Protecting Against Recreational Water Illness
Body fluids, including blood, feces, and vomit* are all potentially contaminated and may be infectious. Spills of these fluids around the pool area should be cleaned up and the area disinfected immediately.
Disinfectant Solution
| Mixing a Bleach Disinfecting Solution |
|---|
| 1 part bleach 10 parts water Add the bleach to the water |
The most commonly used chemical for disinfection is a solution of household bleach (5.25% chlorine) and water. A solution of bleach and water loses it strength quickly so a new solution should be made for each cleanup.
Cleaning up Safely
- Block off area of the spill until cleanup and disinfection is complete.
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning up spills.
- Spills should be wiped up with paper towels or disposable rags, placed in a plastic garbage bag, and placed in covered garbage containers.
- Pour a bleach solution (see box) onto all the contaminated site. Let bleach solution remain on the contaminated site for 20 minutes.
- Wipe up remaining bleach solution.
- Remove gloves, place is plastic garbage bag with all soiled cleaning materiels. Securely tie bag and dispose in covered garbage containers.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
* To clean vomit from the pool, please follow instructions outlined for handling well-formed stools in the fact sheet, Fecal Accident Response: Protecting Against Recreational Water Illness.