDSC Forms and Inspections• All VGB paperwork must be submitted and

approved before an inspection will be scheduled• Submit forms to Katie Rudisill and Chris Sells at

katie.rudisill@mecknc.gov and Christopher.Sells@mecknc.gov

• If PDSC form is verified incorrect during the inspection, a return visit and a fee will be required

Enforcement – VGB ComplianceWhat does this mean as a pool operator?

1. Verify PDSC form that Meck. Co. has on file is accurate2. A list is available on our website for expired covers – Approved Cover

Spreadsheet 3. If incorrect, submit a new form to:

• Email: Katie.Rudisill@mecknc.gov or Christopher.Sells@mecknc.gov• Fax: 704-336-6894• Mail: 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 8000, Charlotte, NC 28208

• All expired drain covers or equalizer line covers must be replaced before the 2020 season in order to schedule an operating permit inspection

Tips for Completing Your PDSCForm• When new form is filled out, all portions must be complete.

This includes: • Section 1. Pump system Flow; • Section 2. Main Drain Cover Data with sump information; • Section 3. Equalizer Cover Data; and • Section 4. SVRS (if applicable)• Section 5. Vacuum line

• Keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records

• All completed PDSC forms will be available online once submitted and approved

Pump Changes and PDSC Forms

• New pump requires 1. A new PDSC form

2. In-Field Plan Review Application

3. Electrical Permit

In-Field Plan Review Requirements

In-Field Plan Review –General Form• Used for renovation or repair work NOT including

equipment in pump room Renovation of pool perimeter fencing, doors and gates

Renovation of pool deck

Renovation of swimming pool restrooms

Pool Plaster – Only if color is not greater than 50% light reflective

In-Field Plan Review – General

In-Field Plan Review –Equipment Change Form• Used for renovation or repair work to equipment

in pump room Pool pump changes Pool filter changes

Renovation of piping

Relocation of equipment including piping, filters and pumps

Changing equipment from what was originally approved during plan review

Note: Pools are not approved as salt water pools unless approved by this Department

In-Field Plan Review - Equipment

In-Field Plan Review – PDSC • For changes to equipment including pump

changes, main drains or equalizers, ensure an updated PDSC form is submitted with the in-field plan review application

In-Field Plan Review• What does in-field plan review include?

• A $250 fee may be required to be paid to Public Health if a site visit must be made.

• An In-Field Plan Review application must be submitted for approval before work occurs

• Notify Public Health before making changes to your swimming pool or the exterior surroundings around the pool

If you are unsure as to whether or not in-field plan review may be required, you can contact myself or Chris Sells for clarification.

Electrical Requirements – Pump and Motor Changes

David Rains – Code Enforcement

704-309-4510

David.Rains@mecknc.gov

License requirements• The NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) administers the license and conducts the

examinations and oversees the continuing education required

• There are three basic license levels and two special purpose license levels that entitles individuals or companies to work on the electrical installation of pools in NC

o Limited-single project $50,000 or lesso Intermediate-Single project $130,000 or lesso Unlimited-projects of any valueo SP-SFD License. This is a special purpose license that covers the installation and renovation of all wiring

associated with a single family dwellingo SP-SP License, is a special purpose license that allows a contractor to do the electrical bonding and equipment

installation associated with a pool but only as incident to the licensee’s business work of installing a pool. The contractor licensed in this category cannot make electrical connections to the premise wiring.

NEW POOL ELECTRICAL PERMIT REQUIRED?• Yes, an electrical permit is required in NC for the installation of any pool even those without motors and lighting or

other equipment commonly installed. If a pool is simply a permanent structure that holds water with a depth of 42 inches, or is built into the ground, meant to immerse persons, it must still have the bonding and electrical requirements in NEC (NFPA 70) Article 680.

• Same basic requirements whether associated with a commercial or residential occupancy

• The permit must be obtained by a licensed electrical contractor

• A bond account is required to do business with Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement

• At least 5 electrical inspections are requiredo Pool Shello Trenches o Potting Compoundo Equipotential perimeter bondingo Final

POOL SHELL

Trenches for electrical conduits and bonding conductors Potting Compound

EQ Bond and All Metallic Components

Bonding and grounding connections to eliminate electrical potential of the pool structure, all adjacent metallic structural elements, and pool circulations and heating equipment, including the water.

Alterations or Maintenance to Existing Pools. Permits required?

Yes, all electrical work associated with the pool or repairs or alterations to the system bonding is required to be permitted and inspected in NC.

The average pool pump motor is replaced every 2.5 to 3.5 years. Given the number of private and public pools in Mecklenburg County we should average 100 pump motor change outs monthly. Currently we are far from that number.Replacement accessories or equipment is required to meet the current code requirements for new installations. Additionally NC Amendments to the NEC require that any alterations or investigations to existing pools require the GFCI upgrade to the motor power branch circuits.

Replacement Motors, Approval and AcceptabilityAlthough the NEC does not require motors to be third party listed (UL), language is present that details the need for listing of all items of equipment or assemblies should be listed to allow acceptance where it is impractical to complete a thorough assessment outside a laboratory setting, in Article 90.7. NC in the General Statutes Chapter 66 Article 4 makes it a criminal act to sell, offer for sell, or offer as a gift any electrical equipment or appliance in NC without approved listing and labeling by a National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Recent industry discussions and consultations with NRTLs resulted in NC DOI issuing guidance on the evaluation of pool motor replacements and steps that would allow the inspector to approve a replacement motor without complete listing by a NRTL.

As a result of the NC DOI stance (NC governing authority) Mecklenburg County has taken the stance that a replacement motor will be acceptable with the following guidelines. a. The pump assembly must be listed by a NRTLb. The replacement motor must be marked with an approved component mark (cURus) acceptable to the listed assemblyc. The installer must upload the OEM specifications including the motor specifications and provide a hard copy on site for

the inspector, for replacement exact specifications. The only alternative is to have the original motor or motor nameplate available on site

d. Motor and housing must be approved for the installation and environmente. Compliant to all applicable NEC and NC Amendments in the replacement installation, and the installation must be

complete and operational per the original listing of the assembly.

If you have additional questions and concerns, don’t hesitate to call me or e-mail atDavid Rains o: 980-314-3098, m: 704-309-4510 david.rains@MeckNC.gov

Night Swimming

• Open for Night Swimming Defined • People are swimming and using

the pool after dusk

• Does not include the deck area outside of required deck space such as fire pits, tv areas, game areas, etc.

• If approved previously, must request approval again to inspector

Night Swimming

• Sufficient Lighting Defined• Main drains and all areas of the swimming pool are clearly visible

• All required decking space is clearly illuminated

• All parts of the pool, the water, the depth markers, signs, entrances, restrooms, safety equipment, phone and signage, and walkaways are clearly illuminated

Night Swimming - Permitting• If a pool wants night swimming, the inspector

must make a site visit before dawn or after dusk to assure sufficient lighting is provided

• This visit can be made after the initial permit inspection and will be scheduled with your assigned inspector

• A permit may be issued without night swimming and amended at a later date

Night Swimming

Pools Previously Approved for Night Swimming

1. Up to inspector to re-approve for night swimming without a follow-up visit.

2. All lighting including pool lights and perimeter lighting must be operable at time of inspection.

Fence and Gate Guidance

• Available on our website under Helpful Documents for Pool Operators – Pool Barrier Guidance

Gates – No GrandfatherREMEMBER! There is no grandfather for gates into public swimming pools. Gates must meet all rule

requirements of .2528.

A gate that does not meet State Rule will result in failure of inspection.

Note: If a gate is kept locked, inspector will require that it be verified to self-close, self-latch

Doors on to Pool Deck

• Doors must self-close, self-latch or self-close with audible alarm

Windows on to Pool Deck 1. No greater than 4” openings on to deck2. Window limiters must be affixed

Wading Pool Fences All wading pools regardless of date of construction

must be in compliance with all fencing requirements.

Fence and gate items are 4-point demerits and warrant failure of pre-permit inspection or issuance of

Intent to Suspends.

There is no grandfather for wading pool fences or gates.

Plugging EqualizersFrom the State of North Carolina

Options for Plugging –Plug at Wall/Plug in Skimmer1. Plug with a solid plug that

will not allow water to pass through or around it.

• Plug at the wall cannot protrude more than 2 inches from the finished pool wall surface.

2. Plug should not be able to be removed by hand.

3. Plug equalizer line under skimmer basket.

• There should be no stagnant water between the plugs.

Plaster at Wall/Plug in Skimmer

1. Plaster at wall should be flush as possible and cannot protrude more than 2 inches.

2. Plug equalizer line under skimmer basket.

• There should be no stagnant water between the plaster and the plug.

Pools are not required to plug equalizers unless new construction. This is optional.

Important Reminder If skimmer equalizer lines are disabled (plugged) -

• The owner/operator must be sure to maintain the pool’s water level up to the mouth of the skimmers at all times to ensure that the pump maintains flooded suction.

• If the water level falls below the skimmer mouth, this can cause the pump to draw in air and the pump may fail.

• Autofill systems to maintain the pool water level are not required, but are recommended.

• If you choose to plug your equalizers, a new PDSC form must be submitted and approved by our Department.

Pool Maintenance Reminder…• Do not hand feed chlorine into your pool to

rapidly increase your chlorine unless you are shocking your pool

• This includes chlorine pucks, granular, sticks, etc.

• Staff need to verify that chlorinator is operational and hand feeding is a direct hazard to the public

Dates to Remember• February 28, 2020 – Last day to submit permit fee without paying a late

penalty

• Mid-March, 2020 – Start contacting inspectors to schedule inspections

• April 1, 2020 – Start of the 2020 Seasonal Pool Season – Pre-permit inspections may start

• May 1, 2020 – Start of the Annual Swimming Pool Season

Contact Information• Katie Rudisill

Katie.Rudisill@mecknc.gov(704) 309-5494

• Chris Sells Christopher.Sells@mecknc.gov(704) 576-8678

• Tim DutcherTim.Dutcher@mecknc.gov(980) 314-1631

• Jeremy MichaelJeremy.Michael@mecknc.gov980-314-1642

http://meckpools.charmeck.org