PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS QUICK REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTRODUCTION
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS QUICK REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
INTRODUCTION • This short presentation provides some of the requirements that are important to remember in order to maintain your swimming pool or spa. • This is not meant to be an all inclusive list. • NET Health provides an annual pool training to its local pool and spa operators 3 times a year. • There are other additional certifications that pool operators may obtain to increase their knowledge and expertise in pool operation and safety • For more information please contact NET Health Environmental
WATER CHEMISTRY REQUIREMENTS p. H levels • 7. 0 to 7. 8 Combined Chlorine (parts per million): • 0. 2 ppm or less • A low combined chlorine level is recommended Free chlorine (parts per million): • Swimming Pools: 1. 0 ppm to 8. 0 ppm • Spas: 2. 0 ppm to 8. 0 ppm
WATER CHEMISTRY REQUIREMENTS Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Bromine (disinfectant) • 100 ppm or less § Reminder: Stabilizer may not be used in indoor pools or spas or brominated pools or spas • Swimming Pools – 2. 5 ppm to 12 ppm • Spas – 4. 5 ppm to 12. 0 ppm
OTHER CHEMISTRY PARAMETERS TO CONSIDER AND MAINTAIN: Total Alkalinity Calcium Hardness • Ideal levels: 80 ppm – 120 ppm • Ideal Levels: 200 ppm – 400 ppm
SAFETY EQUIPMENT • Before opening your swimming pool or spa this summer, please also make sure that you have all the required safety equipment AND that they are working properly and/or in good condition. • Replace broken/damaged equipment. • Keep swimming pool or spa closed until broken/damaged equipment have been replaced.
DRAIN COVERS REQUIREMENTS • All single main drain suction outlets and suction outlets in less than 4 FT of water depth MUST be protected with a VGB anti-entrapment device. These devices are mechanical and must be checked and verified. • Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety (VGB Act) https: //dshs. texas. gov/poolspa/baker. aspx • All pools must meet the requirements in the VGB Act.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXAMPLES Dividing line at shallow -deep break point (>5 ft) 15 -24" USCG ring buoy with attached rope; rope length must be 2/3 max. width of pool; rope diameter ¼ " - 3/8" Life pole - 12 ft. , nonconducting material with crook permanently attached; nontelescopic. Backboard if lifeguard present; 3 tie down straps with head immobilizer First Aid Kit (Required for all pools with lifeguards) Emergency 911 Phone Accessible (within 200 unimpeded feet)
POOL AND SPA SIGNAGE FOR FENCES, WALLS & DECKS REQUIRE D BY STATE LAW.
GATES & FENCING Gates: Fence: Self-closing and self-latching No magnetic gates allowed Release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3" below the top of the gate The gate or barrier shall have no opening greater than ½” within 18" of the release mechanism The latch may be located on the outside of the pool gate if the latch is not less than 60" from the bottom of the gate. 48" height, 4" diameter sphere spacing No climbable structures within 36" of fence Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, the distance between the horizontal members shall not be less than 45" Doors, openable windows, or gates of living quarters or associated private premises shall not be permitted as part of the pool enclosure. Other local or city codes may still apply or be
REASONS FOR CLOSURE OF SWIMMING POOL OR SPA • Suction outlet or drain cover is broken, removed, or loose - POOL MUST BE CLOSED IMMEDIATELTY AND PUMP MUST NOT BE OPERATED! • • Sanitizer not at minimum levels or at excess levels • Suction entrapment or other hazards presenting an imminent threat to health and safety of swimmers • • Any safety equipment not available or accessible • Emergency 911 phone not working properly Pool clarity (main drain not visible) or filtration equipment failure Lack of protective enclosure to include selfclosing//locking mechanism on entrances to pool area
RECREATIONAL WATER ILLNESS (RWI) • Pool or spa water is still able to transmit illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoans • It is important for pool and spa operator to maintain their pool or spa, including maintain the required disinfection levels, in order to minimize the risk for transmission of RWIs. • https: //www. cdc. gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi. html
OTHER HELPFUL WEBLINKS • https: //dshs. texas. gov/poolspa/default. aspx • https: //open. texas. gov/ • https: //www. cdc. gov/healthywater/swimming/index. html • https: //www. nspf. org/ • https: //www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/community/parksrec/aquatic-venues. html • https: //www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/community/parks-rec/park -administrators. html
LAST BUT NOT LEAST…. . • In summary, this basic overview provides some of the requirements for operating public swimming pools or spas. • You, the pool or spa operator, play a vital role in maintaining swimming pools or spas safe for the public to enjoy. • Thank you for all the hard work that you do!
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