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 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 Step 5: Allow swimmers back into water after disinfection process is complete
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 Chlorine Concentration (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 closure Supervision (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 ft 2 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 ft 2 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 72 o F and 85 o F, unless special use pool Maintain spa temperatures below 104 o F 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 ft 2 of water surface per person Deep area is part of pool 5 deep or more Provide 25 ft 2 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
Test Kits (Part 1 11.3) Must be provided For operator to monitor chemical levels Should be able to test for Chlorine or Bromine ph Cyanuric Acid Alkalinity Calcium hardness
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 Log Pool 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
Entrapment - Types 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
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 antientrapment 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-poolspa-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 Example: Length (L) x Width(W) = Area 15 ft 2 for each swimmer in shallow end 25 ft 2 for each swimmer in deep end Shallow) 10 ft x 10 ft = 100 ft 2 100 ft 2 15 ft 2 per swimmer = 6.7 or 7 swimmers in shallow end Deep) 10 ft x 30 ft = 300 ft 2 300 ft 2 25 ft 2 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/aquaticsprofessionals/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 Department 321 E 4 th Street Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 623-6122 www.joplinmo.org Devin Blankenship, CEHS, CPO dblanken@joplinmo.org Annie Duff, CEHS aduff@joplinmo.org Suzan Morang, CEHS, CPO - smorang@joplinmo.org