Pools Rule in South Carolina
It’s been a scorcher of a week in Myrtle Beach, and visitors are packing the Grand Strand’s hotels and rentals. In 2016, our area had a record high of nearly 18 million visitors. While some predict fewer tourists this year due to recent violent incidents in the city, there is evidence that bookings in nearby Surfside Beach are increasing.
Given the extreme heat of our region, access to a recreational swimming pool is all but a necessity. Not only do hotel pools convert potential guests, but developments and builders also use community pools as desirable amenities.
With fun comes responsibility, though, and South Carolina has a number of visibility and lighting standards. This is true whether it’s public swimming pools to waterparks. Today’s piece will cover those standards. In today’s post, we’ll cover some of these so you can keep an eye out for safety and compliance!
Play it Safe
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC) requires that public pools open at dusk or night have proper lighting. Specifically, the pool regulations document (Regulation 61-51) requires artificial lighting at all public swimming pools that are to be used at night or do not have adequate natural lighting. This is so that all pool sections, including the bottom, are easily visible and without glare.
This is a basic safety measure. High visibility can prevent swimming hazards in the event of an accident.
Underwater Lighting Requirements
Furthermore, underwater areas must be lit well. The following are SCDHEC guidelines for underwater lighting:
- Operators must provide at least 0.5 watts of incandescent or 8.35 lumens per square foot of pool.
- Operators must position underwater lights so that all pool portions are clearly visible. This includes the bottom.
- Fiber-optic lighting is acceptable as a supplement to the requirements above.
- Colored lighting that does not meet the wattage or lumens minimum above is unacceptable.
Area Lighting Requirements
Having enough light in the area around the pool is just as important. There are many options in terms of lighting types and design, but again, SCDHEC has some basic guidelines for area lighting, including:
- Uniform lighting for the deck area. This includes at least 10-foot candles of intensity or at least 0.6 watts of incandescence (or 10 lumens) per square foot.
- A non-breakable lens that protects light fixtures within the pool area.
Get in Touch
For nearly 30 years, the Cooper brand has worked with hotels, condos, rental properties, and more in the Myrtle Beach area. With this expertise, our professional team will make sure your swimming pool lights are attractive and code-compliant. Whether you are looking for replacement lighting, upgrades, or installing for the first time, we are ready to make your pool shine day and night.
Call Cooper to get started today