Commercial Pool School

Devin Blankenship, Annie Duff, & Suzan Morang

What Can Go Wrong?

Recreational Water Illness

Swimmer are exposed to water through the following means: Skin contact Inhalation Swallowing

Contaminated water can result in the following infections: Ear Gastrointestinal Respiratory Dermal

Gastrointestinal Illnesses (Fecal-Oral)

Protozoa Cryptosporidium Giardia

Bacteria Shigella E. coli

Viruses Norovirus Adenovirus Hepatitis A

Respiratory and Dermal Illnesses

Legionnaires’ disease Bacteria is transmitted from

inhaled mists (spas, cooling towers, fountains)

Very severe with fatality rates ranging from 5%-30% in outbreaks

Skin infections Plantar warts Athlete’s foot MRSA

Chemical Concerns

Irritations Result in burns, rashes, & cancers Can be caused by:

High concentrations of chemicals Chemical reactions Sensitivities

Asphyxiation Chemical and mechanical rooms generate toxic fumes Niles, Michigan – April 2, 2017

13 year old boy killed and 14 hospitalized CO buildup in the pool room from the pool heater

Number of ED visits associated with pool chemicals — United States

Other Hazards

Drowning Approximately 10 people day each day from drowning in US Leading cause of accidental death

Slips, falls, collisions Electrocution Poorly wired equipment Lightning

Entrapment (VGBA)

Bodily Releases

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI)

Public Health Concerns: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Norovirus

Chlorine kills germs, but it takes time Correct levels of chlorine kills most RWI germs However, some RWI germs are harder to kill

Crypto can survive for days in properly disinfected pool

Illness can spread even in well-maintained pools Important to monitor chemical levels & overall pool

conditions

Accidental Fecal Release (AFR)

For both formed-stool and diarrheal fecal incidents:

Act fast!

Step 1: Close pool to swimmers

Step 2: Remove as much fecal material as possible (net or bucket) - dispose in sanitary manner Clean and disinfect item used to remove the fecal material (leave the

net or bucket immersed in pool during disinfection) Vacuuming stool from pool is NOT recommended

Formed-Stool AFR: Giardia

Follow Steps 1-2 Step 3: Raise free chlorine level

and maintain for proper time For proper disinfection, maintain

pool temperature at 77° F and at a pH of 7.5 or less

Step 4: Confirm filtration system is operating correctly Establish and maintain a fecal incident log

Step 5: Allow swimmers back into water after disinfection process is complete

Giardia Kill or Inactivation Time for a Formed Fecal Incident Free Chlorine

Concentration (ppm)Disinfection Time

(minutes)

1.0 45

2.0 25 – 30

3.0 19

Diarrheal AFR: Cryptosporidium

Follow Steps 1-2 Step 3: Raise waters free chlorine level (refer to chart) Maintain pool temperature at 77° F and at pH of 7.5 or less

Step 4: Confirm filtration system is operating correctly Establish and maintain a fecal incident log

Step 5: Backwash filter Discharge backwash water directly to waste Do not return backwash through filter Replace filter media where appropriate

Step 6: Allow swimmers back into water after disinfection process is complete

Time Required to Inactivate or Kill Crypto

Free ChlorineConcentration (ppm) Time in Hours

20 12.75

10 25.5

Vomit in Pool Water: Norovirus

Vomit in pool while swimming is common If from swallowing too much water, vomit is probably not infectious If stomach contents are vomited up, take immediate action

Respond to true vomit incident as to a formed fecal incident

Norovirus Kill or Inactivation Time for a Vomit Incident

Free Chlorine Concentration (ppm)

Disinfection Time (minutes)

1.0 45

2.0 25 – 30

3.0 19

Blood in Pool Water

Germs found in blood (Hepatitis B virus, HIV) spread when infected blood get into our body and bloodstream

Chlorine kills germs found in blood Per CDC, no instances of person becoming infected after

exposure to blood in a pool Germs don’t survive long when diluted into properly

chlorinated pool water

Swimmers want something done after blood spill No public health reason to recommend closing pool after blood spill

but some operators do so to satisfy swimmers

Bodily Fluids on Pool Deck

Blood, Vomit or Feces Block off area until clean-up and

disinfection is complete Clean up & disinfect contaminated

surfaces immediately Disinfect with 9 parts water to 1 part

household bleach for 20 minutes

First Break

Joplin Pool Code

Joplin Pool Code

Adopted February 1, 2008

Applies to: Public pools Semipublic pools

Hotels, motels Apartments Schools Community pools Clubs

Does not apply to private single-family residence pools

Standards for Swimming Pool Design

Submission of Plans New or remodeled pools Approval required prior to permit issuance

Ordinance #2007-267 Ch 62 Article VII Section 62-241 Part 1-2.0

Pool Inspection

City Official authorized to enter premise Sample and analyze pool water – monthly Safety inspection – yearly or as needed

Ordinance #2007-267 Ch 62 Article VII Section 62-243

Pool Enclosure (Part 1 5.9)

Violation of Part 1 5.9 shall require pool closure Pool perimeter fence must have self-closing, self-latching

gate Refer to Joplin Building Code, Section 3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures

Top of barrier shall be at least 48” above grade Openings in barrier shall not allow passage of 4” sphere Pedestrian access gates shall:

open outward away from pool be self-closing and self-latching

Electrical Safety (Part 2 5.1.4)

Violation of Part 2 5.1.4 shall require pool closure Presence of bare electrical wires or other obvious electrical deficiency All electrical installations shall conform to prevailing city code and requirements of appropriate regulatory agency Ex: All receptacles within 20’ of inside walls of pool shall be protected by

ground-fault circuit interrupter (Missouri Lodging Rule 19 CSR 20-3.050)

Operator Accessibility

Violation of Part 2 5.1.5 shall require pool closureSupervision (Part 2 5.1.5)

Pool operators must be onsite or immediately accessible reached by phone and be onsite within reasonable time frame (10 min)

Lifeguards must also be onsite, when required

Pool Operator (Part 2 4.4) Person knowledgeable in pool water testing and water

treatment equipment Immediately accessible Pool operator instruction recommended

NSPF offers several trainings

Lifeguards

Lifeguard Chair Requirements (Part 1 6.2) Required for each 2000 ft2 of water surface area of public pool Semi-public pools not required to provide lifeguards

if choose to provide, must meet same requirements of public pools

Lifeguard Staff (Part 2 4.4) Must be certified by American National Red Cross, National

YMCA or equivalent Appropriate conduct and dress code On-duty lifeguards shall not engage in activities that distract from lifeguard duties

Safety Equipment

Lifesaving Equipment (Part 1 6.3) One unit of lifesaving equipment required per 2000 ft2 of water surface “Lifesaving Equipment Unit” defined as:

One throwing device US Coast Guard approved ring or buoy With cord ¼” diameter, 1.5 times pool width

AND One reaching device Life pole or shepherds crook Minimum length of 12 ft

Location (Part 1 6.3) Mounted in conspicuous and accessible places around pool deck

Safety Equipment

First Aid Kit (Part 1 6.4) Recommended at every swimming pool

Safety Equipment (Part 2 6.2) Lifesaving equipment shall be kept in good repair

and ready condition Life lines separating shallow and deep areas shall be

kept in good repair and kept in place Some special use pools are exempt per Part 1 5.4 -

contact Health Department for details

Pool Decks (Part 1 5.8)

Unobstructed deck 5’ wide shall surround pool Uniform, easily cleaned, impervious, slip-resistant Sloped away from the pool

Hose Bib (Part 1 5.8.5 & 8.5)

Backflow prevention Provide hose bibs with backflow preventers for deck cleaning All hose bibs within deck area in use must have backflow prevention

device

Water Quality

Temperature (Part 2 1.7 & Part 1 14.7) Maintain pool temperatures between 72oF and 85oF, unless special

use pool Maintain spa temperatures below 104oF

pH (Part 2 1.2.1) Maintain pool pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8

Alkalinity (Part 2 1.2.2)

Maintain pool alkalinity levels between 60 ppm and 180 ppm Bacteriological Quality (Part 2 1.4)

in case of possible outbreaks caused by pool water

Free vs. Combined Chlorine

Joplin pools regulated on Free Chlorine (FC) levels Maintain FC between 1 ppm and 10 ppm Ideal FC levels are between 2 ppm and 4 ppm

Free Chlorine (FC) Portion of total chlorine (not combined chlorine) available to disinfect

Combined Chlorine (CC) Forms when chlorine bonds to urine, sweat, dead algae, etc. Not an effective disinfectant Causes eye and skin irritation Gives off strong chlorine-like odor

pH and Chlorine

Relationship Between

pH Chlorine

7.2 1.0 ppm

7.4 1.2 ppm

7.6 1.4 ppm

7.8 1.6 ppm

8.0 1.8 ppm

8.2 2.0 ppm

Bromine

Maintain bromine levels above 2 ppm and below 10 ppm Must have a pH below 7.8 Ideal bromine levels 4 ppm and 6 ppm

Disinfectant Residual (Part 2 5.1.1)

Violation of Part 2 5.1.1 shall require pool closure Immediate closure required if disinfectant levels fall below

minimum or above maximum Chlorine

Free Chlorine below 1 ppm or above 10 ppm Bromine

Below 2ppm or above 10 ppm

Immediate action required if free chlorine levels above 5 ppm and below 10 ppm

Superchlorination (Part 2 1.6)

If CC levels are above 0.5 ppm, superchlorinate the pool to reduce CC concentration

Combined Chlorine = Total Chlorine – Free Chlorine

During superchlorination, raise FC levels about 10 times the amount of CC present in pool

Do not allow swimmers in pool during superchlorination

Keep swimmers out of pool until FC level is below 5 ppm

Takes several hours for FC level to decrease

Clarity (Part 2 1.0)

Violation of Part 2 1.0 shall require pool closure

Pool water must be clear enough to see drain in deepest part of pool while standing on side of pool

Main Outlets (Part 1 9.6 & Part 2 2.5)

Violation of Part 2 2.5.2 shall require pool closure

Main drains must have anti-vortex covers or gratings Gratings and drain covers must not be removable

without use of tools Broken main drain covers or grates must be repaired

or replaced ASAP Pool must be kept closed until approved main grate is properly

installed

Pool Structure (Part 2 3.11)

Keep pool walls, floors, perimeter overflow systems and decks in good condition – repair ASAP

Do repairs on seasonal pools prior to opening Keep pool walls, floors, and decks painted to prevent

corrosion Paint front edge of steps contrasting color Use light colors for pool structures

Water levels (Part 1 9.5 & Part 2 2.6)

Add enough water to keep pool level high enough to reach skimmer at all times

Pool Water Inlets (Part 1 9.9 & Part 2 2.5)

Must have enough working inlets to provide effective distribution of treated water throughout pool

Goal is to maintain uniform level of disinfectant in pool

Pool Sides & Bottom (Part 2 2.1)

Clean pool and deck on routine basis Brush and vacuum pool walls and bottom on daily

basis

Ladders, Steps, Stairs (Part 1 5.7)

Ladders or steps must be located in both shallow & deep ends

Slip resistant Provide handrail for each ladder or step

Lifeline & Boundary Marker (Part 1 5.4)

Boundary line between shallow and deep end must be marked with: 4” contrasting line on floors and walls, and Safety rope (lifeline) with floats Required where pool depth exceeds 5’

Keep lifeline in place unless pool used for special purpose

Depth Markers (Part 1 6.0)

Mark water depth on vertical pool wall or on the pool room wall as well as edge of pool deck

Place markers At changes in bottom slope No more than 25’ apart Both sides and both ends

Letters must be minimum of 4” high in contrasting colors

Bather Load

Post bather load sign in pool area (Part 2 4.2)

Pool Area Loading (Part 1 3.0) Shallow area is part of pool 5’ deep or less

Provide 15 ft2 of water surface per person Deep area is part of pool 5’ deep or more

Provide 25 ft2 of water surface per person

Spa Area Loading (Part 1 14.3) Shall not exceed one person per 3 linear feet of seat or

bench measured at front edge

Pool Rules (Part 1 6.5)

Post pool rules in plain view Persons with infections or disease which can be

transmitted through pool use shall not use the pool.

Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco or tobacco products into the pool enclosure.

Shower before entering and after use of toilet facilities.

No running or rough play. No diving or no diving except in designated areas. No containers made of glass or shatterable plastic.

Warning Signs (Part 1 6.5.4)

For pools that are open and a lifeguard is not provided

Post warning signs in plain view in pool area “Warning –No Lifeguard On Duty”

4” high letters of contrasting color

“No Swimming Alone. Children And Non-Swimmers Shall Not Use The Pool Unless Accompanied By A Responsible Adult” 2” high letters of contrasting color

Spa Rules (Part 1 14.16)

Post spa caution sign near entrance of spa or hot tub “CAUTION: Pregnant women, elderly persons, and

persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or low blood pressure should not enter the spa/hot tub without prior medical consultation and permission from their doctor”

Additional recommended verbiage Do not use the spa/hot tub while under the influence of alcohol, tranquilizers,

or other drugs that cause drowsiness or that raise or lower blood pressure. Do not use at water temperatures greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use alone. Unsupervised use by children is prohibited. Enter and exit slowly. Observe reasonable time limits (ten to fifteen minutes), then leave the water

and cool down before returning for another brief stay. Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting. Keep all breakable objects out of the area.

Slide Rules (Part 1 18.3.12)

Post slide rules near slide entrance One rider at a time. Wait until the landing

area is clear before entering the slide. Slide in a sitting position or on the back

only. Do not attempt to stop in the slide. Leave plunge area immediately. WARNING: Water depth is ___ feet. Non-swimmers not permitted. (If over 5’

deep)

Equipment Maintenance

Equipment Maintenance (Part 2 3.0)

Operate and maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions

Treatment Equipment (Part 2 5.1.3)

Pump, filter and disinfectant feeder must be kept in proper working order

Violation of Part 2 5.1.3 shall require pool closure

Continuous Disinfectant (Part 2 3.1.2)

All parts of pool water recirculation system must be kept in continuous operation, 24 hours a day Pumps, filters, disinfectant feeders, flow

indicators, gauges and related components

Add disinfectant via automatic feeder easily adjustable provides continuous application of disinfectant

Hand feeding is not allowed, with exception of superchlorination

Flow Meter (Part 1 9.8)

Provides continuous indication of flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) in recirculation system

Mounted on return piping after other system components but before chemical feed injection

Follow manufacturer’s installation directions

Turnover Rate (Part 1 9.0.2 & Part 2 14.14)

Pools at least 4 complete turnovers in a 24 hr

period

Wading pools at least 1 complete turnover in 2 hours

or less

Spas at least 1 complete turnover in 30

minutes

Filters & Gauges (Part 2 3.0)

Gauges Correct placement & functioning correctly Inspect on daily basis

Filters Good mechanical condition and functioning as designed Backwash as needed Replace filter media as needed

Must be provided For operator to monitor chemical levels

Should be able to test for Chlorine or Bromine pH Cyanuric Acid Alkalinity Calcium hardness

Test Kits (Part 1 11.3)

Records (Part 2 2.8)

Operators must maintain daily operating logs

Record relevant information for your pool disinfectant levels, pH, equipment

breakdown/repairs, amount of chemicals used, backwashing, fecal release incidents

Pools at hotels/motels are required to maintain logs per Missouri Lodging Rule

Keep logs available for viewing upon request At least 3 months worth available

Daily Operating Log

Pool Maintenance LogPool Log For:

Disinfectant Concentration

Date Time Total Free Combined pH Alkalinity Calcium Hardness Notes Operator

Recommended water chemistry) CHLORINE: Total - 5.0 ppm max; Free - 2 to 4 ppm; pH - 7.2 to 7.8; Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm; Calcium Hardness - 200 to 400 ppm

Daily Maintenance Logs and Self Inspection Forms available from JHD

Pool Closure (Part 2 5.0)

Pools will be closed for these health or safety hazards Disinfectant levels below minimum or above maximum

amount Main drain not visible due to cloudy water Pump, filter or disinfectant feeder not working Obvious electrical safety deficiencies Operator not on premises or immediately accessible Other conditions creating immediate danger to health or safety

of swimmers Broken or missing main drain cover Gate/door not self-closing, self-latching

Pool Closure (Part 2 5.2)

When pool is closed for any reason All entry points properly secured against unauthorized

entry Post sign saying “Danger - Pool Closed” in plain view

If pool/spa closed by Joplin Health Department, do not reopen until approved by JHD

Failure to comply with pool closure requirements could result in fines and/or jail time

This document serves as written notice as required under Section 62-244 of ordinance number 2007-267.

□ Pool Closure Required: Pool closure is required at this time. During pool closure the pool must remained secured against unauthorized entry and the proper pool closure signage must be posted. The pool shall remained secured until closure is rescinded by the Joplin Health Department. Failure to do so could result in fines up to $500 and/or up to 100 days in jail.

Notice of Violation and Penalty

Notice of Violation (NOV) Written NOV given to owner/responsible party Maximum correction period up to ten (10) days unless granted

an extension

Penalty Citation to municipal court if not corrected within time period Subject to penalty under section 1-5 of the City Code of

Ordinances upon conviction

Ordinance #2007-267 Ch 62 Article VII Section 62-244 & 245

Last Break

VGBA

Hair: hair caught in faulty drain cover Limbs: arms, legs, fingers lodged in suction opening Body: any body part that covers a drain held by suction Evisceration: sitting on faulty drain cause injuries or

disembowelment Mechanical: jewelry or bathing suits entangled in faulty

drain cover

Entrapment - Types

Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB Act)

June 2002, 7 year-old died after entrapment on faulty drain cover in hot tub

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) Passed in December 2007 Effective December 2008

Prevent drain entrapments & eviscerations in pools/spas

www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety-act/

Entrapment Still Happens

Between 2009 & 2013, Consumer Protection reported 33 victims of “circulation entrapments” 73% were younger than 16 years old 45% associated with pools; 33% with spas 64% were in public pools/spas; 30% in residential 42% trapped in suction; 33% missing covers

Injuries only - no fatalities

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fspublic/pdfs/2014CirculationEntrapment.pdf

VGB Act Requirements – Part 1

1. VGB compliant drain covers All drain covers made after December 2008 must meet

ASME/ANSI A112.19.8, or successor standard, ANSI/APSP-16 2011

CPSC requests manufacturers include “VGB 2008” on covers ASME requires info on covers:

Use for either single or multiple drains Flow rate GPM “Life” (number of years) Wall and/or floor mount Manufacturer’s name Model number

VGB Act Requirements – Part 1

Drain cover manufacturers should provide a certification document with each drain cover stating that it complies with VGB Act.

If no mark or you’re in doubt, contact manufacturer and ask for a copy of VGB compliance certificate.

Keep records where and when your drain covers were purchased.

VGB Act Requirements – Part 2

2. Secondary safety measures Pools/spas with single main drain (smaller than 18" x 23" and

not an “unblockable drain”), or with 2 main drains less than 3’ apart must either:1. Disable drain(s) or 2. Install second anti-entrapment device:

Automatic pump shut-off system Gravity drainage system Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), or Suction-limiting vent

VGB Act Requirements – Part 2

Pool/spa with unblockable drain or 2 main drains more than 3’ apart are not required to disable drain or install secondary shut-off device

Unblockable drain = “drain of any size and shape that a human body cannot sufficiently block to create a suction entrapment hazard."

VGB Act Take-away Thoughts

Bottom Line If you’re not confident your drain covers are VGBA compliant,

find out ASAP! Have they gone past their “life”? If you have a single main drain, what is your secondary anti-

entrapment system? Is it working?

Better to be safe than sorry

www.poolsafely.gov/pool-spa-safety-act/

VGB Act - Free Online Course

https://www.nspf.org/virginia-graeme-baker-pool-spa-safety-act-online-course Identify the components of the Pool & Spa Safety Act Identify the use of multiple safety steps Identify how to calculate total dynamic head and its importance for

determining the pool system flow rate Identify Pool & Spa Safety Act compliance and inspection requirements Identify how to plan and conduct an inspection to ensure compliance

with the Pool & Spa Safety Act Identify how to formulate recommendations for corrective action

recommendations to bring a facility into Pool & Spa Safety Act compliance

Pool

Math

Calculate Volume of Pool

Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier = Volume in Gallons Average Depth = 2 ÷ (Deepest part of pool + Shallowest part of pool) Multipliers for converting to gallons: (7.5) for Rectangle, Square, or Free-Form pools

(5.9) for Round or Oval pools

Scenario: A rectangular in-ground swimming pool has a deep end of 5ft and a shallow end of 3ft. The length of the pool is 10ft and the width is 8ft.

What is the volume of the pool? First calculate average depth, pick correct multiplier and plug in length

and width Average depth: (5ft + 3ft) ÷ 2 = 4ft Multiplier: 7.5 for rectangular pool Length = 10ft, Width = 8ft Equation: Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier = Volume in Gallons Equation: 10ft x 8ft x 4ft x 7.5 = 2,400 gal

Turnover Rate

Turnover rate = pool volume ÷ flow rate ÷ 60 min/hour

Example: You have a 200,000 gallon pool with a flow rate of 750 gpm. What is the turnover rate? TOR = 200,000 ÷ 750 ÷ 60 = 4.44 hours

Flow rate = pool volume ÷ turnover rate ÷60min/hour

Flow rate may also be read from the flow meter

How to Figure Bather Load

Length (L) x Width(W) = Area15 ft2 for each swimmer in shallow end

25 ft2 for each swimmer in deep endExample: Shallow) 10 ft x 10 ft = 100 ft2

100 ft2 ÷ 15 ft2 per swimmer = 6.7 or 7 swimmers in shallow end

Deep) 10 ft x 30 ft = 300 ft2

300 ft2 ÷ 25 ft2 per swimmer = 12 swimmers in deep end

Bather Load = 7 swimmers in shallow + 12 swimmers in deep = 19 bathers allowed in pool at one time

Adding Algaecide Scenario

(Pool Volume ÷ Gallons from product label) x Amount from label = Amount of chemical to add

Example: You have a 95,000 gallon pool and decide to use an algaecide. The label states to use 16 fluid ounces per 10,000 gallons of water.

How much chemical do you add? First find the pool volume, gallons from label and amount from label

Pool Volume: 95,000 gallons Gallons from label: 10,000 gallons Amount of chemical from label: 16 fluid ounces Equation: (Pool Volume Gallons ÷ Gallons from product label) x Amount from label =

Amount of chemical to add Equation: (95,000 gallons ÷ 10,000 gallons) x 16 fluid ounces = 152 fl. oz Convert to Gallons: 152fl. oz ÷ 128 fl. oz = 1.2 gallons

Common Problems

Common Problems

Murky or dirty pool water Inadequate filtration Inadequate disinfection Algae growth Insufficient turnover Flow rate is too high Poor water chemistry

Equipment corrosion Bright green pool – high levels of

copper Red/brown – high levels or iron

Scum lines – prevented by regular cleaning

Super Chlorination

Scenario: Free chlorine less than 1 ppm Strong chlorine odor present Bottom of the pool not visible

Problems: Pool not regularly being super chlorinated Sand media old and not filtering properly

Super chlorination Oxidizes contaminants, causing them to evaporate Recommended this be done weekly

Leaking Pools

Training

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/pool-operator-training.html

NSPF (National Swimming Pool Foundation) https://www.nspf.org/online-training-view-all-items CPO (Certified Pool Operator) CPI (Certified Pool Inspector) Pool and Spa Basics Water Chemistry Basics Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Field Service Professional: Routine Maintenance for

Pool and Spa Operators And many more…

The End

Contact Information

Joplin Health Department321 E 4th Street

Joplin, MO 64801(417) 623-6122

www.joplinmo.org

Devin Blankenship, CEHS, CPO – dblanken@joplinmo.orgAnnie Duff, CEHS – aduff@joplinmo.org

Suzan Morang, CEHS, CPO - smorang@joplinmo.org