SP12 - Wave Pools

Purpose

To provide guidance on the safe design and management of wave pools.

Description

The wave pool is usually a fan shaped pool varying in both surface area and depth, sloping from a beach to between 1.6m and 2.0m at the wave generation end. Waves are created by computer controlled wave generators using mechanical paddles, water pressure or air pressure. The computer controls the wave frequency, amplitude, and pattern and cycle duration.

Pool Floor

The gradient of the pool floor will determine wave shape characteristics and should be gently sloping at a maximum gradient of 1:14.

The pool floor should have a slip resistance rating conforming to the recommendations in the Australian Standards Handbook HB 197 - 1999; An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials and AS/NZS 4586:2004

Visual indication of the pool’s change in depth should be provided where visible from within the pool and from all entry points.

It is recommended that measures are taken to ensure that an area of at least 1.0m adjacent to the wave generating end of the pool is kept clear of swimmers to avoid risk of entrapment or injury.

A beach without steps or small lips is recommended.

Islands, rocks or other water features should not be installed in wave pools, particularly in the wave breaking zone, where water movement could wash a bather against a solid object possibly causing injury.

Entry and Exit

There should be no change in level between the concourse and pool at a beach entry.

The concourse around a wave pool should be considered under the same guidance as that within the Pool Concourse Guideline.

Steps or ledges are not recommended along the sides of wave pools as they promote bather entry / exit which can be dangerous during periods of wave motion.

Where provided, steps should allow entry into water at a static water depth of less than 400mm.

Steps and ledges should not protrude into the pool past the edge or pool wall. Recessed steps or climb outs with non - slip finger - hold lips are recommended.

Non-protruding pool exit steps should be provided at the deep end for bathers in difficulty.

Adequate access for supervising personnel should be provided to allow rescues to be performed unencumbered.

Entry / exit climb outs should be provided on both sides of the deep end of a wave pool.

Handrails should be installed consistent with 8.5.1.

Controls

Poolside emergency stop button/s should be provided.

Poolside manual / automatic wave generation controls should be provided.

The controls should be provided in a location from which the operator can simultaneously control and view the entire wave pool.

The controls should have security allowing operation by lifeguards only.

A wave generation master off switch should be located immediately adjacent to the wave plant room door to ensure wave plant operation cannot be initiated poolside while staff is inside the wave generation plant room.

Audible and Visual Indicators

An audible alarm indicating the impending start of waves, usually a 1 minute warning should be provided.

Alarm

A visual and audible alarm should be raised in the event that an emergency stop button is operated.

Water Quality

Bather Load

Wave pools usually require a higher water turnover rate than conventional swimming pools due to the usual greater bather load and bather activity.

Sanitation

Wave pools may require higher water treatment rates to maintain effective oxidation and adequate residual levels due to movement of the pool water. Chlorine, PH and other such dosing controllers installed should be capable of coping with the extra requirements specific to wave pools.

Water Clarity

Wave Pools - and associated filtration systems - should also be designed to provide sufficient water clarity taking into consideration the potential for increased bather loads and bather activity. Operators should ensure water clarity remains sufficient to easily sight the bottom of the pool and complies with relevant State Health Department Codes of Practice.

References

• Australian Standards Handbook HB 197 - 1999; An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials
• Building Code of Australia – 2006. Australian Building Code Board.
• Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools - 1999; Health & Safety Commission, England.
• AS/NZS 2416:2010 Water safety signs and beach safety flags Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

Previous Versions

• FD9 Wave Pool Design Issue 2 1 November 2007