FAQs - Recreational Health
1.
I just noticed that a pool that I swim in
was closed. Should I be concerned?
2. What kind of pool
test kit do I need for my public pool?
3. What kind of
records must I maintain for a public pool?
4. Do I need to
notify the Health Department if I change
pool equipment?
5. Does my public
pool have to be maintained by a Certified
Pool Operator?
6. What should I do
after a fecal accident in a public swimming
pool?
7. Why does my
pool/spa need to be chlorinated?
8. How much chlorine
should I have in my pool and spa?
9. I know I have
plenty of chlorine in the pool/spa because I
can smell it and my patrons complain of
burning eyes, but it doesn't show up on my
test kit. Why?
10. What is
cyanuric acid?
11. What chemicals
do I need to test for regularly?
12. My pool
serviceman comes twice a week and checks the
chemical levels. Do I still need to do that?
13. When should the
pool and/or spa be closed to the public?
14. Is there a class
I could attend to better understand my pool?
1. I just noticed that a pool that I swim in was closed. Should I be concerned?
Public pools are posted closed by Environmental Health as a preventative measure when significant health or safety violations are observed during an inspection. Most closures are because of very low or very high chlorine levels, very cloudy water, or safety items like missing main drain covers. Actual bacterial samples of the pool water are rarely taken.
2. What kind of pool test kit do I need for my public pool?
At the minimum, you need a test kit that can accurately check pH and “free chlorine” in the pool water. To accurately check “free chlorine”, the test kit should use DPD tablets or liquid. “OTO” (yellow liquid) type chlorine test kits are difficult to use to accurately determine free chlorine. The test kit must be able to test for free chlorine from 0.5 to 3 ppm (parts per million). However, it is suggested that test kits with a higher free chlorine range (to 5 or 10 ppm) be used. If pool stabilizer is used, cyanuric acid must also be checked, but only once per month. Cyanuric acid test kits are available but you can also take a water sample into some pool supply companies once per month. Most test kits will also check for combined chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, which are useful for properly maintaining a pool.
3. What kind of records must I maintain for a public pool?
You must maintain daily test records for pH and free chlorine. In addition you need to include in your records any maintenance performed and monthly cyanuric acid checks (if pool stabilizer is used).
4. Do I need to notify the Health Department if I change pool equipment?
Check with Environmental Health to see that the equipment will be acceptable for the size and type of your pool. New pumps must be able to maintain the same turnover rate as the original design (usually
six hour turnover rate). Filters must be sized for the pump size (and flow) and be suitable for the type of filter cleaning or backwashing facilities that are available.
5. Does my public pool have to be maintained by a Certified Pool Operator?
Not at this time, but it is highly recommended. Properly maintaining a public pool requires proper training. Basic pool training is best acquired in a Certified Pool Operator class.
6. What should I do after a fecal accident in a public swimming pool?
View Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The recommendations are split into two sections: formed fecal accidents and loose stools. First, close the pool. For formed fecal accidents, after removing the stool, the pool operator should raise the free chlorine to 3-10 ppm (parts per million) at a pH of 7.2-7.5 for 19 minutes with the filter running. Note: Chlorine is more effective at a pH of 7.2-7.5 even though a pH of 7.2-8.0 is legal in California.
For loose stools or vomit, after removing as much fecal matter as possible, the pool operator should raise the free chlorine to 10 ppm at a pH of 7.2-7.5 for 16 hours with the filter running. After 16 hours the filter must be backwashed and the backwash water discharged to some acceptable place other than back into the pool (as sometimes done with older pools). The 16 hour time period can be shortened by raising the level of free chlorine to higher levels (CDC recommends 20 ppm) but then the free chlorine level will have to be lowered back to 10 ppm or less prior to reopening the pool. Also, most pool test kits cannot accurately measure free chlorine levels above 10 ppm.
7. Why does my pool/spa need to be chlorinated?
Pools should be disinfected continuously by a chemical which imparts a residual effect. Chlorine is a type of "disinfectant", also called a "sanitizer". Disinfectants or sanitizers destroy living microorganisms and bacteria, preventing the transmission of disease. There are several types of disinfectants, such as chlorine, bromine, ozone and UV light. Public pools need a disinfectant with a measurable residual.
8. How much chlorine should I have in my pool and spa?
There are two kinds of chlorine found in pool/spa water: free (able to destroy microorganisms) and combined (unable to destroy microorganisms). Public pools and spas should have a free residual chlorine level of a minimum of 1.0 parts per million (ppm) if cyanuric acid is not used, and 1.5 ppm if a cyanuric acid is used. There should always be an operable automatic chlorinator when the pool and/or spa is open. The automatic chlorinator can be adjusted to maintain a safe level of chlorine. Chlorine should not exceed 5.0 ppm.
9. I know I have plenty of chlorine in the pool/spa because I can smell it and my patrons complain of burning eyes, but it doesn't show up on my test kit. Why?
Your test kit is correct - you do not have the right amount of chlorine in your water. If you smell chlorine in the water, or if you have irritated eyes from the water, you are more than likely experiencing chloramines (combined chlorine), and not free residual chlorine needed to disinfect your pool. Some test kits will allow you to test for total chlorine levels and free chlorine levels; the difference between the two being the combined levels. If trace amounts of combined chlorine is above .3 ppm, you may need to shock, or "superchlorinate" the pool to break the bond of chloramines.
10. What is cyanuric acid?
Also called "stabilizer" or "conditioner", cyanuric acid is added to swimming pools and spas to slow down the decomposition of chlorine from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. With a correct dose, it can save up to 80% of normal chlorine consumption during peak sunny months. With an incorrect balance, it can substantially decrease the effectiveness of the chlorine. Cyanuric acid is found in most chlorine tablets, or can be added as a separate chemical.
In public pools, the cyanuric acid level should be checked and recorded at least once a month with a cyanuric acid test kit. The level should not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). The ideal range is 30 - 50 ppm. Dilution is the only way to reduce cyanuric acid levels. If the cyanuric acid level exceeds 100 ppm, partially drain the pool while scrubbing the sides (cyanuric acid will stick to the sides), refill, and check again. For a spa exceeding 100 ppm, completely drain while scrubbing the sides, refill, and check.
11. What chemicals do I need to test for regularly?
Chlorine (or other approved disinfectant) and pH levels should be checked and recorded on a maintenance log at least once per day. Cyanuric acid levels should be checked and recorded at least once per month. Other chemical tests (such as alkalinity, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids) could be checked as needed to help balance the chlorine and pH or help keep the water clear.
Chemical Requirements |
|
|
minimum
amount |
desired
amount |
maximum
amount |
when to check
and record |
Chlorine without
stabilizer |
1.0 ppm |
1.5 ppm |
0 ppm; |
7.2 |
Chlorine with
stabilizer |
1.0 - 3.0 ppm |
1.5 - 3.0 ppm |
20 - 50 ppm |
7.4 - 7.6 |
Stabilizer (i.e.,
Cyanuric Acid) |
5.0 ppm |
5.0 ppm |
100 ppm |
8.0 |
| pH |
daily |
daily |
monthly |
daily |
12. My pool serviceman comes twice a week and checks the chemical levels. Do I still need to do that?
YES! The law requires all public pools and spas to have an on-site operable test kit, and a daily log of chlorine, pH levels, and other maintenance actions. You should have the basic knowledge of pool maintenance and water chemistry balance. The pool and spa areas can be dangerous if they are not operated in a safe manner, and they could be a health risk to your patrons.
13. When should the pool and/or spa be closed to the public?
Anytime an immediate and imminent health risk exists, the pool/spa should be closed. These could include
the following: excessive water cloudiness (the main drain is not visible); no free residual level of disinfectant/sanitizer (e.g., chlorine); the filtration and/or automatic disinfection system is not operable; the covers over the main drain or the equalizer lines are broken or missing or there is a suction hazard; the underwater light fixture has water in it; chemicals are added to the water; or any time you feel there is a health risk to patrons. It is better safe than sorry.
14. Is there a class I could attend to better understand my pool?
Yes — there are several companies that offer a class and exam to become a National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool Operator (CPO). Research the internet, consult your local pool store, or call the office for more information.
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