This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: F2461 − 16´1

Standard Practice for

Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of
Aquatic Play Equipment1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2461; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected references to ASTM standards in January 2017.

1. Scope 1.3.6 Products or facility elements specifically designed to

1.1 This practice covers information for manufacture, provide access to and from pools for people with disabilities.
construction, operations and maintenance of aquatic play 1.3.7 Water rides such as log flumes, raft rides, inner tube
equipment and provides safety performance standards for rides, waterslides or other attractions where the participant sits
various types of public aquatic play components and aquatic in a vehicle or is physically propelled or moved by or with
play composite structures. water.
1.2 Inclusions: 1.3.8 Sports equipment, fitness equipment, and diving
1.2.1 Climbable and climb-resistant aquatic play equipment.
components, composite aquatic play structures, user controls,
1.4 Compliance:
water sprays, fountains, and slides that occur on wet decks and
wading, swimming or leisure pools. The play components 1.4.1 Where water is indirectly or directly added or applied
specified herein occur for use in aquatic play areas. to Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487 play
1.2.2 Play equipment, fall zones, use zones for wet decks, equipment, the equipment shall comply with this standard.
wading pools, swimming pools and leisure pools. Where a requirement for compliance to a section of the
1.2.3 This standard is intended to apply to Aquatic Play Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487 standard is
Equipment that is located in and around re- circulated and required by this standard, the section number is preceded with
potable water recreational facilities. Such facilities include but the standard’s designation.
are not limited to amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, 1.4.2 Soft contained play structures with aquatic play com-
family entertainment centers, municipal swimming pools and ponents shall comply with Safety Performance Specification
municipal parks. F1918 except as modified by this standard.
1.2.4 Waterslides 6 ft in height or smaller. 1.4.3 Aquatic play components and composite play struc-
1.3 Exclusions: tures represented, as complying with this safety performance
1.3.1 Playground equipment that does not have an entry or standard shall meet all applicable requirements specified
an exit onto or into a wet deck, wading pool, swimming pool herein. Anyone representing compliance with this standard
or aquatic recreation pool. shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document
1.3.2 Home playground or home pool equipment or play any claim that the requirements within this standard have been
equipment as scoped in Consumer Safety Performance Speci- met.
fication F1148 and ANSI/NSPI-5.
1.3.3 Waterslides as scoped in Practice F2376. 1.5 This standard includes the following sections:
1.3.4 Flotation devices used on water slides or in swimming Scope Section 1
pools. Referenced Documents Section 2
Terminology Section 3
1.3.5 Swimming pools as specified by ANSI/NSPI-1 or Manufacturing and Materials Section 4
ANSI/IAF-9. Design Section 5
Performance Requirements Section 6
Operator Responsibilities Section 7
Manufacturer/Designer Section 8
1 Responsibilities
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement
Installer Responsibilities Section 9
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
Related Amusement Rides and Devices. 1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2016. Published December 2016. Originally
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F2461 – 09. DOI: as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
10.1520/F2461-16E01. conversions to SI units that are provided for information only

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
1
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
and are not considered standard. (The conversion factor from 4.2 Durability—Aquatic play components and composite
inch-pound to metric units is 1 in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = play systems shall be manufactured and constructed only of
4.4482 N.) materials that have a demonstrated durability in the aquatic
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the playground, swimming pool or similar setting.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.2.1 Any new materials shall have documented perfor-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- mance and material properties or tested accordingly for dura-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- bility by the equipment manufacturer.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4.3 Compatibility—Materials used in the manufacture of
aquatic play components shall not create an unsanitary or toxic
2. Referenced Documents condition for users and the aquatic environment in which they
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 are installed.
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and 4.4 Materials:
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices 4.4.1 Metals—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance
F853 Practice for Maintenance Procedures for Amusement Specification F1487, Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2.
Rides and Devices (Withdrawn 2014)3
4.4.2 Plastics—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance
F1148 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Specification F1487, Section 4.1.1.
Home Playground Equipment
4.4.3 Wood—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance Speci-
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction
fication F1487, Section 4.1.3.
of Amusement Rides and Devices
4.4.4 Concrete—Concrete footings and slabs shall comply
F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing
with local jurisdiction or equal to the requirements of the
Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
International Building Code.
F1487 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Play-
ground Equipment for Public Use 4.4.5 Foam—Foam materials used in aquatic play compo-
F1918 Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained nents shall be skinned or of a closed cell type. Foam materials
Play Equipment that are subject to ultraviolet (UV) degradation shall be
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices protected against ultraviolet light or include ultraviolet degra-
F2376 Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, dation inhibitors. Foam products shall not leach any chemicals
Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems that could affect water chemistry.
4.4.6 Automotive or industrial tires are not permitted in the
2.2 ANSI Standards:4
aquatic play environment.
ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and
Facilities 4.5 Components:
ANSI A10.11 Personal and Debris Nets 4.5.1 Netting—Netting material for structural purpose, sub-
ANSI/IAF-9 American National Standard for Aquatic Rec- ject to UV degradation, shall be protected from U/V exposure
reation Facilities or include U/V degradation inhibitors.
ANSI/NSPI-1 American National Standard for Public 4.5.2 Fasteners and Cables—Fasteners are required to com-
Swimming Pools ply with Practice F2291, Section 16 and also Consumer Safety
ANSI/NSPI-5 American National Standard for Residential Performance Specification F1487 Section 4.2.1 to Section 4.2.2
Inground Swimming Pools inclusive.
2.3 Other Standards: 4.5.2.1 Fasteners in aquatic play components when located
NFPA 70 National Electric Code (NEC)5 on walking, stepping, sitting and sliding surfaces of aquatic
play components and wet decks shall be flush, and without any
3. Terminology sharp or abrasive finish.
3.1 Reserved for future inclusions. 4.5.2.2 All fasteners used to construct Aquatic Play Equip-
ment shall be maintained and consistent as specified by the
4. Manufacturing and Materials manufacturer.
4.1 Aquatic play components shall comply with Consumer 4.5.2.3 All fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall
Safety Performance Specification F1487 Section 4 except as be corrosion resistant or be provided with a corrosion-resistant
modified by this standard. coating.
4.5.2.4 When installed in accordance with the manufactur-
er’s specifications, fasteners, connecting, and covering devices
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or shall not loosen or be removable without the use of tools.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 4.5.2.5 Hardware in moving joints shall also be secured
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
against unintentional loosening.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 4.5.2.6 Moving suspended elements shall be connected to
www.astm.org. the fixed support with bearings or bearing surfaces that serve to
4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., reduce friction or wear.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
5
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch 4.5.2.7 Steel cable that is permanently affixed to a hanger
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. assembly performs as a bearing surface. Cable ends shall be

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
2
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
inaccessible or capped to prevent injury from frayed wires. 5.2.2 Platforms, Walking or Climbing Surfaces—Structural
Cables and steel-cored ropes should be protected to prevent engineering of composite play structure platforms with 20 %
fraying, loosening, unraveling, or excessive shifting of joints. slope or less shall be based upon a live load as per Practice
4.5.3 Electrical Components—Electrical components that F2291, Section 8.15 and occupancy of 3 ft2 per person.
require power to operate, should be installed with the materials, 5.2.3 Stairs, Guardrails, and Handrails:
voltage and grounding requirements as required by local 5.2.3.1 Guardrails shall be designed to comply with Practice
governing authorities and NFPA 70. F2291 Section 14, with the exception that the maximum
4.5.4 Coatings shall comply with Consumer Safety Perfor- opening size shall reject a torso probe as specified in Consumer
mance Specification F1487, Section 4.1. Safety Performance Specification F1487 Fig A1.2 (see Appen-
4.5.5 Replacement Parts for Aquatic Play Equipment shall dix X1).
be: 5.2.3.2 Stairs and handrails shall be designed to comply
4.5.5.1 Procured from the original manufacturer of the with Practice F2291 Section 14.
aquatic play equipment, using the appropriate manufacturer- 5.2.4 Netting Reserved for future.
supplied identifying nomenclature; or 5.2.5 For the purposes of calculations, the water load on an
4.5.5.2 Procured or produced to meet or exceed the manu- aquatic play component surfaces other than water slides shall
facturer’s minimum specification. be designed to the amount of live load on an aquatic play
component or other surfaces of the composite play structure.
5. Design Where used, Design/Engineers shall consider impact and
5.1 Load Calculations: dynamic loads such as water bucket dumps, and shall be
included in the live loading design of structures, platforms and
5.1.1 Slide Beds—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance
roofs.
Specification F1487, Section 12.4.1.4.
5.2.6 Overhead play elements. Overhead climbing elements
5.1.2 Loading Test Criteria—Refer to Consumer Safety
shall be designed to withstand a 200-lb (890 N) per lineal foot
Performance Specification F1487, Section 12.2.
live load. Their mounting and connectors shall be designed to
5.1.3 Components and Structures Subjected to Vertical
accommodate the total live loading of the free spanned
Loads—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance Specification
element.
F1487, Section 12.4 through Section 12.4.1.1 inclusive.
5.1.4 Structures Containing Two or More Longitudinal 5.3 Access and Egress—Aquatic play components shall
Components—Refer to Consumer Safety Performance Specifi- comply with Consumer Safety Performance Specification
cation F1487, Section 12.4.1.2. F1487 Section 6 and 7 except as provided herein.
5.1.5 Individual Surfaces—Refer to Consumer Safety Per- 5.3.1 Composite play structures utilizing multiple aquatic
formance Specification F1487, Section 12.4.1.3. play components are permitted in wet decks, wading pools and
5.1.6 Components with Designated Occupancy—Refer to as a means of access to a pool when it conforms to the
Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487, Section requirements of Consumer Safety Performance Specification
12.4.1.5. F1487 Sections 9.7 and 9.8 and the requirements of this
5.1.7 Components Subjected to Lateral Loads—Refer to standard.
Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487, Section 5.3.2 Unenclosed level, stair or ramp entries are permitted.
12.5 through Section 12.5.2 inclusive. 5.3.3 Unless otherwise specified herein, aquatic play com-
5.1.8 Alternative Testing for Structural Integrity—Refer to ponents are permitted to be accessed to and from wet decks and
Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487, Section from the perimeter of or from within wading pools, swimming
12.6. pools or leisure pools.
5.3.4 All means of entry and egress shall be slip resistant.
5.2 Structural Design:
5.3.5 Access to and from composite play structures and soft
5.2.1 Structural integrity tests shall be conducted by manu-
contained play systems is permitted from pool decks, wet
facturers as per Practice F2291, Section 8.6 through 8.16
decks and from inside the pool.
inclusive.
5.2.1.1 In multi-level, composite play structures provide 5.4 Climb Resistance—The following are climb-resistant
lateral sway brace loads of 24 lb per ft (350 N/m) parallel and under this standard:
10 lb per ft (145.9 N/m) perpendicular to the floor or platform 5.4.1 Aquatic play components that lack a designated play
level. surface or handgrips, or both, within 84 in. of the ground or
5.2.1.2 Wind Load—For structures with elevated platforms deck.
where the height of the platform is larger than the width or 5.4.2 Equipment flush with the play surface. Protrusions
depth of the elevated platform, the composite structure shall be from play surfaces shall not exceed VA thickness and shall
designed to withstand 100 mph wind (3 s gust) for non- have rounded, radiused, or angular edges to prevent hand and
operational conditions. The calculation shall take into account foot holds.
roofs, dump buckets, awnings, flags, banners, or any other 5.4.3 Horizontal or angled members 60 in. (1625 mm) or
element that may affect the wind load calculations. more above the ground or deck surface.
5.2.1.3 Structural calculations shall consider the combina- 5.4.4 Slanted members with more than 30° slope from
tion of loads corresponding to foreseeable severe conditions. horizontal.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
3
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
5.4.5 Rounded or sloped shield over horizontal pipe flanges overlap water slide, plunge pool use zones, diving area use
or structural connections that limit foot and hand holds. zones of diving boards, stationary or floating platforms.
5.4.6 Controls and operating mechanisms that are purposely 5.5.4.3 Floating aquatic play equipment in water bodies that
designed to discourage or inhibit climbing. do not provide climbing support for standing or kneeling may
have a use zone extending to within 48 in. (1220 mm) to the
5.5 Component Layout and Use Zones:
pool edge, underwater benches, underwater structures protrud-
5.5.1 The dimensions and configuration of the Aquatic play ing above the pool floor surface, pool entry/exit structure or
component use zone shall be dependent upon the type of play accessibility facility or structures. Floating play structures and
equipment, as specified in Consumer Safety Performance their supports are required to be placed a minimum of 36 in.
Specification F1487 Section 9.1 through 9.9 and except as (914 mm) apart in wave pools, lazy rivers or other pools with
modified herein. directional currents.
5.5.2 The use zones of aquatic play components and com- 5.5.4.4 In the design of water falling or spraying features,
posite structures that provide access to and from a pool shall designers shall take into consideration the impact pressure to
comply with the requirements of Consumer Safety Perfor- patrons at the potential point of impact.
mance Specification F1487.
5.6 Winterization—In climates subject to freezing
5.5.3 Use Zones—The designer/manufacturer shall deter-
temperatures, the design of aquatic play equipment and any
mine a use zone for each play component. Use zones are not to
water supply or pool systems shall take into account protection
be determined by the area of incidental water splash, such as
from damage due to freezing. The designer/engineer shall
that of dumping buckets, but determined by the area intended
provide the appropriate procedures to guard against freezing
to be occupied by persons.
damage shall be included in the Operations and Maintenance
5.5.3.1 Use zones shall provide a 72-in. clearance between instructions for aquatic play equipment.
objects unless they are functionally linked.
5.5.3.2 Use zones are permitted to overlap with aquatic play 6. Performance Requirements
use zones.
5.5.3.3 Use zones are not permitted to overlap water slide 6.1 General:
landing zones. 6.1.1 Limb Entrapment:
6.1.1.1 Sliding surfaces shall be constructed in such a
5.5.3.4 Climb resistant aquatic play components, composite
manner as to provide a smooth continuous sliding surface, with
structures, and their entries are not required to provide impact
no gaps or spaces that might create an entrapment hazard as
attenuation materials within their use zones.
outlined in Practice F2376.
5.5.3.5 Structures having aquatic play components shall
6.1.1.2 Grates, slots and openings accessible to the public
have use zones per Consumer Safety Performance Specifica-
shall be designed to minimize entrapment. Should they exceed
tion F1487.
% inch width or length, or both, it is recommended they be
(1) Full enclosure of the user areas shall include areas
oriented perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
above guards or guardrails and over the top of user platforms.
6.1.2 Diving boards or diving or jumping platforms are not
(2) Enclosures above barriers shall not permit the passage
permitted.
of Torso Probe and Head Probe above guards or guardrails. Per
Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487, Fig. A1.2 6.2 Decks—All decks should be slip resistant.
and Fig. A1.3 (see Appendix X1). 6.2.1 Submerged walking surfaces, which are underwater
(3) Netting used to fully enclose a device shall comply with beneath and around Aquatic Play Equipment, shall be slip
the requirements of Safety Performance Specification F1918, resistant. In addition they shall slope to drain or incorporate
Section 6.8. self-draining features in order to keep standing water off the
5.5.4 The placement of aquatic play components and com- structure, unless the structure, or portions thereof, is specifi-
posite play structures and their minimum use zone areas that cally designed to accommodate such water.
provide access into or from a pool or wet deck shall be 6.2.2 Wet Decks:
coordinated with other pool facility elements as provided 6.2.2.1 In plans or drawings, the designer shall specify the
herein. boundary of wet decks. The total area and boundary of the wet
5.5.4.1 Except for those aquatic play components that pro- deck shall include the planned water spray area of the
vide a direct path into a pool and the run of water slides, equipment located on the wet deck, and shall include a
aquatic play component use zone shall not overlap the required reasonable amount of area overspray due to average meteoro-
clear floor areas on pool decks of facilities or equipment logical conditions during times of planned use of the facility.
designed to provide access into the pool. The use zone and 6.2.2.2 Wet decks are permitted to be any material utilized
composite or soft contained play structures shall not encroach for swimming pool decks or floors as permitted by the
within 48 in. (1220 mm) of the poolside of the facility or swimming pool building codes of the authority having juris-
equipment. diction or as otherwise defined by this section.
5.5.4.2 The use zone of other equipment shall not overlap 6.2.2.3 Impact attenuation materials are not required. Im-
water slide run-outs, tethered floatable or log roll use zones or pact attenuation, if used shall not affect the performance of the
upper body equipment spanning from pool decks over pool water filtration, treatment and circulation system.
water bodies. The use zone overlapping water bodies shall not 6.3 Water Delivery:

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
4
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
6.3.1 The pump(s), which supply water to the aquatic play 6.4.4 Drainage from wet decks shall go to a water recircu-
components, shall be sized to deliver the proper flow at the lation system designed to accommodate the total water capac-
pressure recommended by the component manufacturer. ity of the facility, or when approved by the authority having
6.3.2 Spray Nozzles and Orifices: jurisdiction, to storm or sanitary sewer system.
6.3.2.1 All orifices or water nozzle openings accessible to 6.4.5 A main gravity drain shall be located at the lowest
the public user shall be designed to minimize finger entrap- point of the wet deck or facility area to permit the complete
ment. drainage of standing water.
6.3.2.2 Where the aperture of spray nozzles are within the 6.4.6 Drains shall be covered by a secure grating, which
reach of the intended user, they shall comply with the follow- requires the use of a tool to remove the grate.
ing. 6.5 Water Treatment:
(1) Spray nozzles with small aperture sprays are recom-
6.5.1 The water that feeds an attraction or device shall be
mended that comply with Consumer Safety Performance
either from a potable water source, the swimming pool in
Specification F1487 Section 6.5.1.1.
which the attraction or device is located, or a separate reservoir
(2) Nozzles are considered within the reach of users ages 2
of water that is filtered and treated according to the standards
through 5 years old if the aperture is positioned 60 in. (1524
required for the type of pool in which the attraction is located.
mm) or less above decks or platform walking surfaces, and
If the water source is from the swimming pool or a separate
within 18 in. (457 mm) of lateral reach range from a user’s
reservoir it must be chemically treated according to the
standing or seated area. Nozzles are considered to be within the
standards required by the governing authority.
reach range of 5 to through adult user if the aperture is
6.5.2 Recirculation systems are required to operate as per
positioned 84 in. (2134 mm) above the deck or platform
ANSI/IAF-9, Section 7 through 10 inclusive.
walking surface and within 24 in. (610 mm) of lateral reach
range of the user’s standing or seated area. 6.5.3 Water returned through the filtration system to a
collector, surge tank or reservoir-shall be treated prior to
6.3.2.3 User controlled spray shall not spray outside of the
returning to the aquatic play component.
boundary of the wet deck or the pool water body and associated
deck. 6.5.4 The water circulation, filtration and treatment system
shall be designed to accommodate the total water capacity of
6.3.3 Operator Control Valves:
all aquatic play components. Reservoirs or holding tanks sizing
6.3.3.1 The water supply to Aquatic Play Components shall
must consider and incorporate calculations for transit time,
be equipped with a control device.
pipe size, velocity, and draw down due to external conditions
6.3.3.2 The control device shall be in a location that is not and overflow.
accessible to the general public. The control device can be in
addition to another valve which the patron may use to control 6.6 Play Structures:
the water flow, but the operator control valve shall always be 6.6.1 Composite structures shall be configured to discour-
upstream from the patron accessible valve so that the patron age diving off or from facility into a pool, wading pool or wet
may never obtain a higher force from the water effect or source deck.
than shall be capable of being set by the operator, contractor or 6.6.2 Interior crawl or climb areas shall not be located
manufacturer at the operator control valve. below the water surface due to movement of the structure or
6.3.3.3 If it is determined that a control device should have changes in the water elevation.
a non-adjustable operating “set point” once the operator or 6.6.3 Except at methods of entry and exit for each event,
manufacturer has determined the appropriate setting for that and dry slide or water slide transition areas and exits, a
control valve, the valve shall be marked by durable means and composite structure with platform levels more than 20 in.
secured in place. above ground, wet deck or pool floor level shall have guard-
6.3.3.4 Valves installed under decks or within aquatic rec- rails.
reation equipment, shall be provided with access covers to 6.7 Soft Contained Play:
permit access for operation, service, and maintenance of
6.7.1 Soft contained play structures are permitted in wet
equipment. Covers shall only be removable with tools.
decks and as a means of access to pool when it conforms to the
6.3.3.5 It is recommended that operator control valves be requirements of Safety Performance Specification F1918 and
made accessible only with the use of the manufacturer- as modified by the requirements of this standard.
supplied, tamper resistant, security hardware.
6.7.2 Soft contained play structures shall be so designed to
6.4 Drainage: prevent water accumulation within the equipment.
6.4.1 Grates—Suction grates shall be sized and located 6.7.3 The incorporation of water to the exterior or interior of
according to ANSI/IAF-9, Section 9. soft contained play structures shall not interfere with user in a
6.4.2 Surrounding pedestrian circulation and landscaped manner to cause falls or entrapment within the structure.
areas shall be sloped to not drain into the wet deck area. 6.7.4 Except for portions of ramped, stair or net crawl
6.4.3 The wet deck shall be sloped not greater than 1:12 access, no user sections of soft contained play structures shall
slope ratio, so that under normal operating condition water be submerged.
does not leave the wet deck boundary and flow onto other 6.7.5 Soft contained play structure entries and exits on a
paved or landscaped areas or pools. pool deck shall be oriented away from the edge of the pool or

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
5
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
pool coping, and shall maintain a minimum of 72 in. clearance 6.10.3.2 Net climbers shall have 42 in. (1067 mm) high
to pool stair, ramp or transfer tier structures and their grab bars guarding, 72 in. (1829 mm) use zones and impact attenuation
or handrails. surfacing along their sides.
6.8 Elevated Elements: 6.10.4 Climbable aquatic play components shall comply
6.8.1 Enclosed or semi-enclosed areas under elevated ele- with Specification F1292 for use zones and impact attenuation
ments shall not be accessed by a submerged water route. material.
6.8.2 The area under elevated elements that do not meet this 6.10.5 Other Equipment and Components—Other forms of
requirement shall be barricaded or otherwise enclosed to aquatic play equipment and their subcomponents shall comply
prevent user access. with the requirements of this standard as applicable. This
6.8.3 Enclosures at ground, deck, or water body level that includes but is not limited to materials and manufacturing, user
do not permit visual supervision from areas outside the wet controls, seats, use zones, performance requirements for safety,
deck or pool water body are not recommended by this standard. accessibility, maintenance and labeling as applicable.
6.11 User Controls:
6.9 Slides:
6.11.1 The highest operable part of controls, dispensers,
6.9.1 Water slides may be installed in conjunction with
receptacles and other hand operable equipment shall be placed
composite play structures or soft contained play systems.
within 48 in. (1220 mm) maximum above the floor, deck or
6.9.2 Where incorporated with aquatic play environments
platform surface, and with in 46 in., (1170 mm) when the reach
and other aquatic play components or composite structures,
is over (vertically) an object. Reach ranges over an object shall
slides shall comply with Consumer Safety Performance Speci-
not exceed 24 in. (760 mm) laterally (horizontally) over the
fication F1487 Section 6.4.1.
object to the control.
6.9.3 When the transition area and slide bed are fully
6.11.2 User controls shall be operable with one hand and
guarded with the use of slide tubes or covers, use zones and
shall not require tight grasping. The force required to activate
impact attenuation surfacing is not required to either side of the
controls shall be no greater than 5 lb (22.2 N).
slide that is fenced or otherwise guarded with a barrier that
6.11.3 Water sprays and other operable part trigger mecha-
inhibits the user from climbing on the top of the enclosure.
nisms shall be designed to inhibit the catching or snagging of
6.9.4 Covers:
jewelry or wristbands.
6.9.4.1 Covers or slide enclosures shall have a smooth and
monolithic surface on the inside of the slide way to mitigate the
7. Operator Responsibilities
potential of a person catching or grasping materials during
sliding. 7.1 Operation of aquatic play components shall comply with
6.9.4.2 The cover shall join guarding or guardrails to fully Practice F770 and the following:
enclose any opening at the start section in accordance with 7.1.1 Aquatic play components that depend on a specific
Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487 Section water level or water flow rate shall not be used by the public
6.1. until the operator verifies its performance criteria.
6.9.5 Where a slide exits into the wet deck, wading pool or 7.2 Maintenance of aquatic play components shall comply
swimming or leisure pool from a soft contained play structure with Practice F853 and the following:
the slide shall conform to the requirements of Section 5.5.4. 7.2.1 Operators of aquatic play components and wet deck
6.9.6 Water slides where the user comes to a stop in a seated areas shall have a procedure to control debris, organic con-
position on the slide surface shall not enter water more than 12 taminants and algae.
in. deep. 7.2.2 All pools associated with aquatic play components
6.10 Equipment: shall be cleaned and maintained per the designer/
6.10.1 Aquatic play components shall comply with Con- manufacturer’s requirements.
sumer Safety Performance Specification F1487 Section 8 7.3 Inspection—Where appropriate, the owner/operator
except as provided herein. shall conduct a daily pre-opening inspection of each water play
6.10.2 The following are not permitted for use as aquatic component prior to allowing the device to be opened for use by
play components. the public. This inspection shall include but not be limited to
6.10.2.1 Balance Beams. the following:
6.10.2.2 Diving Platforms. 7.3.1 Visual check of all elements that are provided for
6.10.2.3 Climbers—Rigid rung, chain tire, geodesic domes, activation by the user. Activate all user-activated devices to
climbing walls, and other forms of non-flexible material assure their proper operation.
climbers unless they are within a soft contained play system 7.3.2 Visual inspections of entrances, exits, stairways,
(SCPE) or other means of impact attenuation. ramps, decks and other surfaces on which users walk or crawl
6.10.3 Net climbers are permitted as an aquatic play com- or slide.
ponent and a means of access into and out of soft contained or 7.3.3 A mechanical inspection and test operation of any
composite play structures. water recirculation and treatment systems as required by the
6.10.3.1 The entry side of a net climber shall be provided designer.
with use zone fall and impact attenuation surfacing where net 7.3.4 Test of all communications equipment necessary for
climbers are not fully guarded. the operation of the aquatic play equipment.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
6
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
7.3.5 Prior to opening to patrons, the aquatic play equip- 9.2 The installer shall verify that all components and equip-
ment will be placed into operation. Attendants will activate all ment are functioning to the manufacturer’s specification.
participant activated devices within the manufacturer’s recom-
mended operational guidelines. 9.3 The installer will verify that the water flowing from any
individual component of a multiple component installation
8. Manufacturer/Designer Responsibilities cannot exceed the manufacturer’s specifications for that indi-
8.1 The manufacturer of aquatic play components shall vidual component when any or all of the other component
comply with Practice F1193 and Practice F2291. valves are closed.
9. Installer Responsibilities
10. Keywords
9.1 The installer shall place and install all components as
per manufacturer specification. 10.1 aquatic play equipment; play equipment

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. FIGURES FROM CONSUMER SAFETY PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION F1487

X1.1 The following diagrams (Figs. X1.1-X1.6) are from

Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487. They are
included here for reference to the document.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
7
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1

FIG. X1.1 Torso Probe

(Fig. A1.2 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
8
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1

FIG. X1.2 Head Probe

(Fig. A1.3 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
9
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1

FIG. X1.3 Test Template for Partially Bounded Openings

(Fig. A1.4 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
10
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1

FIG. X1.4 Inserting the Template into the Opening

(Fig. A1.5 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
11
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1

FIG. X1.5 Test Template for Partially Bounded Openings

(Fig. A1.6 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

FIG. X1.6 Height of Slide Exit Region and Slide Bedway Length
(Fig. A1.26 from Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487)

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
12
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 F2461 − 16´1
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Mar 16 13:44:24 EDT 2017
13
Downloaded/printed by
Escuela Politecnica Nacional (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.