SS 556:2021
(ICS 97.220.10)
SINGAPORE STANDARD
Code of practice for the design and
management of aquatic facilities
SS 556:2021
(ICS 97.220.10)
SINGAPORE STANDARD
Code of practice for the design and management of
aquatic facilities
Published by Enterprise Singapore
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and microfilming, without permission in writing from Enterprise Singapore.
Request for permission can be sent to: standards@[Link].
© Enterprise Singapore 2021
ISBN 978-981-5042-36-8
SS 556:2021
Contents
Page
Foreword 4
1 Scope 5
2 Normative references 5
3 Terms and definitions 5
4 Classification of aquatic facilities 8
5 Design and construction requirements 9
6 Water treatment 24
7 Circulation – suction and return points 25
8 Filtration 28
9 Chemical treatment 31
10 Water quality 33
11 Operation and maintenance 38
12 Chemical safety 41
13 Aquatic facility operators, staff and safety audits 43
14 Facility specific requirements 44
Annexes
A Recommended safety signage 48
B First aid box 50
C Safety audit checklist and recommendation 51
D Requirements for diving facilities – Stairways and ladders 53
Tables
1 Classification of aquatic facilities 9
2 First aid facilities 20
3 First aid equipment 21
4 Outdoor air supply requirements for air-conditioned aquatic facilities 21
5 Water body loading category chart 26
6 Maximum bather numbers 26
7 Physico-chemical parameter guidelines 34
8 Microbiological parameter guidelines 34
Figures
1 Radius of curvature 7
2 Example of protrusion ≤ 10 mm 10
3 Example of protrusion ≥ 10 mm 10
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SS 556:2021
Page
4 Wall slope for prefabricated pool 11
5 Wall slope for non-prefabricated pool 12
6 Dimension for ladders 14
7 Dimension for grab rails above recessed (niche) steps 15
8 Dimension for stairs/steps 16
9 Typical balancing tank level 31
D.1 Risers in any staircase flight 53
Bibliography 55
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SS 556:2021
Foreword
This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Working Group on Design and Management of Aquatic
Facilities set up by the Technical Committee on Architectural Works under the purview of the Building
and Construction Standards Committee.
This standard is a revision of SS 556:2010 ‘Code of practice for the design and management of aquatic
facilities’. The key changes are as follows:
(a) Updating the terms and definitions to align with industry practices.
(b) Updating the annexes, figures and tables to align with industry practices.
(c) Updating access and egress requirements.
(d) Updating aquatic play facilities and water slides requirements and references.
(e) Updating water turnover for all aquatic facilities.
(f) Updating water treatment sections.
(g) Categorising various aquatic facilities for ease of reference.
(h) Incorporating recommendations and requirements from the latest relevant local and overseas
standards.
It is presupposed that in the course of their work, users will comply with all relevant regulatory and
statutory requirements. Some examples of relevant regulations and acts are listed in the
Bibliography. The Singapore Standards Council and Enterprise Singapore shall not be responsible for
identifying all of such legal obligations.
In preparing this standard, reference was made to the Western Australia Code of practice for the design,
construction, operation, management and maintenance of aquatic facilities (Department of Health
2007).
Acknowledgement is made to the Department of Health, Western Australia for their permission to
reproduce materials from their publications into this standard.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Singapore Standard may be the
subject of patent rights. Enterprise Singapore shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
NOTE
1. Singapore Standards (SSs) and Technical References (TRs) are reviewed periodically to keep abreast of technical
changes, technological developments and industry practices. The changes are documented through the issue of
either amendments or revisions. Where SSs are deemed to be stable, i.e. no foreseeable changes in them, they will be
classified as “mature standards”. Mature standards will not be subject to further review unless there are requests to review
such standards.
2. An SS or TR is voluntary in nature except when it is made mandatory by a regulatory authority. It can also be cited in contracts
making its application a business necessity. Users are advised to assess and determine whether the SS or TR is suitable for
their intended use or purpose. If required, they should refer to the relevant professionals or experts for advice on the use of
the document. Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council shall not be liable for any damages whether
directly or indirectly suffered by anyone or any organisation as a result of the use of any SS or TR. Although care has been
taken to draft this standard, users are also advised to ensure that they apply the information after due diligence.
3. Compliance with a SS or TR does not exempt users from any legal obligations.
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SS 556:2021
Code of practice for the design and management of aquatic facilities
1 Scope
This standard specifies the general requirements for the design, construction, installation of equipment,
operation, management and maintenance of aquatic facilities in Singapore. It is intended to ensure the
safety, well-being and recreational benefits of facility users, as well as personnel who may become
involved in the aforementioned aspects of design, construction, installation of equipment, operation,
management and maintenance of the aquatic facilities.
Special care is required in applying this standard alone to equipment for which no product specific
standard has yet to be published.
For aquatic facilities in landed homes, the owner may decide on appropriate requirements to adopt.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ASTM F2376 Standard practice for classification, design, manufacture, construction
and operation of water slide systems
EN 1069-1 Water slides. Safety requirements and test methods
SS 531 Code of practice for lighting of work places
SS 555 (all parts) Protection against lightning
SS 636 Code of practice for water services
SS 638 Code of practice for electrical installations
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