Issue DS 2017-070: The petitioner John Centera of Aquatic Design Services is seeking a declaratory statement on whether the grout line is allowed to be included in the measurement of a 1” by 1” tile installed on a commercial pool per section 454.1.2.1, when the tile is sold and distributed as 1” x 1”?

Background:

Aquatic Design Services, LLC provides commercial pool and spa design, construction and remodeling services. Services include designing what type of tile will be installed at the water line of commercial swimming pools and spas. Aquatic Design Services, LLC is in the process of finalizing the design of a condominium commercial pool project that will include application of 1" x 1" tiles. Prior to finalizing the project and moving forward with permitting, Aquatic Design Services, LLC is seeking clarification on whether the 1" x 1 " measurement includes the grout to

ensure that when designing and finalizing plans for said project, they are doing so in compliance with section 454.1.2.1 of the Code. Petitioner seeks these clarifications as a "substantially affected person" under the procedures set for in Section 553.775, F.S.

5^th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Building

454.1.2.1 Pool structure.
Pools shall be constructed of concrete or other impervious and structurally rigid material. All pools shall be watertight, free from structural cracks and shall have a nontoxic smooth and slip resistant finish. All materials shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications unless such specifications violate Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code, rule requirements or the approval criteria of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 or NSF/ANSI Standard 60.

(a) Floors and walls shall be white or pastel in color and shall have the characteristics of reflecting rather than absorbing light. Tile used in less than 5 feet (1524 mm) of water must be slip resistant. A minimum 4-inch (102 mm) tile line, each tile a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, shall be installed at the water line, but shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) in height if a dark color is used. Gutter type pools may substitute 2-inch (51 mm) tile, each a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, along the pool wall edge of the gutter lip.

(b) One-inch (25 mm) square tile may be used if the manufacturer has specified the adhesive for use underwater to adhere the type of tile used [vitreous (glass) or ceramic]. Tiles shall not have sharp edges exposed that could cause bather injury.

SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS

DIMENSIONS (for Chapter 21).

Nominal. The specified dimension plus an allowance for the joints with which the units are to be laid. Nominal dimensions are usually stated in whole numbers. Thickness is given first, followed by height and then length.

Specified. Dimensions specified for the manufacture or construction of a unit, joint or element.

[BS] NOMINAL SIZE (LUMBER). The commercial size designation of width and depth, in standard sawn lumber and glued-laminated lumber grades; somewhat larger than the

standard net size of dressed lumber, in accordance with DOCPS 20 for sawn lumber and with the ANSI/AWC NDS for glued-laminated lumber.

201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation, Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas, Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Building Code, Mechanical or Florida Building Code, Plumbing, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.

6^th Edition (2017) Florida Building Code, Building

454.1.2 Swimming pool construction standards.

with manufacturer’s specifications unless such specifications violate Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code, rule requirements or the approval criteria of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 or NSF/ANSI Standard 60.

(a) Floors and walls shall be white or pastel in color and shall have the characteristics of reflecting rather than absorbing light. Tile used in less than 5 feet (1524 mm) of water must be slip resistant. A minimum 4-inch (102 mm) tile line, each tile a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, shall be installed at the water line, but shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) in height if a dark color is used. Gutter-type pools may substitute 2-inch (51 mm) tile, each a minimum

size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, along the

pool wall edge of the gutter lip.

(b) One-inch (25 mm) square tile may be used if the manufacturer has specified the adhesive for use underwater to adhere the type of tile used [vitreous (glass) or ceramic]. Tiles shall not have

sharp edges exposed that could cause bather injury.

SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS

DIMENSIONS (for Chapter 21).

Specified. Dimensions specified for the manufacture or construction of a unit, joint or element.

Staff Analysis:

Question: Is the grout line allowed to be included in the measurement of a 1”x 1” tile installed on a commercial pool per section 454.1.2.1, when the tile is sold and distributed as 1” x 1”?

Answer:

Option #1/Petitioner:

Yes, the grout line can be included when meeting the 1”x 1” tile requirements set forth in section 454.1.2.1 if the tile is sold and distributed as 1”x 1” nominal or trade size tile.

Option #2/Staff:

Yes, as per the definition of the term “Nominal” of section 202 of the 2014 FBC, Building and the 2017 FBC, Building, the grout line can be included when meeting the 1”x 1” tile requirements set forth in section 454.1.2.1 if the tile is sold and distributed as 1”x 1” nominal or trade size tile.