Emergency Lighting in Pool

[Mr. Bill]

I'm just looking for opinions. I'm adding new lighting for an indoor pool. I have emergency lighting on the deck which goes around the pool but nothing for the center of the pool. The State review came back saying the entire pool needs emergency lighting. But I argue it's not a walkable surface and doesn't require lighting.

Means of Egress is made up of the Exit Access, Exit, and Exit Discharge. I'm assuming they're considering any point in the room as part of the Exit Access. Per Life Safety Code, if there is a change in elevation in the Exit Access there needs to be stairs or a ramp to accommodate this. If the state is requiring emergency lighting for the center of the pool, shouldn't they also require stairs or a ramp to be added to exit the pool? Do you think the lighting is required?

 

[tshea]

Doesn't matter what we think. What is the State reviewer citing as the reason emergency lighting is required? I feel for you. Doesn't make sense to light up the water in the event of an emergency unless you were the guy swimming and all the lights went out...

 

[LarryFine]

Doesn't make sense to light up the water in the event of an emergency unless you were the guy swimming and all the lights went out...

"Don't swim into the light!"

 

[benaround]

If the pool was not in this building, would there be enough EM lighting?? If

so, then I don't feel more is needed just because a pool is there. JMO

 

[LarryFine]

My understanding is that only the designed egress pathways must be illuminated, not the entire indoor space.

 

[Mr. Bill]

What is the State reviewer citing as the reason emergency lighting is required?

They cited assembly spaces which require emergency lighting.

 

[hmspe]

They cited assembly spaces which require emergency lighting.

But what was the Code section number cited? "Assembly spaces" doesn't tell really tell us enough to know what's actually required.

Martin

 

[boater bill]

Assembly spaces require an occupant calculation also. So are they going to provide to you their calulated pool occupancy? whether it is open or a special function/event? What about daylight havesting for emergency supplemental lighting?

If it is a typical Natatorium style then you probably have high bays with metal halide lighting. Not so easy to add emergency batteries and MR lamps escpecially with water where the high lift would need to be.

Good luck

 

[Mr. Bill]

But what was the Code section number cited? "Assembly spaces" doesn't tell really tell us enough to know what's actually required.

Life Safety Code 1997, Section 8-2.9: Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with Section 5-9.

Boater Bill, Yeah, I've got some indirect HID lamps around the perimeter with a few natatorium rated T8 fixtures for emergency lighting. 8-lane pool. It wouldn't be accessible having fixtures located above the water. Looks like more fixtures along the perimeter.

Our Architect did the occupant load. I think it's around 340. I've never been permitted to use daylight havesting to supplement emergency lighting. There's always some chance a building or space will be used when the sun is not up. It's dark at 5pm in the winter.

 

[RayS]

Wow. They're really covering all contingincies- ain't but two people in history ever been able to walk on water