5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building

 

SECTION 454 SWIMMING POOLS AND BATHING PLACES (PUBLIC)

 

454.1.4.2.3 Underwater lighting. Underwater lighting shall utilize transformers and low-voltage circuits with each underwater light being grounded. The maximum voltage for each light shall be 15 volts and the maximum incandescent lamp size shall be 300 watts. The location of the underwater lights shall be such that the underwater illumination is as uniform as possible and shall not be less than 18 inches (457 mm) below the normal operating water level determined by the center-line of the skimmer or top lip of the gutter. All underwater lights which depend upon submersion for safe operation shall have protection from overheating when not submerged.

Underwater lighting requirements can be waived when the overhead lighting provides at least

15 footcandles (150 lux) of illumination at the pool water surface and pool wet deck surface. Alternative lighting systems which use 15 volts or less, or use no electricity in the pool or on the pool deck, such as LED (light emitting diode) fiber-optic systems, may be utilized if the manufactures specifications provide for the equivalency in watt output.