Plumbing body designs swimming pool code

The Indian Plumbing Association, in collaboration with the US-based International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), has drawn up a code for swimming pools in India.

Mr Subhash Deshpande, Director, Plumbing, IAPMO-India, said the code would be useful for architects and professionals involved in their construction and maintenance as the National Building Code does not have norms for swimming pool designs at present.

According to him, there is no code or standard for swimming pools, spa and hot tubs here. The ‘Uniform Swimming Pool Code - India' has kept all the basic principles of the original code of IAPMO intact while customising it to suit Indian laws, conditions and accepted good engineering practices.

On the need for such a code, Mr Deshpande said government agencies, especially the elected representatives, were no more averse to the pools and it has come to be an integral part of gated community housing and townships.

Even municipal corporations are now coming up with public pools and the code will serve as a reference point for them in addition to being a great help to the hospitality industry.

Leakages, seeping and flooring damage due to ground water pressure were common complaints and this could be overcome if adequate care was taken during excavation and walling where the right type of material needs to be used.

Fibreglass walling, in addition to being cost-effective, is effective against leaks and seepage. Normally, water loss due to evaporation is not over five per cent a day.

The code provides information on materials to be used, water heating, vents, chlorinators and the piping standards that ought to be followed.

The Central Public Works Department has a memorandum of understanding with the Plumbing Association and IAPMO to voluntarily adopt the Uniform Plumbing Code – India and implement the plumbing education curriculum developed by the two associations.

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