Frequency of Testing

• Water Chemistry Must be tested every hour
• It is necessary to diagnose water problems before they can be solved
• Constant monitoring, evaluating and adjusting of the water ingredients will lead to consistent water quality
• Large fluctuations in water chemistry may necessitate costly and time consuming rectification
• Water should always be tested and corrections made before patrons are permitted to enter the water
• Sanitizer levels and pH should be checked at every test
• Some chemical levels, like calcium hardness or TDS, are slow to change and need only be tested daily or weekly
• Water chemistry changes can occur so rapidly in warm water, heavily used commercial spas that testing, monitoring of pH and ORP, and chemical adjustments must be augmented by the use of automated controllers

Proper Testing

• Test results should be consistent and repeatable
• Two different people performing the tests at the same time should get the same results
• Carefully read and follow the test kit manufacturer’s directions
• Obtain a representative sample of water from the pool
  • Gather water samples from at least 12 to 18 inches below the surface of the water
  • Do not take water samples in close proximity to perimeter return inlets
  • Do not take samples directly from the return lines in the pump room
• Many test reagents are temperature sensitive
  • Allow sample water to cool to room temperature
  • Perform the tests within a reasonable amount of time so the water constituents do not change
• Take the water sample jars, test reagents and instruments to a well lit room away from the pool
• Do not wear sunglasses when interpreting results
• Use fresh reagents
• Never add test reagents directly to the swimming pool in order to do a quick “flash test”
  • It’s not very professional
  • Results are worthless
• Hold the test cell at eye level
• Fill test cells with the sample water to the indicated line, making sure the bottom of the meniscus curve touches the cell fill line
• Directions may indicate that a sample should be swirled rather than shaken
• If test cell caps are lost or destroyed do not use your fingers to cap test cells

Friendly Reminders:

• Always hold the reagent bottle in a vertical position
  • If you hold the bottle like you would hold a pencil, the reagent drop sizes will not be uniform
• Don’t accidentally interchange the reagent caps
  • Put the same cap back on the bottle from which it was removed
• Replace the caps on reagent bottles immediately after performing the test
  • Reagents will react and begin decomposing when exposed to air and their shelf life will be diminished
• If you lose count of the number of drops of reagent you’ve added to a sample, discard the sample and start over
• All reagents in your test kit are stamped with an expiration date.  If the reagents at your pool have expired call your office to have fresh ones brought out to your pool.

Remember to Document Everything.  All chemical reading Must be noted in the Chemical Log Book at the pool.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is part of your routine daily maintenance.  The pool vacuum is used to remove heavier debris that settles on the bottom of the pool.  The best time for you to vacuum the pool is always in the morning before you open your pool for the day.  If you have any questions be sure to call your office and speak with your supervisor

Vomit/Fecal Procedures

Fecal contamination of pool water can result from:

• Human fecal matter intentionally or accidentally being deposited in the pool
• Animal, rodent, and bird droppings
• Fecal matter tracked into the pool area on shoes
• Fertilizers or grass blown into the pool from the adjoining landscaping
• Contaminated ground water, reservoirs, or wells, particularly in agricultural areas, where fertilizer or animal wastes have tainted the water used to fill or add water to the pool
• Rain and storm water run-off into the pool
• Cross connections between pool and sewage systems

Fecal contamination of pool water can cause serious illnesses:

• Ingestion of contaminated water while swimming, inhalation of water vapor above the pool surface, and body contact with pathogenic organisms and absorption through the skin while swimming can result in transmission of a variety of diseases.
• Some pathogens may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, while others, if not recognized or if left untreated, can become life threatening.

To lessen the likelihood of fecal contamination, ask swimmers to:

• Use the toilet before entering the pool
• Not to use the pool if they are suffering from an illness that causes diarrhea
• Take a hot, soapy shower in the nude, prior to entering the pool
• Wear “swimsuit diapers” if they are not yet toilet trained or have difficulty with bowel control
• Remove their street shoes when walking on the pool deck
• Do not allow pets to swim in the pool
• Try to prevent wild animals, birds and ducks from using the pool as a watering hole
• Good pool and deck design will prevent gray water, waste water or sewage from draining or backing up into the pool
• Maintain adequate sanitation and oxidation levels
• Filter pool water continuously 24-hours per day
• Make sure the water is balanced, and keep the water chemistry within acceptable parameters