SOUTH LAKE LEISURE CENTRE

POOL TECHNICAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

SECTION A
Introduction:
Our intention is to provide a swimming pool technical operation that is safe, healthy and
environmentally friendly for all users. We aim to maintain close compliance with the
PWTAG Code of Practice and, where relevant, other national standards.
 
The Operational Manager will be responsible for writing and annual review of the PTOP for
South Lake Leisure Centre. Additionally. if there is any major adaptation that take place or
notable incident affecting pool water safety the procedures will be reviewed
 
All qualifications and training for the key staff at the facility will be maintained within
current guidelines to wherever possible to enable them to undertake key roles as deemed
essential to comply as close as possible with PWTAG Code of Practice.
Staff Structure
Description of Pools
Normal Operating Procedure
Emergency Procedures
Staff Structure:

The Maintenance Technician team will assume full responsible for ensuring
the Swimming & Spa pool operates within normal parameters in relation to
water quality and hygiene for all users.

For this facility, a Maintenance Technician will be on call when not on duty
and, as a back-up procedure, the Plant Operators of other ABC Council pools
will be available for assistance or advice if required.
Staff Structure:

It is essential that the Maintenance Technician team ensure the necessary

records and documentation is completed
• Daily water test log
• Monthly water test log
• Monthly bacteriological log
• Swimming pool water incident log and faecal accident log
• Automatic monitoring calibration
• Monthly inspection of safety equipment and PPE
• Staff training in pool water testing
• Maintenance logs
• Equipment check sheets
• Filter Inspections
Description of pools:

Main Pool

Learner Pool

Leisure Pool

Spa Pool

Plant Room
 Main Pool
The deck level pool is 50 metre X 20 metre
and is equipped with a moveable floor
along with booms at each end. This allows
the pool to be divided into various
configuration with depths up to 2 metres.
 Learner Pool
The deck level pool is 20 metre X 8 metre
with a depth ranging from 0.9m – 1.2 m
 Leisure Pool
The deck level pool has features and three
flumes. The pool has a shallow depth of 0.4
metres
 Health & Well-being Suite
Situated on the second floor, the Health and
Well-being suite offers a wide range of
complementary therapies and beauty
treatments to benefit user’s health and
wellbeing. The suite consists of a sauna
room, steam room, Spa pool, loungers,
beauty & treatment rooms and
manicure/pedicure area.

The pool is 8 metre X 3 metre

with a depth of 0.9m
 Plant Rooms
These areas are restricted to management
and appropriately qualified staff who are
responsible for maintaining the functional
operation of all aspects of plant.
 
Pool treatment chemicals are stored within
the designated areas both in the plant room
and purpose built storage rooms.

Due to the high risk s such associated, staff

must wear appropriate PPE when carrying
out hazardous tasks or handling hazardous
materials as identified on the COSHH
Assessment Sheet
 
Contractors entering plant room areas must
sign in and be advised of emergency
evacuation procedures in advance.
Normal Public health hazards
Pool Operation
Operating Safe Systems
Procedures: Heating & Ventilation
Public Health Hazards:

The risk assessment for this pool considers the following hazards:
 Death through drowning, including hair and limb entrapment
 Serious Injury to Bathers such as neck and head injuries from diving
into shallow water or hitting other swimmers
 Injuries from falls, slipping, etc.
 Ingestion of pool water containing pathogens including the protozoal
parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia that can cause gastroenteritis
 Contact with contaminated water, especially in contact with open
wounds
 Inhalation of aerosols containing hazards e.g. Legionella species in
distributed water, such as when using showers.
Public Health Hazards:

The risk assessment for this pool considers the following hazards:
 Skin infections of the feet, including warts, verruca’s and athlete’s foot
 Possible exacerbation of asthma due to excessive disinfection by-
products in the air
 Illness from water contaminated by chemicals
 Potential drowning where cloudy water prevents surveillance of
swimmers under the water
 Cuts and abrasions due to sharp edges, cracked tiles etc.
Bather Hygiene Procedures:

We have notices within the changing rooms saying that bathers:

 Should shower before using the pool
 Should use the toilet facilities before using the pool
 With infections should not use the pool
 With diarrhoea must not swim or for 48 hours after symptoms have
stopped.
 Who have been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis must not swim for
14 days after diarrhoea has stopped.
Mains Water Quality:

The water treatment system takes into account the mains water characteristics
and on a monthly basis, the Maintenance Technicians will test the source
water.

It is essential that the source water is tested monthly to establish a starting

point for balance water.
Pool Water Clarity:

Clarity of pool water is critical. It is essential that lifeguards can clearly see the
bottom of the pool at all points. If not, there is an immediate danger to anyone
in distress, as well as the likelihood of discomfort to bathers because of the
poor condition of the water. For this reason, the pool water quality is regularly
monitored to ensure no danger to bathers.
 
In the event that water clarity is of concern, the Maintenance Technician
and/or Duty Manager will visually assess and determine if all bathers must
leave the water until such times as water quality is restored.
Dilution with Fresh Water:

As part of the regular water treatment process fresh mains water will replace
pool water with up to 30 litres per bather according to pool bather usage and
recommended guidelines.
Bathing Loads:

The maximum bathing load allowed at any one time is calculated using the current
HSG179 recommendation for occupancy ratio of 3m2 of water per pool user.
Main Pool = 333 bathers
Learner Pool = 53 bathers
Leisure Pool = 45 bathers
Spa Pool = 8 bathers
Water Circulation:

This pool operates the water treatment system continuously.

The circulation rate, which is the flow of pool water through the circulation
system, is calculated using PWTAG’s recommended rate of maximum bathing
load multiplied by 1.7
Surface Water Removal:

All pool areas use a deck level system, which will remove 80-100% surface
pollution.

The basic principle is that the water level comes up to the deck level and flows
in to a surrounding channel that drains by gravity into a balance tank.

When bathers enter the pool, the equivalent volume of water is displaced into
the balance tank, which is then pumped back in when the bather leaves.
Inlets and Outlets:

Inlets and outlets, grilles are in accordance with BS EN 13451-3 and PWTAG’S
guidance of 8mm gaps. Visual inspections are carried out every day as part of
the pool opening procedures and a closer examination for obstruction, impact
damage and vandalism carried out monthly by the Maintenance Technicians.

If they are damaged or missing, swimming will be suspended immediately

until such times an assessment determines they are still in accordance with
guidance or the grill is replaced.
 
The water velocity entering the pool should be less than 1.5m per second and
to minimise the hazard of entrapment the speed of the water passing through
them should not exceed 0.5m per second.
Primary Disinfection :

The primary disinfection used at South Lake Leisure Centre is Sodium

Hypochlorite [PURECHLOR] which is monitored and dosed through an
automatic system.
 
The main storage tank for the swimming pools is located in the specific built
store room close to vehicle barrier and is pumped in to the day tanks within
the bunded area in the store.

For the Spa Pool the store room is located on the lake side of the building and
the is delivered in 25 litre carboys.
 
Primary Disinfection :

2 x 1500 litre storage tanks for swimming pools

Primary Disinfection :

25 litre carboys for Spa Pool

Primary Disinfection :

 
In each Plant room there is control panels that
give an indication of Chlorine levels within each of
the pools.

As per guidelines these readings Do Not preclude

the requirement to carry out regular water tests
outlined in Monitoring Water Quality.
Secondary Disinfection :

This pool uses UV to help prevent the threat from Cryptosporidium and to
limit combined chlorine. The system installed and dosed in accordance with
PWTAG requirement
pH:

The pH corrector used at South Lake Leisure Centre is Hydrochloric Acid at

10% WW nominal strength which is monitored and dosed through an
automatic system.
 
The main storage tank for the swimming pools is located in the specific built
store room close to vehicle barrier and is pumped in to the day tanks within
the bunded area in the store.

For the Spa Pool the store room is located on the lake side of the building and
is delivered in 25 litre carboys.
 
Pool pH Storage:

Day tanks for swimming pools

1 x 1500 litre storage tanks for swimming pools

Spa pH Storage:

25 litre carboys for Spa Pool

pH:

The same control panel as used for Chlorine levels

will give an indication of the pH level.

As per guidelines these readings Do Not preclude

the requirement to carry out regular water tests
outlined in Monitoring Water Quality.
Coagulation:

As filtration alone through a bed of sand is not going

to remove much, if any, colloidal material and
certainly not going to remove all particles as fine as
Cryptosporidium Oocysts it is necessary to use
chemicals known as coagulants and/or flocculants .
 
A Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) Dosing System is
fitted to each of the pool systems. Dosing is direct
from a 25 litre carboy. We dose PAC continuously, at a
rate of 0.1ml/m3 of the total flow rate.
Turnover Period:

Main Pool – 3hrs 39mins (575m3/hr)

Learner Pool – 1hr 30mins (120m3/hr)

Leisure Pool – 8mins (270m3/hr)

Spa Pool – 48mins (24m3/hr)

Filters and Filtration Rate:

The object of the filtration process is to remove unwanted particulate

pollution so the water is clear and bright. The pool uses medium-rate pressure
filters; with sand as the main filter medium.

Pool Type Size No. Filtration Backwash

(mm dia) Velocity flow Velocity flow
(m/hr) (m3/hr) (m/hr) (m3/hr)

50m pool MS 2800 4 23.3 143.8 30 184.7

Learner pool MS 1800 2 21.2 60 30 76.4
Leisure pool MS 2700 2 23.6 135 30 171.8
Spa pool GRP 800 2 23.8 12 40 20.1
Backwashing:

The schedule for backwashing must be followed on a weekly basis to ensure

quality of water for bathers.
  Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter 3 Filter 4

Main Pool Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Learner Pool Friday Saturday    

Leisure Pool Friday Saturday    

Spa Pool Tuesday Thursday    

The backwashing should continue until the backwash water is clear or in

accordance with the manufacturers’ specified time, whichever is the longer
and will be fast enough to fluidise the filter media.   The backwash flow rate
should be at least 30m/hour.
Backwashing:

For pools with more than one filter, it is important that filters are backwash
individually with the other isolated during the procedure.
 
In the event that water circulation has stopped for a long period of time a
backwash needs to be carried out prior to the pool re-opening for public use.
 
Only the Maintenance Technician or a competent trained & qualified person
must carry out pool backwashes. A step by step guide on ‘How to Perform a
Backwash’ is located within the Plant Room for guidance.
 
Backwashing protocol is critical; when neglected, it can for example be a
factor in outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis.
Filter Inspection:

The swimming pool media for each filter should undergo an annual inspection
to ensure there is no mud balling, inactive parts of the bed, fissures, chemical
crystallisation and sand loss.

The Spa pool, due to the increased relative pollution needs to be checked
every 6 months. Inspection records are located in the Duty Managers Office.
 
Based on regular inspections the filter sand may be subject to change every
five to seven years.
Pool Cleaning – equipment/surfaces:

Floor surface around the pool, changing rooms, showers and toilets are
cleaned by attendants as part of the on-going cleaning regime.

Adequate measures are taken to ensure that floor-cleaning materials do not

enter the pool water.

Maintenance Technician to report to the Duty Manager any concerns that

cleaning materials is entering and contaminating the pool water.
Legionella:

Flushing is carried out inline with the Legionella guidance, with water
temperatures recorded.

Showers are cleaned and descaled to control legionella bacteria in hot and
cold water systems and an external company performs monthly checks to
ensure temperatures comply.
Balance Tanks:

Inline with PWTAG advice, balance tanks should be inspected once a year and
cleaned if necessary or more frequent if there are bacteriological problems.

Only personnel who are appropriately trained and qualified to work in

confined spaces should perform the task.
Pool Bottom:

The pool bottom is kept clear of contamination, algae, and general debris by
regular sweeping and the use of a suction vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaning
shall only be carried out when no bathers are present.

Maintenance Technician to report to the Duty Manager any concerns that the
pool bottom is not being kept at the required standard.
Monitoring Water Quality:

Procedures for testing the pool water are in place which follow industry
guidance.

Operators are trained in the use of the test kits and other test equipment so
that they can monitor pool water quality.

The procedures also include actions to take if there are unexpected test
results, especially if they show the pool water chemical composition is either
below or exceeding safe limits.
Automatic Monitoring:

The readouts on the display of the controller are checked daily against the
results from manual tests of the sample and regular calibration of the pH and
Disinfection system is carried out by a Maintenance Technician or trained
manager based on Water Sample Tests

Water Testing

Microbiological Testing
Water Testing:

The water is tested regularly throughout the day in-line with guidance.

As the pool uses hypochlorite, and assuming the pH value is 7.2, the free
chlorine levels should be maintained at 1mg/l or below. This assumes
satisfactory microbiological monitoring results.
 
 Free chlorine 1.0mg/l to 3.0mg/l
 Combined chlorine levels should be less than half the free chlorine, and
no more than 1mg/l no matter what the level of free chlorine
Water Testing:

On a weekly basis we test the water for balance and chemical levels
 Calcium hardness between 80 and 200mg/l
 Alkalinity between 80 and 200mg/l
 TDS no more than 1000 above the source water (max 3000)
 
A copy of the step by step procedures on how to carryout daily water test are
kept beside the water testing machine along with guidance on what action to
take if readings are outside normal parameters
Microbiological Testing:

The swimming pool is microbiologically tested each month to monitor for the
presence of any potentially harmful microorganisms.
 
 Tests are also done…
• Before it is put back into use, after having been shut down e.g. for repairs
• If there are difficulties with the treatment system
• If contamination has been noted
• As part of any investigation into possible adverse effects on bathers’ health.
Microbiological Testing:

Acting on failures/pool closure

Step 1 - If a result is unsatisfactory, a preliminary investigation is undertaken

and the test repeated as soon as practicable.

Step 2 - If the second result is also unsatisfactory, further investigation will be

carried out and the test repeated.

Step 3 - If the third result is still unsatisfactory, immediate remedial action will
be taken.

Environmental Health will take lead role in providing guidance

Safe Systems:

Plant Room
The plant room must remain a secure area, not accessible by unauthorised
persons. Plant, including all electrical equipment is inspected and maintained in
accordance with a planned programme which is controlled by Estates.

Confined Spaces
Staff are not permitted to work in confined spaces. Any work required in
confined spaces are to be access by Estates to determine if they carry out the
required work or a contractor is appointed
Safe Systems:

Chemical Store areas

Chemical stores are kept clean and dry for the storage of solid materials,
protected from sunlight and hot pipework or plant.

Chemical stores have warning signs, are secure and accessible only to
authorised, appropriately trained people.

When entering any of the Chemical stores containing Sodium Hypochlorite or

Hydrochloric Acid, a second person must be in attendance for the full duration
in case of an emergency.
Safe Systems:

Chemical Safety - COSHH

A competent person is to assess the risks associated with hazardous substances and
procedures put in place to eliminate or control any identifiable risks.
 
These procedures are systematically recorded to include:
• Identification of the hazards
• Identification of who might be harmed and how
• Evaluation of the risks arising from the hazards, and decisions about precautions
• Detailed list of all chemicals used for the pool plant operation

Safety Data Sheets and COSSH Assessment Forms are provided and available for all
the chemicals in the plant room
Safe Systems:

Chemical Handling
All staff involved in the handling and use of chemicals will be appropriately
trained on the safe handling and transportation of chemicals.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment is held in the plant room. All items are to be
maintained in accordance with the planned programme. Regular inspection of
personal protective equipment is carried out to check its continuing suitability
any items not fit for purpose are to be replaced prior to further use. For
replacement or additional required items please contact the Operational
Manager/Duty Manager.
 
Safe Systems:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Pool management to follow the advice of suppliers about what PPE is needed
and ensure that this is provided and maintained:
• Gloves
• Overalls
• Goggles
• Foot wear
• Dust Mask
• Respirator
• Face shield/visor
• Ear Defenders
Safe Systems:

First Aid
First aid provision including equipment for dealing with the consequences of direct
contact with chemicals is provided which includes.

• Eyewash facilities are located in close proximity to the hazard to enable immediate
action.
• A wash-basin with running water is provided in case chemicals come into contact
with the skin or eyes.
• Trained first aider are located within the building.
Safe Systems:

Delivery of Chemicals
All employees involved in the transport, handling and storage of pool
chemicals receives initial and refresher training, as required, in the procedures
involved.

Deliveries proceed only when a trained staff member is available to receive

and check the materials. PPE must be worn for all deliveries of chemicals.

Bulk delivery of Sodium Hypochlorite

Bulk delivery of Hydrochloric Acid
Delivery of Carboys or other containers
Sodium Hypochlorite:

The supplier is responsible for the transfer from ICB container to Chemical
container.

For safety reasons the delivery drive must not be left unattended during the
transfer of chemicals.
Hydrochloric Acid:

The supplier is responsible for the transfer from ICB container to Chemical
container.

For safety reasons the delivery drive must not be left unattended during the
transfer of chemicals.
Carboys or other containers:

Transport from offloading area to store

Chemical containers are taken to a suitable storage area as soon as possible
[not left unattended in an offloading area], are kept upright and never rolled;
and are used in stock rotation.

Trolleys/Trucks should be used for the moving and

transporting of chemical containers in accordance with
manual handling guidance
Safe Systems:

Chemical Spillages
Any spillage is cleared away using a safe method agreed between chemical
supplier and pool operator. The method is displayed on a notice, together
with the provision of the necessary equipment and its location. Details on
spillages are also outlined in the COSHH Sheet.
Safe Systems:

Leaks in the Piping or discharge hose

Close the primary valve at the base of the storage tank. In leaks in piping or
hoses, closing a valve between the leak and the source of the material (tank)
will minimise the loss.

Small Spillages
If the spillage is under 45 litres, diluted with large quantities of water and
then if local regulations allow, run to drain with copious amounts of water.
Otherwise, absorb and dispose of as per regulations.
Safe Systems:

Large Spillages
If the spillage is over 45 litres, immediately evacuate the area; remove
sources of ignition; provide maximum ventilation by opening Emergency Exit
doors if safe to access.

If the risk to people or environment is considerable, call the emergency

services. Only personnel with proper respiratory and eye/skin protection
should be permitted in the area.

Dam and absorb spillages with dry sand, soil or other inert material. Do not
use combustible adsorbents such as sawdust.
Safe Systems:

Then collect the absorbed material in containers, seal securely (with a vent)
and deliver for disposal according to local regulations. Containers with
collected absorbed material must be properly labelled with correct contents
and hazard symbol.
 
Wash spillage site well with water and detergent; be aware of the potential
for surfaces to become slippery. Continue to ventilate the site of the spillage.

Spillages or uncontrolled discharges into watercourse, drains or sewers must

be notified immediately to Environmental Health and the Rivers Agency or
other appropriate regulatory body.
Safe Systems:

Chemical Dosing
Chemical dosing system monitors and automatic controls are interlinked with
the circulation pumps and the circulation of water through the system, so
that dosing stops if there is pump failure or significant loss of pumping rate.

These systems are designed to always fail to safety and require manual
restart when circulation is restored.
Safe Systems:

Chemical Dosing
Manual dosing of the pool is not permitted unless carried out by the
Maintenance Technician and the pool is empty of bathers. Once the
appropriate time has elapsed to ensure adequate circulation a water test
should be performed prior to permitting bathers back into the pool.

Manual dosing must never be undertaken on the poolside for safety reasons.

Chemicals are added to water and never the other way round when preparing
solutions. Non-liquid chemicals are kept dry until dissolved in water.

All incidents of manual dosing must be recorded.

Heating & Ventilation:

BeMS
The Building Energy Management System monitors and controls services
such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, to ensure the building
operates at maximum levels of efficiency​ thus removing wasted ​​energy
usage and associated costs.

The optimal level of efficiency is achieved by continuously maintaining the

correct balance between operating requirements, external and internal
environmental conditions, and energy usage.

Access to this system is restricted to the Maintenance Technician Team and

Management Team.
Heating & Ventilation:

Pool Hall Air

The pool hall air temperatures are maintained at no more than 1deg C above
or below that of the water temperature. Air temperatures over 30°C are not
acceptable. If air temperature rises to 31°C or above measures should be
implemented to lower.
 
Relative humidity is maintained at a level of 60% (no less than 50%, no more
than 70%) throughout the pool hall area.

Ventilation systems are designed and operated to provide a level of fresh air
for each occupant of the pool hall (bathers, staff and spectators).
Heating & Ventilation:

Temperature targets
Main Pool – 29oC

Learner Pool – 30oC

Leisure Pool – 30oC

Spa Pool – 35oC to 38oC

 Faecal contamination
Pool water contamination
Emergency
Procedures: Pool surround contamination
Unsatisfactory Water Test
Water Clarity problems
Faecal Contamination:

If the pool is contaminated with faeces, action must be taken quickly in order to
prevent any possible illness in users. This is particularly important with diarrhoea,
which may contain the chlorine-resistant organism Cryptosporidium (‘Crypto’).

If faecal contamination has only been reported, and there is some doubt about
the accuracy of the report, its presence should be confirmed by pool staff.

If it cannot be confirmed, the Manager must assess the risk and decide if the risk
of harmful contamination is low and as such allow bathing to continue (as long as
pH and disinfection are within normal limits)
 
All faeces contain potentially harmful microorganisms. The actual risk to pool
users depends on whether the faeces are solid or runny.
Faecal Contamination:

Solid faeces
Solid faeces are relatively easy to deal with. It is unlikely that the perpetrator is
suffering from an acute gastrointestinal illness. The microorganisms in it are
relatively contained.
 
1. The stools should immediately be removed from the pool using a scoop or
fine mesh net and flushed down the toilet (not put in any pool drains).
2. There must be certainty that all the faeces have been captured and
disposed of. If not, and there is possible widespread distribution of the
faeces in the pool, then the pool should be closed and the advice below for
runny faeces considered.
Faecal Contamination:

3. All equipment that has been used in this process should be disinfected
using a 1% solution of hypochlorite.
4. If the pool is operating properly with appropriate disinfectant residuals and
pH values, no further action is necessary.
5. Depending on the extent of the contamination, and how quickly it can be
dealt with, clearing the pool of bathers for, up to 30 minutes while steps 1-
4 are undertaken may be an option. Closing for a period of time is certainly
necessary if the faeces has broken up. Bathing should not resume until all
the faeces have been removed.
Faecal Contamination:

Runny faeces
If the stool is watery, runny or soft (something like diarrhoea), the risk of infection
is greater: the perpetrator is more likely to be carrying enteric pathogens, and if so
they are likely to be spread through the pool water.
 
Most bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhoea – Ecoli, Shigella, norovirus, for
example – are killed within minutes in a satisfactorily disinfected pool water.
However, if the diarrhoea contains oocysts of the chlorine-resistant protozoa
Cryptosporidium, normal levels of chlorine will not be effective. Crypto is a
significant cause of relatively serious gastroenteritis, particularly in pools.

Young children are both the likeliest sources of the infection, and those worst
affected (along with the immunocompromised).
Faecal Contamination:

As you will not know if Crypto is involved, the safest option is to assume that it is
and immediately close the pool.

The main emphasis is on filtration, which if effective should remove some 99% of
the Cryptosporidium oocysts in each pass of pool water through the filter.
Coagulation is critical and should be continuous, and the residence time must be
long enough for flocculation to happen
 
1. Close the pool – If people transfer to another pool, perhaps from the Leaner
pool to the main pool, they should shower first using soap and water.
2. Maintain the free chlorine at the top of its recommended range up to 10ppm
if possible and the pH value at the bottom of the set range (pH 7.0 - 7.2) .
This will maintain the normal level of microbiological protection.
Faecal Contamination:

3. Ensure that the coagulant dose is correct

4. Filter for six turnover cycles. Monitor disinfection residuals throughout this
period
5. Vacuum and sweep the pool. Cleaning equipment, including automatic
cleaners, should be disinfected after use. This should remove any
contamination off surfaces.
6. Make sure the pool treatment plant is operating as it should (filters,
circulation, disinfection)
7. After six turnovers, backwash the filters.
Faecal Contamination:

9. Allow the filter media to settle by running water to drain for a few minutes
before reconnecting the filter to the pool.
10. Circulation of the water for a period of up to 8 hours may need to be
carried out. This will remove any remaining oocyst contamination of the
pool and allow the filters to ripen. It is optional.
11. Check disinfection levels and pH. If they are satisfactory, re-open the pool.
12. The Maintenance Technician may consider secondary disinfection such as
super-chlorination; however, it can generate unwelcome by-products.
Pool Water Contamination:

Blood
If significant amounts of blood are spilled into the pool, it must be temporarily
cleared of people, to allow the pollution to disperse and any infective particles
to be neutralised by the residual disinfectant.

When confirmed that disinfectant residuals and pH values are within the
recommended ranges only then can bathing resume.
Pool Water Contamination:

Vomit
In line with PWTAG guidelines (see Technical note on faecal contamination)
vomiting will result in temporarily clearing the pool of people, scooping up vomit
where possible and allowing the pollution to disperse and any infective particles
to be neutralised by the residual disinfectant. The period of closure will depend
on the amount of vomit.

When confirmed that disinfectant residuals and pH values are within the
recommended ranges, only then can bathing resume.
Pool Water Contamination:

Vomit
However if there is severe vomiting into a pool (full contents of the stomach) the
bather may be suffering from a gastrointestinal infection and if that is
cryptosporidiosis, infective, chlorine- resistant Cryptosporidium oocysts will be
present.

In these circumstance the procedures for dealing with runny faeces may be the
best option.
Pool Surround Contamination:

Any blood or vomit spillage on the poolside is dealt with using Soak Up.

The blood/vomit is covered with Soak Up & paper towels, and left for at least
two minutes before it is cleared away.

Then the area is then gently flooded with a disinfectant and washed down into
pool side drainage (not the pool).

All paper towels etc. should be disposed of using a yellow hazard bag and not
put in general waste bins
Unsatisfactory Water Test:

The pool is to be closed immediately if there is chemical or physical evidence of

unsatisfactory disinfection e.g. very low/high free chlorine concentration.
 
The pool will also be closed if microbiological testing indicates gross
contamination, which means one of two things:
• E. coli over 10 per 10 ml PLUS either colony count over 10 cfu per ml or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa over 10 per 100ml (or, of course, both)
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa over 50 per 100ml plus colony count over 100per ml.
 
The pool will only reopen once it has been confirm the water clarity and all tests
results are of a satisfactory level.
Water Clarity:

In the event that water clarity is of concern, the Maintenance Technician

and/or Duty Manager will visually assess and determine if all bathers must
leave the water until such times as water quality is restored.
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ASSESSMENT
POOL TECHNICAL OPERATING PROCEDURES
[ SECTION A ]