Minnesota Administrative Rules

4717.3250 STEPS, LADDERS, HANDHOLDS, AND HANDRAILS.

Subpart 1.

Step or ladder location in-pool.

Steps or ladders must be provided at the shallow end of the pool if the vertical distance from the bottom of the pool to the deck or walk is over two feet. Recessed steps or ladders must be provided at the deep end of the pool. If the pool is over 30 feet wide, steps or ladders must be installed on each side.

Subp. 2.

Steps.

Steps leading into the pool must be of nonslip material, have a minimum tread of 12 inches, and have a maximum rise or height of ten inches.

A.

Steps must have accent stripes as specified in part 4717.2450, subpart 4.

B.

There must be no abrupt drop-off or submerged projections into the pool, unless guarded by handrails.

C.

At least one sturdy handrail, reachable from the pool bottom, must be provided for all steps.

D.

At least two rails must be provided when the steps are over six feet wide or an additional railing is needed to define the location of the steps.

E.

If steps are inserted in the walls or if stepholes are provided, they must be easily cleaned and drain into the pool to prevent the accumulation of dirt. Stepholes must have a minimum tread of five inches and a minimum width of 14 inches.

Subp. 3.

Ladders.

Pool ladders must be corrosion-resistant and equipped with nonslip treads.

A.

All ladders must provide a handhold and be rigidly installed.

B.

There must be a clearance of not more than five inches nor less than three inches between any ladder and the pool wall.

Subp. 4.

Handrails.

When stepholes or ladders are provided in the pool, handrails must be provided that extend over the coping or edge of the deck.

Subp. 5.

Handholds; coping.

All pools, except wading pools and spa pools, must have a continuous handhold along the pool edge.

A.

Handholds must be no more than nine inches above the normal water line.

B.

Where bull-nosed coping is used, it must not be over 2-1/2 inches thick for the outer two inches.

C.

If brick coping is used, it must be completely rounded on the pool side, overhang the pool wall 1-1/2 inches, and slope away from the pool at least one-half inch over the length of the brick.

Subp. 6.

Diving boards.

Supports, platforms, and steps for diving boards must safely carry the maximum anticipated load.

A.

Steps must be corrosion-resistant, cleanable, and constructed of nonslip material.

B.

Handrails must be provided for all steps and ladders leading to any diving board more than one meter above the water.

C.

Platforms and diving boards over one meter above the water must be protected with guardrails.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144.05; 144.12; 144.123; 145A.02; 157.01

History:

19 SR 1419; 19 SR 1637

Published Electronically:

May 11, 2009