Swimming Pool Safety

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Swimming Pool Safety

• Maintaining Safe and Healthy Swimming Pools

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

1. Properly Trained Pool Maintenance Personnel
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing germ
   contamination of swimming pools.
3. Pool Pumps, Drains and Suction Covers
4. Pool Electrical Safety
5. Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices
6. Pool Chemical - Handling and Storage

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• Properly Trained Pool Maintenance Personnel
• At least one person at each Apartment Community
  should have formal, in-depth training on all
  facets of swimming pool operation and management
  including
•  
• filtration
• disinfection
• water testing and treatment
• design considerations
• facility management
• risk management
• facility troubleshooting
• hot tub spa operation
• Training and certification can be obtained by
  completion of one of the following courses or
  their equivalent
• (1) the NRPA, Aquatic Facility Operator
  (A.F.O.)
• (2) the NSPF, Certified Pool-Spa Operator
  (C.P.O.)
• (3) YMCA, Pool Operator on Location
  (P.O.O.L.)
• (4) the NSPI, Professional Pool Spa
  Operator (P.P.S.O.) or
• (5) the ASPSA, Licensed Aquatic Facility
  Technician (L.A.F.T.).
•  

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. Twelve
steps for reducing germ contamination of swimming
pools. How can you protect swimmers from
recreational water illnesses (RWIs) without
restricting access and enjoyment?

12 Steps for RWI Prevention for Pool Staff 12 Steps for RWI Prevention for Pool Staff
Step 1 Lead your staff.
Step 2 Develop partnerships.
Step 3 Educate pool staff.
Step 4 Educate swimmers and parents.
Step 5 Maintain water quality and equipment.
Step 6 Evaluate aquatic facility design.
Step 7 Institute disinfection guidelines.
Step 8 Evaluate hygiene facilities.
Step 9 Develop a bathroom break policy.
Step 10 Step 11 Step 12 Create a special policy for large groups of young children. Post and distribute health information. Develop an outbreak/emergency response plan.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools.   STEP 1
Lead your staff. Every aquatic facility is
different with distinct priorities that have to
be juggled on a daily basis while working within
limitations on staff and resources. However, all
aquatic facilities make safety and health a top
priority. Making a choice to integrate an RWI
protection plan into an existing facility risk
management plan is the single greatest decision
you can make to protect swimmers from RWIs.
Investing heavily after the outbreak occurs, a
common occurrence, is great but it would have
been better for the publics health and more
cost-effective if this were done before the
outbreak occurred.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools.  STEP 2
Develop Partnerships - Building a communication
bridge to your health department and other
aquatic facilities is a great way to get
information about other outbreaks occurring in
your community. Protect your facility, make the
contacts early, and build a communication network
so that you are aware of the health status of
your community at all times.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 3
Educate pool staff. Ensure that the pool
operator, at a minimum, has taken part in a
standardized training course given by aquatics
professionals. Ensure that all staff know the
critical role of water testing, proper testing
methods, and how to respond if disinfectant
levels are not adequate. Make sure that staff
can explain, in a way that is inoffensive and
acceptable to parents, why behaviors such as
using public tables and chairs for diaper
changing is a health risk. Maintaining pool
water quality according to existing public health
requirements will prevent the spread of most
recreational water illnesses (RWIs).

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 4
Educate swimmers and parents. Educate your daily
patrons. You might hand out prevention messages
(P-L-E-As for Healthy Swimming or CDC brochure)
as patrons enter the pool or park area. Six
P-L-E-As for Protection Against Recreational
Water Illnesses (RWIs) 1. PLEASE dont swim
when you have diarrhea...this is especially
important for kids in diapers. 2. PLEASE
dont swallow the pool water. 3. PLEASE
practice good hygiene. 4. PLEASE take your
kids on bathroom breaks often. 5. PLEASE
change diapers in a bathroom and not at
poolside. 6. PLEASE wash your child thoroughly
(especially the rear end) with soap and water
before swimming.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 5
Maintain water quality and equipment. Keep the
chemical feed equipment and chemicals at optimal
levels within state and local government
regulations. This includes maintaining the
disinfectant at regulated levels optimal pH
(7.2-7.8) alkalinity (80-120 ppm) calcium
hardness (200-400 ppm), and total dissolved
solids (below 2500mg/liter). Poor pH control
can compromise chlorines effectiveness as a
disinfectant. Remember that maintaining
recommended chlorine levels will prevent most
bacterial outbreaks such as E. coli Be sure to
monitor chlorine regularly where the chlorine is
neededat poolside. You should be able to prevent
pools and hot tubs from running out of chlorine
through regular monitoring, and pumphouse and
systems checks. Ensure regular and thorough
maintenance of the recirculation and filtration
equipment to provide maximum filtration.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 6
Evaluate aquatic facility design. Some pools
have already started to redesign their facilities
for the purpose of illness protection. Evaluate
your filtration system.When it comes to the
spread of some illnesses, filtration can help but
it takes substantial time to completely filter
the pool. Evaluate your form of
disinfection.There is a great deal of interest
in new technologies that disinfect pool water
such as ozone, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and
mixed oxidants.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
  germ contamination of swimming pools.
• STEP 7 Institute disinfection guidelines.
• Maintain chlorine levels continuously between
  1-3 parts per million.
• Maintain the pH level of the water at 7.2-7.8.
• Test pH and disinfectant levels at least twice
  per day (hourly when in heavy use).
• Maintain accurate daily records of disinfectant
  and pH measurements.
• Maintain filtration and recirculation systems
  according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Scrub pool surfaces, particularly tile, to
  remove any slime layer.
• Provide disinfection guidelines for fecal
  accidents and body fluid spills.
• Ensure adequate numbers of easily found, clean,
  close, and safe restrooms

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 8
Evaluate hygiene facilities. In CDCs parent
interviews, parents uniformly said they change
diapers at poolside because changing rooms were
unclean, poorly maintained, and/or had inadequate
diaper-changing facilities. Here are some
questions that you could ask to improve your
facilities Do you have an adequate number of
facilities? Are the facilities close to the
pool? Are the facilities well maintained
(stocked and cleaned)? Would you walk barefoot
in them as your patrons do? It is important to
train staff to recognize risky behavior such as
changing a child on public tables or chairs. Have
them educate patrons about why this is a health
risk.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 9
Develop a bathroom break policy. CDC hopes to
heighten awareness about the transmission of
recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Reduce fecal
accidents by helping parents get their children
to the bathroom by scheduling an hourly break for
disinfectant testing and bathroom use? Staff
should let patrons know that this break provides
optimal timing for bathroom use. Additionally, to
prevent transmission of germs, you should ensure
that the bathrooms are clean, that they are
stocked with toilet paper, and that they have
ample soap for hand washing. If parents ask, tell
them this policy not only reduces fecal
contamination but also should reduce the amount
of urine in the pool that uses up disinfectant
that could be killing germs.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools
2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 10
Create a special policy for large groups of young
children. If you allow large groups of
diaper/toddler-aged children in the pool
consider Requiring RWI orientation training and
make sure they understand that your pool also
excludes children ill with diarrhea. Keeping
diaper/toddler-aged children in the pools
specifically designated for them.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 11
Post and distribute health information Consider
providing signage in a conspicuous location
before pool entry. The sign might state Dont
swim when you have diarrhea. Dont swallow the
pool water. Wash your hands with soap and water
after using the restroom or changing diapers.
Take your kids to the bathroom often. Change
diapers in the bathroom and not at poolside.
Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear
end) with soap and water before swimming.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

2. Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing
germ contamination of swimming pools. STEP 12
Develop an outbreak/emergency response plan.
The best advice is to be prepared. If an
outbreak does occur, are you ready? Do you have a
plan? Most pool staff already have a risk
management plan for injuries and drowning, but
many do not have plans for managing a
recreational water illness (RWI)
outbreak. Develop a policy to follow in the
event that you begin getting calls from the
public, or the health department starts an
investigation. Part of this plan should include
a strategy to communicate with the local health
department and media. Collaborate with your local
health department. This is always important, plus
the investigation may indicate a source unrelated
to the pool. Support the investigation. If the
pool is the source of the outbreak, the
investigation can often reveal how or why illness
was transmitted. This information leads to better
illness prevention strategies that can help
everyone.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

3. Pool Pumps, Drain and Suction Covers Pool and
Spa Entrapment Dangers Consumer Product Safety
Alert FROM THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C. o Never use a pool
or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be
sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The
new drain covers are usually domed-shaped
instead of the old flat drain covers. o Consider
installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS)
, a device that will automatically shut off a
pump if a blockage is detected. o Regularly
inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or
entanglement hazards. o Plainly mark the
location of the electrical cut-off switch for the
pool or spa pump. o If someone is entrapped
against a drain, cut off the pump immediately.
Instead of trying to pull the person away from
the powerful suction, pry a hand between
the drain and the persons body to break the
seal.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 4. Pool Electrical Safety
• CPSCs Safety Tips For Preventing Electrocutions
  In and Around the Pool
• 1. Know where all the electrical switches and
  circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights
  are located and how to turn them off in an
  emergency.
• 2. Refrain from swimming before, during, or after
  thunderstorms.
• 3. Have an electrician who is qualified in pool
  and spa repairs inspect and upgrade your pool,
  spa or hot tub in accordance with applicable
  local codes and the National Electrical Code
  (NEC).
• 4. Ensure that all electrical wires and junction
  boxes are at least five feet away from water, as
  required by the NEC.
• 4. Protect swimmers from injury by following the
  NEC requirements for installing GFCIs
• on underwater lighting circuits operating at
  120-volts (CPSC recommends GFCIs for circuits
  that are 15 volts or greater) on pumps and
  electrical equipment used with pools, spas and
  hot tubs, including heaters close to the pool and
  operated on 240 volt circuits on electrical
  circuits around pools, spas, and hot tubs on all
  outdoor receptacles and receptacles within 20
  feet of the water's edge to protect people from
  injury.
• 5. Test GFCIs monthly to assure continued
  protection. Infrequently used and portable or
  cord-connected GFCIs should be tested before each
  day's use. To test a GFCI
• Plug a nightlight into the outlet and turn the
  nightlight on.
• Press the "TEST" button. Did the light go out? If
  not, replace the GFCI or have it inspected by an
  electrician.
• Press the "RESET" button. Did the light come back
  on? If not, replace the GFCI.
• 6. Wear shoes while conducting the test,
  especially if outdoors or standing on wet ground.
  
• Use battery-operated appliances instead of
  cord-connected appliances in and around a pool,
  spa, or hot tub.
• 7. Post an emergency plan within clear view of
  those using the pool.
• 8. Ensure that overhead power lines and junction
  boxes are safely positioned when installing a new
  pool, hot tub or spa.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

4. Pool Electrical Safety In Case of Emergency
Turn off all power. Call 9-1-1 or the local
emergency number. Using a fiberglass Shepherd's
crook/rescue hook, extend your reach to the
victim. Then Brace yourself on the pool deck
Extend the Shepherd's crook/rescue hook toward
the victim If the victim cannot grasp the
Shepherd's crook/rescue hook, use the loop to
encircle the victim's body and pull him or her,
face-up, to the edge Carefully remove the
victim from the water Position the victim on
his or her back Tilt the victim's head and lift
the chin to open the airway Check the victim
for breathing and, if the victim isn't breathing,
give two rescue breaths Check the victim for
signs of circulation (normal breathing, coughing,
or movement in response to rescue breaths) and
If there are no signs of circulation, begin CPR
If there are signs of circulation, begin rescue
breathing
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 5. Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices
• Swimming pool fencing is at the right height (per
  local code) all the way around, measured on the
  outside of the fencing.
• All swimming pool fencing is maintained in a good
  condition (i.e. with no holes, broken or loose
  palings).
• Gates to the swimming pool area open outwards and
  are fully self-closing and self-latching from any
  open position.
• Gates are not propped open at any time.
• There are no objects such as BBQs, furniture,
  planter boxes, trees or shrubs within 1.2m of the
  fence which could allow a child to climb over the
  fence.
• The latching device to the pool gate is located
  per local code.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 5. Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices
• SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Follow Local Code
  which may include
• At least one of each of the following items of
  lifesaving equipment shall be mounted in a
  conspicuous place or places around the pool deck
  within 20 feet of the pool, and kept in good
  repair and ready condition.
• 1. A light, strong, non-telescopic reaching pole
  not less than 12 feet long, including a body hook
  or shepherd's crook type of pole, having blunted
  ends. This pole shall be constructed of
  fiberglass or some other electrically
  non-conducting material and
• 2. A United States Coast Guard approved ring buoy
  with an outside diameter of 15 to 24 inches, to
  which has been firmly attached a throwing rope
  with a diameter of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch that is
  at least as long as two-thirds of the maximum
  width of the pool.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 5. Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices
• For pools or spas where no lifeguard is required,
  signs must be posted that state
• "WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" with clearly
  legible letters at least four inches (4") in
  height
• "CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL WITHOUT ADULT
  SUPERVISION"
• "NO DIVING" along with an international warning
  symbol for no diving in letters at least four
  inches (4") in height.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 5. Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices
• DEPTH MARKINGS
• Depth markings must
• Be visible at or above the water surface of the
  vertical pool wall and on the deck within
  twenty-four inches (24") of the water's edge and
  positioned to be read while standing on the deck
  facing the water.
• Be located at maximum and minimum depth points,
• Be at points of break between shallow and deep,
• Be spaced at not more than twenty-five foot (25')
  intervals around the entire perimeter of the
  pool,
• Be at least four inches (4") in height,
• Be permanently applied,
• Be of contrasting color to the background on
  which they are applied, and
• Spell out "Feet" or "Inches" or abbreviate "Ft."
  or "In."
• Note If the depth markings can not be posted on
  the vertical wall of the pool, a sign with
  letters at least eight inches (8") in height
  placed above the pool deck level on a wall or
  fence no further than twelve feet (12) from the
  pool, or some other means to display the depth
  must be provided.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

• 6. Pool Chemical Handling and Storage
• What are tips for safe storage of pool chemicals?
  
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in the original containers.
• Be sure your storage area is well ventilated.
• Never store oxidizers and acid near each other.
  Oxidizers will release chlorine gas if they come
  in contact with acids.
• Do not store liquids above powders or solids. Do
  not stack containers.
• Do not store materials or chemicals above your
  head.
• Do not store pool chemicals near gasoline,
  fertilizers, herbicides, grease, paints, tile
  cleaners, turpentine, or flammable materials.
  This tip is especially important when pool
  chemicals are stored in sheds or small storage
  rooms.
• Do not reuse containers. Wash out the container
  when empty and then dispose of it.

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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

6. Pool Chemical Handling and Storage Swimming
pool chemicals can also be oxidizers and
corrosives. Oxidizing materials (such as calcium
hypochlorite) have the ability to react
chemically to oxidize combustible (burnable)
materials. To be an "oxidizer", the material
itself provides oxygen which combines chemically
with another material in a way that increases the
chance of a fire or explosion. This reaction may
be spontaneous at either room temperature or may
occur with slight heating. Thus, oxidizing
liquids and solids can be severe fire and
explosion hazards. Some pool chemicals can also
be corrosive. Corrosives are materials that can
attack and chemically destroy body tissues on
contact. Corrosives can also damage or destroy
metal. The effects on tissues and metals depends
on what the corrosive agent is and how
concentrated it is. They can begin to cause
damage as soon as they touch the skin, eyes,
respiratory tract, digestive tract, or the metal.
MSDSs or product labels should be consulted for
the specific effects on tissues or metals and for
procedures to follow in cases of spills or
splashes.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

6. Pool Chemical Handling and Storage What are
some tips for handling chlorinated swimming pool
chemicals? DO Read and follow instructions
carefully. If there is anything you do not
understand, ask your pool chemical supplier for
help. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of
children and pets. Containers should always be
kept closed when not in use. Use separate, clean
metal or plastic measuring cups for each chemical
to transfer or measure chemicals. (Scoops should
not be made of wood.) Wear appropriate
protective equipment and clothing including
gloves and footwear. Protect chemicals from
moisture and water - such as a cup of water (or
coffee!). Even putting the wet scoop back into
the pail may cause a reaction. Always add the
chemical to the pool water - never the other way
around (never add water to the chemical) unless
instructed to do so on the container label. Wash
your hands thoroughly after handling any
chemicals.
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Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy
Swimming Pools

6. Pool Chemical Handling and Storage What are
some tips for handling chlorinated swimming pool
chemicals? . DO NOT Do not use contents of
unlabeled containers Do not mix different
chemicals together. Do not put spilled chemicals
back into their containers. Avoid touching the
undiluted chemicals with your hands. Do not
smoke when handling chemicals. Do not expose to
heat or flame. If a fire breaks out, do not use
a "dry chemical" fire extinguisher. Only use
large amounts of water. If you cannot extinguish
the flame immediately, leave the area and call
the fire department.
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Thank you for taking the time to learn about
safety and health and how to maintain safe and
healthy swimming pools.