Getting in the magazine

[Andy Engel]

G'day, folks. I'm starting to think about stuff for the next issue, and could use some input. Specifically, I need questions for Q&A, letters to the editor, and ideas for tool reviews. Feel free to post here or to email me at: aengel@hanleywood.com.

[Bob Bulick]

Andy
I seem to be getting a few client request for full decks around and level with there Hot Tubs not just the typical shelf/seating surround. I'm curious about the safety of the open tub surrounded by a deck of partiers and or kids. Is there a railing requirement? Is there a height limit below the top of the deck that the deck shoudn't go above? Am I just over thinking this issue?

Thanks
Bob Bulick

[Mike K]

Bob- the requirements for guardrails around pools and hot tubs are regulated on a state and or county level. Here in NC there are state guidelines but they mostly pertain to or are enforced with commercial pools (neighborhoods, apartment complex, motels, etc). The counties are required to implement the regulations but are not capable of inspecting every private pool as they are not inspected on a daily basis.

That being said, the local building inspector should know the guidelines regarding the "Protected" or "guarded" access to a pool. Around here the rules call for a 40" or 42" minimum height, gated access to any pool or tub (commercial gates must be self closing/self latching). That rule can be circumvented to some extent by having gates on the stairs to the deck or other means to keep a wandering child from gaining access to the pool.

[Bobby Parks]

You know, this is an interesting topic when you think about it. From a building regulation standpoint, my experinece has been, that portable spas or hot tubs, have been paid about the same attention as our bath tubs. Certain electrical aspects are looked at by inspectors, but In 19 years , I've never had any comments from an inspector about rail as you would a pool situation. Spas are sold and set up on concrete patios with un-fenced back yards and I've recessed who knows how many spas thru the years with the flange of the spa even with the deck surface. Most spa dealers reccomend having the spa extend 12" - 18" above the deck as its easier to get in and out. Its an obvious potential hazard to un supervised children or intoxicated adults. For that matter stairs are a hazzard for both of the prementioned. Bobby

[Bob Bulick]

Mike
I know the typical issue of fencing around pools and railing as it pertains to decks but my curiousty was a deck at hot tub height. The potential to step off into a tub is real but putting up a railing might complicate use.

Bobbies statement of keeping the deck 12"- 18" below the tub is more the answer and I mentioned that to the client. They just want the deck flush with the top of the tub.

Sounds like I should insist they lower the deck.

[Bobby Parks]

Bob, I know I'm not really being of much help because I'm not giving you anything definite but; I've recessed spas even with the deck surfaces numerous times and I don't really believe theres a code issue. Maybe a common sense issue.Don't bank on me though maybe make a call to your building department. My guess is they might not be sure. Water features are similar in this regard and I see them all the time even with the ground in unfenced areas. Even in front yards. I've always thought that if I was recessing my own spa that I would do it exactly like your customer wants just because it looks good and seems to be less intrusive on the deck when its completely lowered. Just not easy to climb into or out of. I suppose you could have the customer sign a release on this but the reality is you're still not necessarily off the hook. You might suggest the 12"-18' thing and point out that if the spa ever really requires serious repair work it will be easier to raise. Bobby

[Bobby Parks]

Andy, where are you? This was actually your question before we started answering to Andy.

[Andy Engel]

Bobby, I was on the road. In Seattle, as a matter of fact. Probably drinking coffee, as there seems to be a city ordinance requiring folks to always have a coffee cup in hand.

In truth, I have little to add to this conversation. I don't believe that the IRC has a fencing requirement for spas, but I don't know that. This is an excellent Q&A, and I'm going to pose it to Glenn M.

I do know that there are electrical considerations, and that safety glazing is required anywhere within about a mile of a tub or spa.

[Andy Engel]

I was wrong about the lack of fencing requirements in the IRC. Look for an answer in the January issue.

Keep these questions coming. We truly need your support for the magazine to improve. I'm pleased to hear from most any reader.

[Mike K]

The IRC may have guidelines but most areas have their own requirements for pools and/or spas...city, county or state regulations. I would suggest checking with the inspectors to determine what, if any guardrails are required around your spa.

[Jeff J Buck]

Andy,

just wanted to say Hello.

registered so you'll see me around the new digs.


also sent off an email to a deck company owner I hooked up with letting him know an old buddy is working for Pro Deck Builder now.

Hope all is well.

Jeff

[Andy Engel]

Hi Jeff. Good to see a familiar face in here. Let me know if you don't get my responce to your email.

[deckdiva]

The IRC may have guidelines but most areas have their own requirements for pools and/or spas...city, county or state regulations. I would suggest checking with the inspectors to determine what, if any guardrails are required around your spa.

Thanks for putting this information out there. I will definitely check the IRC about guidelines and also my local inspector's office for specific regulations. The last thing I want to do is build and have to make huge adjustments after the fact.

Thanks,
Lisa
_________________________
www.amishfurniturefactory.com

[thedeckbarn]

In Michigan the hot tub area has to be fenced in with the same requirments for the gate as with swimming pools. They used tio rely soley on the fact of whether there was a locking cover for the tub but that went out about 3 years ago.
steve scholl
www.thedeckbarn.com