SWIMMING POOL OPERATION AND MAINTENACE GUIDE

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Eleanore Bond
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1 SWIMMING POOL OPERATION AND MAINTENACE GUIDE There have been changes to the operation and maintaining of the swimming pools as set forth by DHEC. All AMCS properties that have a pool/s must be under these guidelines. Pools cannot be open for the season until your property has checked off under each guideline and that you are in compliance. It is also important to know what type of pool class you fall under. There are several classifications. You can be a Type A, B, C, D, and F pool. Make sure you know which one you are. Please refer to the DHEC website address You may also find this website by clicking on to AMCS Corporate Website and in the upper right hand corner you will see DHEC. This will take you to the same website for DHEC. The below items are necessary to comply with for proper operation of the pool. 1. Should you have furniture with glass components this may not be located within the pool area. 2. There is new language for the Pool Rules sign. The attached is a copy of the changes as well at the existing pool rules. Please note the issue with children should be omitted. You must follow AMCS policy as it pertains to who may swim at our pools. (See exhibit 1 for the most recent pool language). 3. A separate sign stating the name and license number of the certified pool operator (CPO) must be posted. This does not need to be a high priced sign to make. 4. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY - SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK signs are required for all Type B, C, D and F pools that do not have lifeguard. Make sure you have them posted at each of your pool area. 5. Pool logs must be BOUND AND INCLUDE NUMBERED PAGES. A three ring binder will not fulfill this requirement. Pool logs that meet the new requirement will be available from the Department of DHEC by request. 6. Testing your pool you must be done at least twice a day. When testing you must also check off the applicable items on that list. If you do not have a spa/hot tub then an N/A should be placed next to it and so forth. 7. Pool supplies must be stored in a separate area away from the pool pump room. Nothing should be stored in the pool pump room. 8. Pool pump room should be well ventilated. Directions should be posted and laminated as to how to operate the pool pump and filter system. 9. Make sure your emergency telephone is accessible and operating. 10. Should you have the following Any death, injury or accident requiring an EMS response, an emergency room visit, or hospitalization you must report for the owner as his/her designated agent in writing to the Department of DHEC within SEVENTY-TWO HOURS OF THE OCCURRENCE. A copy of the incident Report is attached however, you may acquire copies by going onto to DHEC s website. (See exhibit 3) You should have the most recent Public Swimming Pools Regulation book so you may refer to any regulations. This may also be acquired from their website. 12. Your first aid box must be stocked at all times. Located where your residents may view it clearly. 13. Attached you will find how to manage fecal accidents in a swimming pool. Please read careful because you never know when you will have to follow these directions. This may also be acquired on the website (See exhibit 2). Please note that the requirements involving new pool signage and pool log will take effect immediately after January 1, The Department has advised major pool equipment and sign suppliers of the new pool rules language and other required signs. These signs should be available through your regular supplier when needed. Bound pool logbooks will be available from the Department of DHEC at no charge. Simply call a Department staff member listed below to request a copy for Jim Ridge (803) , ridgelj@dhec.state.sc.us Erica Johnson (803) , johnsoea@dhec.state.sc.us

2 The following items listed will now result in a pool closure and violation. This is in addition to those already listed in the existing regulations that may be found in the Public Swimming Pool Regulation (which may be found on the web page mentioned earlier). 1. Failure to display a valid operating permit 2. The telephone/emergency notification device is missing, defective, or not accessible 3. The disinfection, recirculation, automatic controller, or filtrations system is not fully operational 4. The pool log is not available or is not properly maintained 5. The Pool Rules, No Diving, Spa Caution, No Lifeguard on Duty, or Certified Pool Operation signs are not posted in accordance with Section C, Paragraph 28 (1-e) of the Public Swimming Pool Regulation 6. The facility fails to retain or produce proof of the services of a certified pool operator We all want to have a safe and trouble free swimming pool season. By refreshing yourselves with the above and the attachments that can be the goal. Please review the total Swimming Pool Regulation to make sure of all the regulations and to avoid any violations. Should you have any questions or comments please contact your immediate supervisor to share your knowledge and concerns. Management/tmp

3 Swimming Pool Rules 1. There should be no solo swimming. 2. There should be no running, boisterous or rough play. 3. No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs should use the pool. 4. There should be no spitting or blowing nose in pool. 5. Persons with diarrheal illness or nausea should not enter the pool. 6. Persons with skin, eye, ear or respiratory infections should not enter the pool. 7. Persons with open lesions or wounds should not enter the pool. 8. No animals or pets allowed in the pool. 9. No glass allowed in the pool or on the deck. 10. You should take a shower before entering the pool. 11. This pool is open from a.m. to p.m. 12. The maximum number of swimmers allowed in the pool is. 13. A first aid kit is located. 14. An emergency phone (or other notification device) is located.

4 Managing Fecal Accidents in a Public Swimming Pool As pool operators are aware, pool sanitation is an important part of swimming pool operation. Disinfection helps to protect swimmers from an assortment of bacteria and diseases that could be transmitted if proper disinfection is not utilized. Under normal conditions, a chlorine residual of 1-5 parts per million (ppm) is adequate to achieve the level of disinfection desired. However, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that require extra action to ensure that the pool bather is safe from potential health harms. On occasion, an accident occurs whereby noticeable fecal matter is introduced into the swimming environment. In order to preclude spread of contamination, this type of situation requires swift and precise action by the pool operator. The following steps for treatment of fecal accidents are from Disinfection of Public Swimming Pools and Management of Fecal Accidents by Richard S. Kebabjian, M.P.H., R.E.H.S., Journal of Environmental Health. Volume 58, Number 1. In the event of a fecal accident this procedure or a procedure previously approved by the Department must be followed. 1. All pool users must be instructed to exit the pool and the pool must be closed to patron use. 2. As much fecal material as possible should be removed from the pool. If the pool is vacuumed, waste should be directed to a sanitary sewer or other approved waste disposal system and not through the filtration system. The vacuum equipment should be cleaned and disinfected before reuse. 3. The free chlorine should be raised to between 20 and 30 ppm (the recommended ppm level to achieve adequate "shock" of the system varies and it is suggested that you contact a local pool company or your products representative to determine the level suggested for your facility). The ph should be adjusted to between 7.2 and The filtration system should be operated for a minimum of three to four turnovers. At public pools, the turnover rate, or the amount of time it takes to filter all of the water in the pool, is usually six to eight hours; therefore, three turnovers can be achieved within twenty-four (24) hours. 5. After three to four turnovers, thoroughly backwash the filter. 6. If the pool is a low volume pool, such as a spa or wading pool, drain the pool at this point. 7. Disinfect the filter tank and filter media with a 20:1 solution of sodium hypochlorite (20 parts water to 1 part 12% sodium hypochlorite). 8. Restart the filtration system. Wait for any excessively high chlorine levels to dissipate or neutralize the chlorine residual with sodium thiosulfate. Ensure the water is balanced in accordance with required state standards. Now reopen the pool.

5 Swimming Pool Incident Report Compliance Assurance Division * Please Type or Print Clearly Section 1. Facility Information Name : Address : City, State, Zip : Permit # : County : Pool Type (circle one) : A B C D E F Phone : Section 2. Owner Information Name : Address : City, State, Zip : Phone Number : Section 3. Incident Information Type of Incident (circle one) : a) Drowning b) Immersion c) Cut/Abrasion d) Other Date of Incident : Time: Was 911, Ambulence, or Emergency Room Visit Required (circle one) : YES NO Name of Victim : Age : Sex : Witnesses Name : Age : Name : Age : Description of Incident and Action Taken: Police Report Attached (circle one) : YES NO Owner Signature: Date: DHEC 3785 (07/01)

6 Purpose: This form is to be used by public pool owners or operators in the event of a patron death, injury, or accident requiring an EMS response, an emergency room visit, or hospitalization. This application must be submitted to the following address: SC DHEC 2600 Bull St. Columbia, SC or faxed to: (803) , Attn: Recreational Waters ITEM BY ITEM INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM SECTION 1. FACILITY INFORMATION: In the left column of section 1, enter the FACILITY s information including: name of facility, address, city, state, zip, and phone number. In the right column of section 1, enter the FACILITY s information including: permit number, county, and circle the pool type (A, B, C, D, E, F). SECTION 2. OWNER INFORMATION: In section 2, enter the FACILITY OWNER s information including: name of facility owner, address, city, state, zip, and phone number. SECTION 3. INCIDENT INFORMATION: Circle type of incident (drowning, immersion, cut/abrasion, other). If other, please provide descriptive name. In the left column enter the date of the incident. In the right column enter the time of the incident. Circle (YES or NO) whether 911, ambulance or emergency room visit was required. In the left column, enter the victim s name. In the center column, enter the victim s age. In the left column, enter the sex of the victim (male or female). In the left column enter the names of witnesses to the incident. Enter the age of each witness in the right column. Describe briefly the incident and any actions taken. Circle (YES or NO) whether a police report is attached. Owner sign and date the bottom of the form. Office Mechanics and Filing: The form should be filed in the Recreational Waters File Room according to facility permit number. DHEC 3785 (07/01)

FECAL/VOMITUS INCIDENT RESPONSE IN RECREATIONAL WATER FACILITIES

Health, Seniors and Active Living Active Living, Indigenous Relations, Population and Public Health FECAL/VOMITUS INCIDENT RESPONSE IN RECREATIONAL WATER FACILITIES Closures for fecal/vomitus incidents