What is the required turnover rate for a public swimming pool?

6 hours for pools with depth over 1m, and 2 hours for wading pools, as per Table 1.

What should the pH of the pool water be?

The pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8 for bather comfort and effective disinfection (Clause 7.2.1).

What is the recommended free chlorine level in a pool?

The free residual chlorine should be between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/l (ppm) as per Clause 7.3.1.

What is the maximum velocity of water allowed in pool pipes?

Velocity should not exceed 1.8 m/s in suction lines and 3.0 m/s in pressure (return) lines (Clause 8.2).

IS 2065

: 1996

Code of Practice for Plumbing Services

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeBIMMEP · Swimming Pools and Sports Facilities

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This code of practice provides guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems for public and private swimming pools. It covers essential aspects such as water circulation, filtration rates, disinfection, chemical treatment, and piping to ensure water quality and user safety.

Lays down general requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing services in buildings.

Quick Reference Values

Turnover period for public pools (>1m depth)6 hours

Turnover period for wading pools2 hours

Recommended pH of pool water7.2 to 7.8

Recommended free residual chlorine1.0 to 3.0 mg/l

Filtration rate for high-rate sand filters37 m³/h/m²

Max flow velocity in suction pipes1.8 m/s

Max flow velocity in pressure pipes3.0 m/s

Daily makeup water per bather25 litres

Practical Notes

The turnover period is the most critical design parameter; under-sizing the pump and filter system is a common and costly mistake.

Regular backwashing of filters as per Clause 6.4 is crucial for maintaining filtration efficiency and water clarity.

Ensure all metallic components in the recirculation system are of appropriate corrosion-resistant material (e.g., SS 316) to withstand chemical exposure.