SP16 - Water Feature Design

Purpose

To provide guidelines for the design and placement of water operated features.

Description

Moving water such as water spouts and water cannons provide not only fun or an aesthetically pleasing environment but also a noisy environment.

Water Cannons

The force of water from water cannon should not be such as to cause harm if inadvertently aimed at another bather’s body, in particular the face.

Appropriate signage should be displayed warning against aiming water at bathers faces.

The scope (range, horizontal and vertical movement) should be restricted to water areas only.

Sufficient space should be allowed so that water under pressure from features cannot reach areas or fittings designed to remain dry. (e.g. ceilings, lights, speakers).

Water Spouts (Vertical) or Geysers

Water spouts or geysers should not be turned on while bathers are sitting or standing on or near the water outlet.

The height to which the water spout rises, and hence the pressure of the water should be balanced between the aesthetic appearance and the management of potential risk.

Numbering Error - Will be rectified at next review

In-Water Features

In-water features, particularly fibreglass or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) figures and animals need special attention including;

1. Height above water surface and ability to climb onto and jump from.
2. The need for a slip resistive and non-abrasive surface.
3. The integration of water spouts (refer also Section 4.2 above).
4. Possible interruption to sight lines.
5. Inability to get caught on or in the feature.
6. Absence of sharp or protruding fittings, (e.g. elephant trunk, car steering wheel).

Electrical Connection

It is recommended that electrically operated devices not be used in conjunction with a water feature.

Where electrical devices have been incorporated into a water feature, the electrical voltage should be less than 24 volt and the 240 volt primary circuit should be connected via an earth leakage protection device.

Feature Control

All features should be controlled via a control panel situated adjacent to the pool or pools in which or into which the features operate (refer also Guideline FD11), and should be able to be immediately shut down via an Emergency Stop Button.

References

• Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools - 1999; Health & Safety Commission, England.
• Pool Operators Handbook - 2000; Department of Human Services, Victoria.
• Aquatic Facility Management - 2005; Paul Faucet of Human Kinetics, U.S.A.