# Pool and Aquatic Design

## Pool Types

### By Use
| Type | Description | Typical Depth |
|------|-------------|---------------|
| Spa/Hot tub | Hydrotherapy, relaxation | 3'-4' |
| Plunge pool | Compact swimming | 4'-5' |
| Lap pool | Exercise swimming | 3.5'-4.5' |
| Family pool | Recreation | 3'-8' |
| Resort pool | Multi-use, amenity | 3'-5' |
| Zero-entry | Beach entry | 0'-5' |
| Competition | Racing, diving | Per FINA |
| Therapeutic | Rehab, therapy | 3.5'-4.5' |

### By Construction
| Type | Description | Cost |
|------|-------------|------|
| Concrete (gunite/shotcrete) | Custom shape, durable | $$$$ |
| Fiberglass | Pre-formed, quick install | $$$ |
| Vinyl liner | Steel/polymer walls | $$ |
| Above-ground | Temporary, portable | $ |

---

## Pool Sizing

### Residential Standards
| Pool Type | Typical Size | Min Depth | Max Depth |
|-----------|--------------|-----------|-----------|
| Spa | 6'-8' diameter | 3' | 4' |
| Small pool | 12' x 24' | 3' | 5' |
| Medium pool | 16' x 32' | 3' | 6' |
| Large pool | 20' x 40' | 3' | 8' |
| Lap pool | 8'-10' x 40'+ | 3.5' | 4.5' |

### Commercial Standards
| Pool Type | Size | Capacity |
|-----------|------|----------|
| Hotel (small) | 20' x 40' | 15-20 SF/bather |
| Hotel (resort) | 30' x 60'+ | 15-20 SF/bather |
| Apartment | 25' x 50' | 15-20 SF/bather |
| Competition (short) | 25m x 25m | 8 lanes |
| Competition (Olympic) | 50m x 25m | 8-10 lanes |

### Diving Requirements
| Diving Board | Pool Depth | Distance from Wall |
|--------------|------------|-------------------|
| No diving | 3'-5' | N/A |
| Deck-level | 8' minimum | 10' minimum |
| 1 meter | 11' minimum | Per code |
| 3 meter | 12' minimum | Per code |

---

## Pool Construction

### Structural Components
| Element | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Shell | Gunite, fiberglass, or liner |
| Bond beam | Top of wall, tie beam |
| Footer | Foundation, may be thickened edge |
| Deck | Surrounding paved area |
| Coping | Cap on pool edge |
| Tile | Waterline, decorative |

### Gunite/Shotcrete Specs
| Element | Typical Spec |
|---------|--------------|
| Shell thickness | 6"-8" |
| Steel reinforcement | #4 @ 8" O.C. both ways |
| Concrete strength | 4,000 PSI minimum |
| Plaster | 3/8"-1/2" thick |
| Tile band | 6" at waterline |

### Equipment Pad
| Element | Size |
|---------|------|
| Minimum size | 6' x 8' |
| Typical residential | 8' x 10' |
| Commercial | 10' x 20'+ |
| Setback from pool | 5' minimum |
| Screening | Required (most codes) |

---

## Pool Equipment

### Filtration Systems
| Type | Application | Media |
|------|-------------|-------|
| Sand filter | Standard residential | #20 silica sand |
| Cartridge | Residential, small commercial | Paper element |
| DE (diatomaceous earth) | Superior filtration | DE powder |
| Regenerative | Commercial | Perlite |

### Filter Sizing
| Pool Volume | Turnover | Filter Size |
|-------------|----------|-------------|
| 10,000 gal | 6 hours | 2.3 SF |
| 20,000 gal | 6 hours | 4.6 SF |
| 30,000 gal | 6 hours | 6.9 SF |
| 50,000 gal | 6 hours | 11.5 SF |

### Pump Sizing
| Pool Volume | Turnover | Flow Rate |
|-------------|----------|-----------|
| 10,000 gal | 6 hours | 28 GPM |
| 20,000 gal | 6 hours | 56 GPM |
| 30,000 gal | 6 hours | 83 GPM |
| Commercial | 4-6 hours | Per calculation |

### Heaters
| Type | Efficiency | Best For |
|------|------------|----------|
| Gas (natural/LP) | 80-95% | Quick heating |
| Heat pump | 300-500% COP | Year-round, mild climate |
| Electric resistance | 100% | Small spas |
| Solar | Free energy | Supplemental |

### Heater Sizing
| Pool SF | BTU Required (Approximate) |
|---------|---------------------------|
| 300 SF | 100,000 BTU |
| 400 SF | 125,000 BTU |
| 500 SF | 175,000 BTU |
| 600 SF | 200,000 BTU |
| 800 SF | 250,000 BTU |

---

## Water Quality

### Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|-----------|-------------|
| Free chlorine | 2-4 ppm |
| Combined chlorine | < 0.2 ppm |
| pH | 7.4-7.6 |
| Total alkalinity | 80-120 ppm |
| Calcium hardness | 200-400 ppm |
| Cyanuric acid | 30-50 ppm |
| Salt (saltwater) | 3,000-4,000 ppm |

### Sanitization Systems
| System | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| Chlorine (liquid) | Traditional, economical |
| Chlorine (tablet) | Slow dissolve, trichlor |
| Salt chlorine generator | Generates chlorine from salt |
| Ozone | Oxidizer, reduces chlorine |
| UV | Kills pathogens, reduces chlorine |
| Mineral | Copper/silver ions |

### Commercial Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|-------------|----------|
| Turnover rate | 4-6 hours |
| Free chlorine | 2-4 ppm |
| Combined chlorine | < 0.4 ppm |
| Main drain | Dual, VGBA compliant |
| Lifeguard | Per capacity/code |
| Signage | Posted rules, depth markers |

---

## Pool Barriers (Florida)

### Barrier Requirements
| Element | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Height | 48" minimum |
| Openings | < 4" (non-climbable) |
| Clearance below | < 4" |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching |
| Latch height | 54" or pool side |
| Door alarm | If direct access from dwelling |

### Barrier Types
| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Fence (standard) | Separate pool from yard |
| Screen enclosure | Common in Florida |
| Safety cover | ASTM F1346 compliant |
| Pool alarm | ASTM F2208 compliant |
| Door alarm | UL 2017 compliant |

### Screen Enclosure (Florida)
| Element | Typical Spec |
|---------|--------------|
| Frame | Aluminum, bronze/white |
| Screen | 18x14 fiberglass, pool/patio |
| Post spacing | 10'-12' O.C. |
| Height | 10'-12' typical |
| Wind rating | 100+ MPH (per zone) |

---

## Pool Deck

### Deck Materials
| Material | Slip Resistance | Heat | Cost |
|----------|-----------------|------|------|
| Brushed concrete | Good | Hot | $ |
| Stamped concrete | Medium | Hot | $$ |
| Cool deck (Kool Deck) | Good | Cool | $$ |
| Pavers | Good | Medium | $$$ |
| Travertine | Good | Cool | $$$$ |
| Composite decking | Good | Medium | $$$ |

### Deck Dimensions
| Element | Minimum | Recommended |
|---------|---------|-------------|
| Deck width | 4' | 6'-8' |
| Equipment clearance | 3' | 5' |
| Furniture area | 6' x 6' | 10' x 10' |
| Dining area | 10' x 10' | 12' x 12' |
| Slope (away from pool) | 1/4" per foot | 1/4" per foot |

### Deck Drainage
| Method | Application |
|--------|-------------|
| Sheet flow | Away from pool |
| Deck drains | Low points |
| Slot drain | Pool perimeter |
| French drain | Subsurface |

---

## Spas and Hot Tubs

### Spa Types
| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| In-ground | Built with pool |
| Portable | Self-contained, plug-in |
| Spillover | Overflow to pool |
| Negative edge | Infinity effect |

### Spa Specifications
| Element | Typical Range |
|---------|---------------|
| Capacity | 4-8 persons |
| Volume | 350-500 gallons |
| Temperature | 100-104°F |
| Jets | 4-8 per person |
| Heater | 5-11 kW electric |
| Pump | 1.5-3 HP |

### Jet Types
| Type | Effect |
|------|--------|
| Directional | Targeted massage |
| Rotating | Circular massage |
| Pulsating | Variable pressure |
| Air injection | Bubbles, soft |
| Combination | Water + air |

---

## Water Features

### Types
| Feature | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Waterfall | Cascading water, natural or formal |
| Scupper | Architectural water spout |
| Sheer descent | Sheet of water |
| Deck jets | Arching streams from deck |
| Bubblers | Fountains in water |
| Rain curtain | Falling water curtain |
| Grotto | Cave-like feature |

### Pump Requirements
| Feature | GPM Range |
|---------|-----------|
| Small waterfall | 30-50 GPM |
| Medium waterfall | 50-100 GPM |
| Large waterfall | 100-200 GPM |
| Sheer descent (2') | 30 GPM |
| Sheer descent (4') | 60 GPM |
| Deck jet | 20-30 GPM each |
| Bubbler | 15-25 GPM each |

---

## Commercial Aquatics

### Capacity Calculations
| Type | SF per Bather |
|------|---------------|
| Pool (general) | 15-20 SF |
| Pool (competition) | 24 SF |
| Spa | 10 SF |
| Zero-entry | 10 SF (0-2' depth) |
| Lazy river | 20 LF per bather |
| Wave pool | 10 SF |

### Lifeguard Requirements
| Pool Size | Lifeguards |
|-----------|------------|
| < 2,000 SF | 1 |
| 2,000-4,000 SF | 1-2 |
| 4,000-7,000 SF | 2-3 |
| > 7,000 SF | 3+ |

### ADA Requirements
| Element | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Pool entry | 2 means (lift + stairs or ramp) |
| Pool lift | 300 lb capacity |
| Accessible route | To pool and amenities |
| Pool stairs | Handrails both sides |
| Spa | 1 accessible means |

---

## Plumbing and Piping

### Pipe Sizing
| Flow Rate | Pipe Size |
|-----------|-----------|
| 30-50 GPM | 2" |
| 50-80 GPM | 2.5" |
| 80-120 GPM | 3" |
| 120-180 GPM | 4" |

### Pipe Materials
| Material | Use |
|----------|-----|
| PVC Schedule 40 | Pressure lines |
| PVC Schedule 80 | Equipment connections |
| Flex PVC | Connections, curves |
| Copper | Heater connections |

### Valves
| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| Ball valve | Isolation |
| Check valve | Prevent backflow |
| 3-way valve | Divert flow |
| Relief valve | Pressure protection |
| Actuated valve | Automation |

---

## Electrical Requirements

### Bonding
| Element | Bonding Required |
|---------|------------------|
| Pool shell (steel) | Yes |
| Metal ladders | Yes |
| Metal handrails | Yes |
| Diving board | Yes |
| Equipment | Yes |
| Metal within 5' | Yes |
| Deck reinforcing | Yes (NEC 680) |

### GFCI Protection
| Location | Required |
|----------|----------|
| Pool pump | Yes |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Receptacles within 20' | Yes |
| Equipment within 5' | Yes |

### Clearances (Overhead)
| Voltage | Over Pool | Over Deck |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| 0-750V | 22.5' | 14.5' |
| Communication | 10' | 10' |

### Underwater Lighting
| Type | Voltage | Requirement |
|------|---------|-------------|
| Traditional | 12V or 120V | GFCI, bonding |
| LED | 12V typical | Low voltage transformer |
| Fiber optic | N/A | Remote illuminator |

---

## Permits and Inspections

### Required Permits (Florida)
| Permit | Issued By |
|--------|-----------|
| Building permit | County/City |
| Electrical permit | Separate or included |
| Plumbing permit | Separate or included |
| Fence/barrier permit | If separate |
| Screen enclosure permit | Separate |

### Inspections
| Inspection | Timing |
|------------|--------|
| Layout/setback | Before excavation |
| Steel/pre-shell | Before gunite |
| Plumbing rough | Before deck |
| Electrical rough | Before deck |
| Barrier | Before water |
| Final | Before use |

---

## Maintenance Considerations

### Design for Maintenance
| Feature | Benefit |
|---------|---------|
| Skimmer access | Easy basket cleaning |
| Equipment accessibility | Service clearance |
| Drain placement | Complete drainage |
| Coping design | Easy tile access |
| Deck joints | Prevent cracking |

### Winterization (Not Florida)
| Task | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Lower water | Below skimmer |
| Blow lines | Remove water |
| Add antifreeze | Per manufacturer |
| Cover pool | Safety cover |
| Protect equipment | Drain, cover |

### Florida Considerations
| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| Hurricanes | Pump down, remove equipment |
| Algae growth | Year-round treatment |
| Screen damage | Wind-rated enclosure |
| Hard water | Regular maintenance |
| Saltwater | Quality materials |
