Swimming Pool Safety

1. Swimming Pool Safety Maintaining Safe and Healthy Swimming Pools

2. Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy Swimming Pools • Properly Trained Pool Maintenance Personnel • Pool Maintenance -Twelve steps for reducing germ contamination of swimming pools. • Pool Pumps, Drains and Suction Covers • Pool Electrical Safety • Pool Gates, Locks, Signs and Rescue Devices • Pool Chemical - Handling and Storage

3. 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.).

4. 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?

5. 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 public’s health and more cost-effective if this were done before the outbreak occurred.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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 don’t swim when you have diarrhea...this is especially important for kids in diapers. 2. PLEASE don’t 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.

9. 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 chlorine’s 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 needed—at 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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 CDC’s 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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: Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. Don’t 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.

16. 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.

17. 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 person’s body to break the seal.

18. Procedures Towards Maintaining Safe and Healthy Swimming Pools • 4. Pool Electrical Safety • CPSC’s 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. Thank you for taking the time to learn about safety and health and how to maintain safe and healthy swimming pools.