ASTM F3133-21

Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Stationary Wave Systems

SCOPE
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection of stationary waves.  
1.2 Stationary wave systems shall be defined as a system that delivers a constantly flowing sheet of water nominally up to 24 in. thick travelling over a form allowing for patron interaction with a perpetual wave.  
1.3 Significance and Use:  
1.3.1 For the purposes of this practice, a wave system could include:
1.3.1.1 The ride surface,
1.3.1.2 The ride feature pump(s),
1.3.1.3 The water filtration and disinfection system,
1.3.1.4 The runout areas,
1.3.1.5 The structural supports,
1.3.1.6 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water ride as defined by the designer/engineer, and
1.3.1.7 Control systems.  
1.3.2 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.2.1 Amusement rides and devices whose design criterion is specifically addressed in other ASTM standards;
1.3.2.2 Preexisting designs manufactured before the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven as defined in Practice F2291; and
1.3.2.3 Deep water wave pools, Action Rivers, lazy rivers or waterslides.  
1.3.3 The terms stationary wave systems, standing wave systems, sheet wave systems, and wave systems shall be considered equivalent when used in this practice.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 97.220.99 - Other sports equipment and facilities
• Technical Committee: F24 - Amusement Rides and Devices
• Drafting Committee: F24.70 - Water Related Amusement Rides and Devices

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2291-19 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM F770-18 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1193-18 - Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2291-17 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-17e1 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-17 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2291-16 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1193-16 - Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM F770-15 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM F747-06(2014) - Standard Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1193-14 - Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM F770-14 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM F770-13 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM F770-11 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM F2291-09b - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2009

Overview

ASTM F3133-21: Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Stationary Wave Systems provides comprehensive guidance for water ride systems that feature a continuous sheet of water flowing over a structured surface, allowing for dynamic patron interaction with a perpetual wave. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes uniform requirements for the design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, inspection, and operation of stationary (or standing/sheet) wave attractions, widely found in water parks and recreational venues worldwide.

Stationary wave systems covered by this standard are defined by a water thickness of up to 24 inches moving over a designed form. These systems may include components such as ride surfaces, pumps, water filtration and disinfection units, runout areas, structural supports, aquatic ride vehicles, and control systems.

Key Topics

• System Definition & Scope

  • Applies to newly designed stationary wave systems and their major modifications.
  • Excludes deep water wave pools, lazy rivers, waterslides, and older, service-proven designs.
  • Considers stationary, standing, and sheet wave systems as equivalent terms.

• Design & Construction

  • Requires compliance with ASTM F2291 in key areas such as rider containment, patron separation, and flow dynamics.
  • Minimum factor of safety specified for operational loads.
  • Runout areas and ride surfaces must minimize risk of injury and be clear of hazardous obstacles.

• Ride Vehicles

  • Specifications for compatible vehicles (e.g., bodyboards, standup boards) must be provided by the system designer or engineer.
  • Approval criteria for ride vehicles are established to ensure safety and compatibility.

• Operation, Maintenance & Inspection

  • Detailed guidance is provided for regular inspection, maintenance, and operation procedures.
  • Owners and operators must maintain water quality standards and restrict ride vehicles to those approved by the designer or engineer.

• Safety & Control Systems

  • Water suction fittings must comply with relevant pool and spa safety standards (such as ASME/ANSI APSP-16).
  • Flow control and measurement systems required to ensure proper ride operation.

Applications

The ASTM F3133-21 standard is vital for the water amusement industry, particularly in the following contexts:

• Water Parks & Recreational Facilities
  • Ensures safe design, consistent construction quality, and reliable operation of stationary wave attractions for surfing or bodyboarding.
• Wave Pool Manufacturers & Designers
  • Provides best practices for innovators developing new wave ride products and solutions.
• Regulatory Bodies & Inspectors
  • Serves as a benchmark for plan review, permitting, and inspecting compliant installations.
• Facility Operators
  • Offers guidance on routine maintenance, owner/operator responsibilities, patron safety, and compliance with local and industry standards.

By adhering to this standard, stakeholders achieve improved safety, enhanced guest experiences, and a stronger foundation for international trade and regulatory acceptance.

Related Standards

ASTM F3133-21 references and aligns with several other important standards to ensure comprehensive safety and performance coverage:

• ASTM F747 - Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F770 - Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F1193 - Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F2291 - Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F2376 - Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
• ASME/ANSI APSP-16 - Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs

Proper integration and understanding of ASTM F3133-21 and its referenced standards are essential for anyone involved in the design, fabrication, operation, or regulation of stationary wave systems, ensuring safety, quality, and industry compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

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:F3133 −21
Standard Practice for
Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction,
Maintenance, and Operation of Stationary Wave Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3133; 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.
1. Scope 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
manufacture, construction, operation, maintenance, and in-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
spection of stationary waves.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 Stationary wave systems shall be defined as a system
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
that delivers a constantly flowing sheet of water nominally up
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to 24 in. thick travelling over a form allowing for patron
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
interaction with a perpetual wave.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.3 Significance and Use:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3.1 For the purposes of this practice, a wave system could
include:
2. Referenced Documents
1.3.1.1 The ride surface,
1.3.1.2 The ride feature pump(s), 2.1 ASTM Standards:
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and De-
1.3.1.3 The water filtration and disinfection system,
vices
1.3.1.4 The runout areas,
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and
1.3.1.5 The structural supports,
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
1.3.1.6 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction
the water ride as defined by the designer/engineer, and
of Amusement Rides and Devices
1.3.1.7 Control systems.
F2291 Practice for Design ofAmusement Rides and Devices
1.3.2 This practice shall not apply to:
F2376 Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture,
1.3.2.1 Amusement rides and devices whose design crite-
Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
rion is specifically addressed in other ASTM standards;
2.2 Other Standard:
1.3.2.2 Preexisting designs manufactured before the effec-
ASME/ANSI APSP-16 Suction Fittings for Use in Swim-
tive date of publication of this practice if the design is service
ming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
proven as defined in Practice F2291; and
1.3.2.3 Deepwaterwavepools,ActionRivers,lazyriversor
3. Terminology
waterslides.
3.1 Definitions—Many terms have a common accepted use
1.3.3 The terms stationary wave systems, standing wave
in the wave system industry that is unique. This is to establish
systems, sheet wave systems, and wave systems shall be
a basic common vocabulary as well as a basis for classification
considered equivalent when used in this practice.
that differentiates design parameters. All terms in this practice
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
are candidates for inclusion in Terminology F747.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4. Design Requirements
and are not considered standard.
4.1 Design of wave systems shall be in accordance with
Practice F2291, Section 8 with the following exceptions and
inclusions:
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F24 on Amusement
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
Related Amusement Rides and Devices. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F3133 – 19. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F3133-21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3133−21
4.1.1 Unless proven otherwise, loads from all operating 6. Test and Inspection Methods
conditionsshalldemonstrateaminimumoffivetoonefactorof
6.1 Stationary wave systems, or major modification to an
safety.
existing stationary wave system, shall be in compliance with
4.2 The designer/engineer shall design the ride such that it Practice F1193.
can reasonably prevent patrons from involuntarily exiting the
6.2 Flow Rate—The water flow in each stationary wave
ride during riding or runout.
system which has an effect on the performance of the ride
surface.
4.3 Stationary wave system ride surface and runout area
shall be clear of obstacles with the exception of those obstacles 6.2.1 The designer/engineer shall determine the flow rate
and shall set a fixed range of performance of the ride surface.
approved by the ride manufacturer for separation of participat-
ing patrons. 6.2.2 The water flow controls shall be secured from inter-
ference or adjustment by unauthorized personnel.
4.4 Where the ride surface allows for adjacent patrons, the
6.2.3 Flow meters, calibrated m
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3133 − 19 F3133 − 21
Standard Practice for
Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction,
Maintenance, and Operation of Stationary Wave Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3133; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, operation, maintenance, and inspection of
stationary waves.
1.2 Stationary wave systems shall be defined as a system that delivers a constantly flowing sheet of water nominally up to 24 in.
thick travelling over a form allowing for patron interaction with a perpetual wave.
1.3 Significance and Use:
1.3.1 For the purposes of this practice, a wave system could include:
1.3.1.1 The ride surface,
1.3.1.2 The ride feature pump(s),
1.3.1.3 The water filtration and disinfection system,
1.3.1.4 The runout areas,
1.3.1.5 The structural supports,
1.3.1.6 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water ride as defined by the designer/engineer, and
1.3.1.7 Control systems.
1.3.2 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.2.1 Amusement rides and devices whose design criterion is specifically addressed in other ASTM standards;
1.3.2.2 Preexisting designs manufactured before the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven
as defined in Practice F2291; and
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
Related Amusement Rides and Devices.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2019May 1, 2021. Published November 2019June 2021. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 20182019 as
F3133 – 18.F3133 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/F3133-19.10.1520/F3133-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3133 − 21
1.3.2.3 Deep water wave pools, Action Rivers, lazy rivers or waterslides.
1.3.3 The terms stationary wave systems, standing wave systems, sheet wave systems, and wave systems shall be considered
equivalent when used in this practice.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2376 Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
2.2 Other Standard:
ASME/ANSI APSP-16 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Many terms have a common accepted use in the wave system industry that is unique. This is to establish a basic
common vocabulary as well as a basis for classification that differentiates design parameters. All terms in this practice are
candidates for inclusion in Terminology F747.
4. Design Requirements
4.1 Design of wave systems shall be in accordance with Practice F2291, Section 8 with the following exceptions and inclusions:
4.1.1 Unless proven otherwise, loads from all operating conditions shall demonstrate a minimum of five to one factor of safety.
4.2 The designer/engineer shall design the ride such that it can reasonably prevent patrons from involuntarily exiting the ride
during riding or runout.
4.3 Stationary wave system ride surface and runout area shall be clear of obstacles with the exception of those obstacles approved
by the ride manufacturer for separation of participating patrons.
4.4 Where the ride surface allows for adjacent patrons, the designer/engineer shall consider the potential for contact between
patrons and the measures required to mitigate against the potential for injury.
4.5 The designer/engineer shall determine an acceptable flow rate for each stationary wave system.
4.6 Runout Areas:
4.6.1 Runout areas shall be designed by the designer/engineer in consideration of safe deceleration of the patron.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
F3133 − 21
4.6.2 The designated runout area for each patron shall be designed to minimize the potential f
...