Florida Building Code Binding Interpretation Report Number 134
Florida Building Code Binding Interpretation Report Number 134
Date: 04/26/2017
Report: 134
Edition: 2014? Fifth Edition
Sections: 454.1.2.5.3; 454.1.6.5.3.1; 454.1.6.5.3.1.1
Question:
Whether a section of a public pool?s open-type perimeter overflow gutter which abuts the top of the pool’s entry stairs, is subject to the Florida Building Code?s gutter specifications or stairs specifications.
Comment:
For health and sanitary reasons, the Department of Health has required a perimeter overflow gutter system for public pools for over 30 years without incident and without having to fully comply with the specific stair specifications found in Section 454.1.2.5.3 of the Florida Building Code. The addition of the stair specifications Code as they relate to public swimming pools were added to Chapter 4 of the Florida Building Code in 2002 without being properly coordinated with the gutter system requirements when creating the state unified building code. The next edition of the Florida Building Code (6th Edition) has been amended to clarify the language in the Code, by adding an exception from the stairs requirement where a gutter is used as a top step in a pool stair. The exception states:? Where a gutter is used as top step, the gutter’s 2″ slope from lip to the drain shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs, and the riser from the gutter to the next tread need not be uniform with the remaining risers and treads.
Answer:
A public pool’s open-type perimeter overflow gutter which abuts the top of the pool’s entry stairs, is subject to the Florida Building Code’s gutter specifications and not the stairs specifications except where the gutter is used as the top step, the tile on the gutter for the width of the steps shall be slip resistant. ____________________________________________________________
Notice:
The Building Officials Association of Florida, in cooperation with the Florida Building Commission, and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation provides this interpretation of the Florida Building Code in the interest of consistency in the application of the Building Code statewide. This interpretation is binding and not subject to acceptance and approval by the local building official.