In the Swim Newsletter - July 18th 2024

PUBLIC HEALTH

In the Swim Newsletter

July 18th 2024 Summer Issue

Information for commercial pool operators and owners

Pool Battle: Indoor vs. Outdoor

While the majority of regulations are the same regardless of the type of pool, there are some key items to pay attention to depending on if you have an indoor or outdoor facility.

INDOOR: be extra mindful of your combined chlorine (CC) levels. CC, primarily chloramines, are produced when chlorine sanitizer binds with bodily waste such as urine or sweat. The resulting chloramine compound can off gas into the air and cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Managing CC and adequate HVAC are crucial.

OUTDOOR: barrier fences are typical for outdoor pools. As the first line of drowning prevention, it's important that gaps between slats do not allow passage of a 4" in sphere - check often for damage to joints or bent slats. Landscaping needs to be maintained to prevent gaps underneath fences, and ensure gates aren't getting caught open on landscape materials like mounds of bark dust or decorative rocks.

INDOOR: proper ventilation is a must. Pool decks are intended to be warm and humid - but there is a limit! The HVAC should be designed and programmed to provide proper temperature and humidity to keep the pool deck comfortable, but also prevent mold, corrosion, and damage to the facility. Pool facilities should be performing routine maintenance and inspections of the HVAC.

OUTDOOR: there are many different types of sanitizers approved for use in pools, are you using the right one? Chlorine is very sensitive to UV, and the sun can quickly deplete it. Some sanitizers (trichlor, dichlor) provide the UV stabilizer cyanuric acid which helps protect the chlorine, or it can be added separately. Conversely, if you have an INDOOR pool, using a sanitizer with stabilizer provides you no sun protection benefit and may cause unnecessary maintenance issues.

We Monitor Beaches Too!

While you know us as pool inspectors, we spend a lot of the summer monitoring local beaches. We routinely sample at several lakes for E. coli and Cyanobacteria (harmful algae). If levels are above a defined threshold, an advisory will be issued recommending against swimming, boating, and fishing.

Click below to learn more about beach monitoring or to sign up for the Beach Advisory newsletter.

Beach Newsletter Sign Up

Current Beach Advisory Info

Check Out this Draft Code Language

Washington's Water Recreation codes WAC 246-260 and 246-262 are under review! Tap below to review some of the new sections under consideration.

Design and Construction - Materials and Equipment

Operation and Maintenance - Aquatic Venue Structure

Trouble in Paradise?

Major equipment failure in the middle of your season?

Hold up! Before you race to fix it, ask yourself: does this need to be approved by the Health Department? If you are swapping a piece of equipment for the same make/model, then likely no. However, if you will be changing or adding anything, contact your inspector first - it may be a quick "OK" via email, or large scale changes may require a remodel application.