Building codes from state to state demand a sloped floor
for recreational pools like the one you plan to build in your
backyard. Do you know why?
The
State building codes deem it so for safety reasons. While there are
many different requirements depending on the place, the general plan
across the board calls for a slope that will help determine depths of
three to five feet (six feet max in other areas). The varying depths
will allow kids and adults to enjoy the pool at different depths;
kids can stay on shallow water while adults can swim to their heart's
content in deeper ends.
The
Florida Building Code specifies a slope of 1:10 for the section of
the pool five feet or less, and 1:3 for sections more than five feet
deep. Transition in floor slope must occur across the five-foot mark,
with a line of dark contrasting tiles on the pool floor reaching from
end to end. Markings are required for pools three feet deep or more.
There
are pools that have a uniform depth throughout its entire length, but
they're usually for athletic purposes. It's important for
recreational pools to have as many entry and exit points as possible,
including the slope that leads to the shallow end. Design plays a key
part in keeping swimming safe for all ages.
