Swimming pool regulations for Dubai – Dubai Building Code

General requirements:

Swimming pool designs shall conform to DM PH&SD guides
Swimming pools and decks shall be constructed of non-toxic, inert, impervious
and durable materials.
A swimming pool shall be configured to be safely patrolled, maintained and cleaned and to provide good circulation of water
Swimming pools shall be provided with lighting, both above and under the water surface in order to provide an adequate illumination for the overall area of the pool.
The design of outdoor swimming pools located at roof, podium roofs and other elevated locations shall provide privacy to adjacent buildings and shall be provided with fall protection
Sanitary facilities should be provided. A minimum of one from each fixture type and one changing room shall be provided for each gender.

Safety requirements

A suitable place for the lifeguard’s highchair, and notice boards with the guidelines and policies for the swimmers to follow, shall be provided. A signboard showing water depth shall be fitted at the pool’s edge. The signboard shall mark the location of slope changes showing the maximum and minimum depth
Provide sufficient number of life saving devices (rings, etc.) in the area. All details shall be in accordance with swimming pools safety guidelines
The slope in the floor of the shallow area of the pool shall not exceed 10%
The slip resistance of swimming pool floors shall conform to code.
Safety signage advising on the danger of diving into shallow areas and on the prevention of drowning shall be provided as mandated by relevant Authority
Swimming pools designated for children shall be separated from swimming pools designated for adults with protective barriers.
Pools and their surroundings shall be free of any dangerous obstacles.
Operable windows adjacent to the pool shall have a sill height of not less than 1,200 mm above the indoor FFL.
Outdoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a fence to protect against drowning. The top of the fence shall be not less than 1,200 mm above FFL. Gates in fences shall be equipped with a locking device. Gates shall open away
from the pool.

Decks and walkways

Swimming pools shall be surrounded by a continuous unobstructed deck or walkway. It shall be not less than 1.2 m wide, excluding the width of the coping or the interior portion of a gutter.
The deck or walkway shall be constructed in impervious material with a smooth, non-slip and easily cleanable surface
All decks and walkways shall have a 2% slope, in order to drain the water effectively to deck drains.
Allowance for infinity pools or non-fenced pools shall be made according to permitting Authorities’ approval.

Ladders and steps

Pools shall have ladders or steps if the depth exceeds 600 mm.
At least one ladder shall be installed within each 30 m of the pool perimeter.
There shall be at least one ladder located at the deep end, and a ladder or steps at the shallow end.
Material for the swimming pool ladder shall be corrosion-resistant and shall be provided with a non-slip stepping surface.
The ladder shall be separated from the pool wall or boundary by at least 100 mm.
Swimming pool ladders shall be provided with side handrails that extend around the water surface on both sides of the ladder or the recessed wall steps.