Protecting Against Recreational Water Illness
Recreational water illness is caused by microorganisms such as E.coli 0157.H7, Shigella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, that get into swimming pools through fecal matter. Accidental swallowing of this water can make you sick.
This is why it is important that pools prepare and implement a written fecal accident policy and make sure that the policy is understood and enforced by all staff.
The policy should include a section specifically about the use of the pool by diaper and toddler aged children as they pose the most risk of having fecal accidents in the pool.
Lifeguards and other staff should monitor the pool area for fecal accidents and know how to respond if a fecal accident occurs.
Are All Fecal Accidents the Same
Not all fecal accidents are the same. A diarrheal fecal accident can release more microorganisms in the water than formed stool. Because of this the clean-up procedures for each fecal accident are different.
| Well Formed Stools* (*Also applies to Vomit) |
Diarrhea |
|---|---|
1. Clear the pool immediately. The pool should remain closed for the period outlined in step four below 2. Remove as much of the material as possible using a net or scoop and dispose in a sanitary manner. Do not vacuum unless vacuum discharges to waste. Clean and disinfect the net or scoop 3. Raise the free available chlorine to at least 2.0 ppm and adjust the pH to the 7.2 to 7.5 range. Check the residual throughout the pool by sampling at 3 widely separated areas located away from the return water outlets. For stabilized chlorine maintain a residual of 4.0 ppm 4. Maintain chlorine residuals for at least 40 minutes 5. Ensure that the filtration system is operating while pool reaches and maintains chlorine level. Backwash filter throughly and discharge effluent to a sanitary sewer. Do not return backwash through the filter. 6. Document the incident by recording date and time of the event; chlorine and pH residuals at beginning and end of the contact time and when the pool is ready to be reopened; and procedures followed to respond to the incident 7. Pool may be reopened after the required contact time (see # 4) and chlorine and pH levels have returned to normal operating ranges |
1. Clear the pool immediately. The pool should remain closed for the period outlined in step four below 2. Remove as much of the material as possible using a net or scoop and dispose in a sanitary manner. Do not vacuum unless vacuum discharges to waste. Clean and disinfect the net or scoop 3. Raise the free available chlorine to 5.0 ppm and adjust the pH to the 7.2 to 7.5 range. Check the residual throughout the pool by sampling at 3 widely separated areas located away from the return water outlets. For stabilized chlorine maintain a residual of 10.0 ppm 4. Maintain chlorine residuals for at least one hour. 5. Ensure that the filtration system is operating while pool reaches and maintains chlorine level. Backwash filter throughly and discharge effluent to a sanitary sewer. Do not return backwash through the filter. 6. Document the incident by recording date and time of the event; chlorine and pH residuals at beginning and end of the contact time and when the pool is ready to be reopened; and procedures followed to respond to the incident 7. After the required contact time (see # 4) has been reached adjust the chlorine level to the normal operating level and adjust the pH to the 7.2 to 7.8 range |