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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.11 — PUBLIC POOLS

What are the deck requirements for a public pool in Ontario?

Section 3.11 requires a continuous deck around the pool with a slip-resistant surface, sloped to drain water away from the pool, kept free of tripping hazards, and wide enough for circulation and supervision, with minimum widths set out in the section.

Code reference
Public pools must be surrounded by a deck of minimum prescribed width with a durable, slip-resistant surface. The deck must be sloped so water drains away from the pool basin rather than back into it, must not create tripping hazards, and must provide clear space for bathers, supervision and emergency access around the pool perimeter.
OBC Division B, Section 3.11 (Public Pools)

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Deck design is where architects most often collide with Section 3.11. The minimum deck width must be kept clear, so planters, columns, furniture zones and diving board supports encroaching on it draw review comments. Drainage matters: deck water must not wash back into the basin, which drives slope and drain layout and coordination with the recirculation system. Slip resistance should be documented with the tile or coating specification. Also coordinate deck widths with lifeguard sightlines and the emergency equipment locations required elsewhere in 3.11.

Plain language

A public pool must have a proper walkway all the way around it, wide enough to walk and supervise from, with a surface that is not slippery when wet. The walkway has to slope so dirty water drains away instead of running into the pool.

Related questions

What counts as a public pool under the Ontario Building Code?Where do water depth markings have to go on a public pool in Ontario?What are the drain and suction entrapment safety rules for public pools in Ontario?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.