Wisconsin’s Public Pool and
Water Attraction Program:
“The New Pool Code”
David W. Pluymers, MSTHA, RS
Program Manager – Recreational Waters/
Recreational and Educational Camps
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
The New “Pool Code”
• Almost 5 years in the making.
• Published in August 2007 and will go into effect on
February 1, 2008.
• New focus on public pools and water attractions.
• Improvements based on research, new designs, new
science and engineering.
• It’s not just rectangular swimming pools anymore.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
The Rulemaking Process
Agency [DHFS] Notice of Intent:
• “Scope Statement”
Published on 11/29/2002
Updated on 6/18/2003
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
The Rulemaking Process
Comment Period on Proposed Rules:
• “Public Hearing Notice”
Published on 7/7/2006
• “Clearinghouse Review of Rule”
Published on 8/1/2006
Public Hearings:
• Madison on 8/9/2006
• Wausau on 8/10/2006
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
The Rulemaking Process
Rules Sent to the Legislature:
• “Report to the Legislature”
Published on 3/28/2007
• “Final Proposed Rulemaking Order”
Published on 3/28/07
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
The Rulemaking Process
The HFS 172 Code Committee:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Todd Winkler, Wisconsin Innkeepers Association, owner of Holiday Inns
Tom Carrico, Carrico Aquatic Resources, commercial pool industry
Bob Kappel, Neuman Pools Representative, commercial pool industry
Jason Hammond, Family Land Water Park
Don Lauritzen, American Red Cross
Lynita Docken, Department of Commerce
Todd Drew, Menasha Health Department
Steve Todd, Waukesha County Health Department
Duane Jackson, Madison City Health Department
Dave Krey, Milwaukee Health Department
Mary Ellen Bruesch, Communicable Disease Sect., Milwaukee Health Dept.
Tracynda Davis, Department of Health & Family Services
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Reasons for the Rule Change
• Current HFS 172 was last revised in 1989.
• Significant changes in the water recreation
industry in 18 – 19 years.
• New code addresses many new pool and water
attraction types.
• New code allows sufficient flexibility for the
development of new water attraction features.
• Department of Commerce stopped inspecting
water slides in May 2003 (Comm 34).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
One Program – Two Agencies
Department of
Commerce
Department of Health &
Family Services
Comm 90
HFS 172
“Design and Construction”
“Operation, Safety and
Maintenance”
23 State Health Inspectors
6 Contract Inspectors
Numerous Local Inspectors
Lynita Docken, Prog. Mgr.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
David Pluymers, Prog. Mgr.
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS)
Division of
Public Health
Bureau of
Environmental and
Occupational Health
Regional
Offices
(Inspectors)
Food Safety and
Recreational
Licensing Section
(Program Manager)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
State & Local Jurisdictions
• Wisconsin Statute 250.03(1)(b): The
department [DHFS] shall serve as the
state lead agency for public health.
• WI Statute 254.015 (Environmental
Health): The department [DHFS] may
designate a local health department to
carry out a function of the department
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology - Pools
• Pool: a structure, basin, chamber or tank used
for wading, swimming, diving, water recreation
or therapy.
• Public Swimming Pool: pool or mobile pool
serving or installed at a political subdivision
(government), motel, hotel, tourist rooming
house, B&B, campground, resort, camp, club,
association, housing development, school,
organization (religious, charitable, youth), or
institution (educational or rehabilitative).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology – Water Attractions
• Water Attraction: a public facility with design and
operational features that provide patron recreational
activity other than conventional swimming and
involves partial or total immersion of the body.
• Water Attractions include activity pools, interactive
play attractions, leisure rivers, plunge pools, vortex
pools, vanishing edge pools, waterslides, run-out
slides, drop slides, pool slides, wave pools, zerodepth entry pools, and any public pool with play
features except wading pools.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology – Water Attractions
• Activity Pool: a water
attraction with a depth
greater than 24”
designed primarily for
play activity that uses
constructed features
and devices including
pad walks, flotation
devices and similar
attractions.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology – Interactive Play
Attractions
• Interactive Play Attraction
(“Splash Pad”): a water
attraction using sprayed,
jetted, or other water
sources contacting
patrons and not
incorporating standing or
caputred water as part of
the patron activity area.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology - Slides
• Pool Slide: the drop from the
slide terminus is < 20” and
slide carries < 100 gallons per
minute (gpm) of water.
• Waterslide: where ≥ 100 gpm
water is intended to carry a
rider down a flume.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Terminology - Slides
• Children’s Slide: ≤ 4’ high and located in
< 24” of water.
• Drop Slide: a slide
where the terminus
is located ≥ 20”
above the water
level.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Why have a Pool Code?
Number of Outbreaks
Recreational Water Illness Outbreaks, United States, 1978-2004
20
15
10
5
0
78
81
84
87
90
93
96
99 2002
Year
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
N=208
MMWR (2006) 55(SS12):1-30
Why have a Pool Code?
Number of Outbreaks
Cryptosporidiosis Outbreaks by Recreational Water Disinfection Use:
United States, 1988-2007
*
30
25
*
20
15
*
untreated
treated
10
5
0
88
91
94
97
Year
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
2000 2003 2006
*N = 68 thru 2004; 2005-2007 numbers
are preliminary based on state interactions
MMWR (2006) 55(SS12):1-30
Why have a Pool Code?
Number of Case Reports
Cryptosporidium Seasonality: United States, 2003 - 2005
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1
4
7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52
Week of Onset
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
N= 15,406 total case reports
N=15,276 have onset dates
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidium…
• very resistant to chemical disinfectants,
• can survive for long periods outside the host,
• symptoms generally show 2 – 10 days after
infection,
• people can shed large numbers of oocysts for
several weeks after symptoms have ended,
• Infective Dose ~10 – 30 oocysts.
• cause of 65.% of RWI in pools (1993-2002).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Why have a Pool Code?
• Abigail Taylor
• Disemboweled on
uncovered suction
drain in Minnesota
(6/29/07).
• 6 years old.
• Received small bowel,
liver and pancreas
transplant (12/17/07).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Pool Code Violations - Nationally
Aquatics International, Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 19, No. 10
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Old Code vs. New Code
Old Code
(May 2002)
New Code
(August 2007)
Last revised in 1989
Developed in
2002 – 2007
7 Pages
15 Pages
15 Sections
37 Sections
“Public Swimming
Pools”
“Public Pools & Water
Attractions”
•
New Code goes into effect on 2/1/08.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Fees
Type of Facility
Permit Fee
Pre-Inspection
Fee
Re-Inspection
Fee
Pool1
$150
$150
$75
Water Attraction2
$175
$175
$75
Water Attraction w/
≤2 Slides per Basin
$250
$250
$125
Water or Pool Slide
per Basin
$150
$150
$75
1
Including swimming, whirlpool, wading, therapy, exercise, cold soak, mobile,
combination, diving and experimental pools.
2 Including activity pools, interactive play attractions, leisure rivers, plunge, vortex,
vanishing edge and wave pools.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Turnover Times
• 172.11(4): Maximum Turnover Times for Therapy
and Exercise Pools
Temperature
(°F)
Load
Max. Turnover
(gals/person) Time (hours)
72 – 93
≥ 2,500
4
72 – 93
≥ 450
2
72 – 93
< 450
1
> 93 - 104
N/A
0.5
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Flowmeters
172.11(5) Flowmeters, Valves & Gauges:
• The Department of Commerce’s pool
construction code, Comm 90, requires
Compound Gauges before pool
recirculation pumps.
• Pressure gauges should be located after
the pump and before the throttling valve.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Chemical Labeling
• 172.12(1): The label on all pool chemicals
– other than erosion feeder chemicals –
must include the chemical manufacturer’s
name and address – not the distributor.
• Recommendation: do not label chemical
containers’ lids because lids may be
mistakenly interchanged.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Rate-of-Flow Meter
• 172.13(1)(a): A rate-of-flow meter is
required to measure chemical flow through
the disinfectant feeder system.
• NOTE: At this time, it is not possible to
mount rate-of-flow meters on disinfectant
systems’ flexible tubing.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Feeder Pump
Electrical Connections
• 172.13(1)(c): Feeder pumps must be
electrically connected to the recirculation
pump’s control circuit and have a separate
disconnect switch.
• Purpose: to prevent flow and potentially
dangerous accumulation of chemical while
a recirculation pump is not running.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Equipment
Maintenance
• 172.13(2): All maintenance that presents a
danger to pool patrons shall be performed
when the pool is not in use or is closed to
the public.
• Purpose: Safety of pool patrons in the
event of an accidental chemical release.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Water Chemistry
Pool Type
Old Cl2
Residual
Minimum
New Cl2
Residual
Minimum
Old Br2
Residual
Minimum
New Br2
Residual
Minimum
Swimming & Activity Pool
1.0 ppm
1.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
1.5 ppm
1.5 ppm
2.0 ppm
2.0 ppm
4.0 ppm
4.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
5.0 ppm
7.0 ppm
4.0 ppm
4.0 ppm
Swimming & Activity Pool w/ Stabilizer
Wading Pool
Wading Pool w/ Stabilizer
Whirlpool
Whirlpool w/ Stabilizer
Water Attraction (Other than those specified)
1.0 ppm
Water Attraction w/ Stabilizer
Plunge & Wave Pool
Plunge & Wave Pool w/ Stabilizer
Interactive Play Attraction
Interactive Play Attraction w/ Stabilizer
Waterslide and Pool Slides
Waterslide and Pool Slides w/ Stabilizer
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
3.0 ppm
1.5 ppm
2.0 ppm
2.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
5.0 ppm
2.0 ppm
5.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
7.0 ppm
2.0 ppm
5.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
What’s New: Water Chemistry
172.14: New Chemical Standards
• Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer) maximum of 30
ppm.
• Total alkalinity range of 60 – 180 ppm as
calcium carbonate.
• Combined Cl2 maxima: 0.5 ppm in
Outdoor Pools & 0.8 ppm in Indoor Pools.
• Cl2 residual maximum of 10 ppm.
• Br2 total maximum of 20 ppm.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Water Temperatures
Old 172.10(2) Pool Water Temperatures
• Indoor Pools: 72° F to 90°F
• Outdoor Pools: >65°F
• Whirlpools: ≤104°F
New 172.19: Water Temperature
• Indoor Pools: 72° F to 95°F
• Outdoor Pools: >65°F
• Whirlpools: ≤104°F
• Cold Soak Pools: May be <65°F when water
temperature (°F) is posted in 4” letters.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Pool & Spa Test Kits
172.17(1),(2) & (3) per 172.14(4): Water Test Kits
Kits must measure for:
•
•
•
•
pH, (7.2 to 7.8),
Free Cl2: 0 to 10 ppm Cl2 in increments of 0.2 ppm,
Total Br2: 0 – 20 ppm Br2 in increments of 0.2 ppm
Combined Cl2, when Cl2 is used (0 - 10 ppm in
increments of 0.2 ppm),
• Total Alkalinity (60 -180 ppm as calcium carbonate),
• Cyanuric Acid (≤30 ppm), when used.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Test Kit Requirements
• 172.17(3): The
disinfectant testing
reagent shall be DPD in
powder or liquid form.
• Tablets = “Powder”
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Pool & Spa Test Kits
Manufacturers:
• Hach Company
• HF Scientific, Inc.
• Industrial Test Systems, Inc.
• LaMotte Company
• Palintest, Inc.
• Taylor Technologies
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
“Approved” Pool & Spa Test Kits:
Industrial Test Systems:
• eXact EZ Advanced Photometer (Part #481668),
LaMotte:
•
•
•
•
•
ColorQ Pool 4 (#2055),
ColorQ Pool 5 “Health Inspector Kit” (#2055-CYA),
ColorQ PRO 7 (#2056),
ColorQ TesTabs PRO 7 (#2057), and
ColorQ PRO 11.
Palintest, Inc.:
• Pooltest 5,
• Pooltest 9 Professional,
• Pooltest 25 Professional.
Taylor Technologies:
• K-2006
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Water Testing Frequency
Pools and Water Attractions, 172.18(1):
• pH & Disinfectant Residual daily before the pool
is opened or in use.
• pH & Disinfectant Residual during day’s peak
patron load.
• Combined Cl2 twice/week.
• Total Alkalinity once/week.
• Cyanuric Acid once/week.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Oxidation Reducation
Potential (ORP)
• 172.14(5)(a) Electronic
Monitoring Devices. When
ORP controllers are used, the
water potential shall be kept
between 650 - 850mV.
• When <650mV or >850mV,
operator shall manually test
the water.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Water Testing Frequency
Pools and Water Attractions with ORP,
172.18(3):
• pH & Disinfectant Residual once daily.
• Continually monitor ORP device.
• Combined Cl2 twice/week.
• Total Alkalinity once/week.
• Cyanuric Acid once/week.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Water Testing Frequency
• Whirlpools, Therapy & Exercise Pools,
172.18(2):
• pH & Disinfectant Residual daily before the pool
is opened or in use.
• pH & Disinfectant Residual twice when in use.
• pH & Disinfectant Residual 4 times/day.
• Combined Cl2 once/day.
• Total Alkalinity once/week.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Certified Water
Attraction Operators
• 172.20(2): Starting 1/1/09, each water
attraction and water attraction complex
shall be “staffed” by at least one certified
water attraction operator:
Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
or
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Certified Operator Training
• Certified Pool Operator Training:
http://www.nspf.org/States/Wisconsin.html
• Aquatic Facility Operator Training:
http://www.wpraweb.org/aquatics.htm
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Certified Operators – Water
Chemistry
Certified Operator
Required
Free Chlorine
Compliance
No
69%
Yes
84%
Data from 1,417 pool inspections performed during 2005 – 2006.
Bryan F. Buss, DVM, MPH – Nebraska Department of Health and Human
Services (October, 2007)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Certified Operators – Chemical
Hazards
Wisconsin Hazardous Substance Emergency
Event Surveillance (HSEES) Program
1993 – 2005 Data:
•
•
•
•
134 Total Cl2 Events
45% of Cl2 Events produced victims
40% of Cl2 Events produced evacuees
28% of Cl2 Events involved pools
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Lifeguard Staffing &
Plans
• 172.23(1): Tables HFS 172.23-A and HFS
172.23-B determine the required number of
lifeguards based on pool square footage
and pool types/features, respectively.
• Per 172.23(1)(a), the pool shall comply with
the stricter requirements of Tables A or B.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Lifeguarding & Instructional
Programs
• 172.22(3)(b): A lifeguard who is assigned
to supervise a pool or water attraction may
not be assigned duties that may distract
the lifeguard’s attention from observing a
patron in the pool or water attraction area
or that may hinder the lifeguard’s ability to
provide immediate assistance to a patron.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Lifeguarding & Instructional
Programs
• 172.24: “A pool that is used for instructional
purposes shall be staffed by a lifeguard when the
instructional program is in session. If the coach
or instructor that provides instruction during
the program is a lifeguard, the requirement
of this subsection is met provided the
coach or lifeguard can supervise the entire
group.”
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Lifeguards & Attendants – Minimum
Age Requirements
• “Wisconsin child labor regulations prohibit the employment of
persons under 16 years of age as lifeguards, swimming
instructors or attendants.” (7/22/04)
- Bob Anderson, Bureau of Labor Standards, Wisconsin Department
of Workforce Development
• DWD 270.12(12)(2)(c): Minors 16 and 17 years of age may be
employed in occupations involving the loading or unloading of
passengers on water slides.
• DWD 270.12(14): Minors 16 and 17 years of age may not be
employed as lifeguards and swimming instructors and aides
unless they have successfully completed a bona fide life
saving course. Minors 14 and 15 years of age may not be
employed as lifeguards and swimming instructors and aides.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: First Aid Supplies
172.27 First Aid Supplies
• Two durable blankets
• First Aid Kit with:
(a) Gauze pads − 4 x 4.
(b) Gauze pads – 8 x 10.
(c) Adhesive bandages.
(d) Triangular bandages.
(e) Scissors.
(f) Gauze roller bandage.
(g) Tweezers.
(h) Adhesive tape.
(i) Eye wash.
(j) Elastic bandage.
(k) Disposable surgical gloves.
(L) Resuscitation pocket face mask.
(m) Instant cold packs.
• Biohazard Safety Equipment
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Pool Rules
172.29(1): General Pool Rules (≥1”)
1. Do not enter the pool if you have a communicable
disease or an open cut.
2. Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool.
3. Shower before entering the pool and after use of toilet
facilities.
4. Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area.
5. Do not bring animals into the pool area.
6. Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
7. Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool
area.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Pool Rules
172.29(1) General Rules (≥1” letters) – continued.
c) A pool that is 200 square feet in area or greater that
does not have an approved diving well configuration
shall have “NO DIVING” signs in at least 4−inch high
letters included with the rules listed under par. (b).
d) A sign showing the maximum patron load shall be
conspicuously displayed in each pool area. The
maximum patron load as stated in s. HFS 172.25 may
not be exceeded.
e) If non−toilet−trained children are permitted in the pool,
the children shall be required to wear swim diapers.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Slide Rules
172.29(2): Pool Slides & Waterslides (≥1”)
a. Do not use the slide while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
b. Follow the instructions of the attendant.
c. No standing, kneeling, rotating or
stopping in the flume.
d. Keep your hands inside the flume.
e. Leave the plunge area immediately.
f. WARNING: Water depth is _____ feet.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Whirlpool Rules
172.29(3): Whirlpools (≥1”)
a. Elderly persons and persons suffering from heart
disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure
should not enter the whirlpool.
b. Minors under the age of 12 who are unsupervised may
not use the whirlpool.
c. Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs may
not use the whirlpool.
d. Pregnant women should consult their physician
regarding whirlpool usage.
e. Lengthy exposure may be hazardous to your health
and may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
f. Minors under the age of 6 and under are not permitted
in the whirlpool.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Vortex &
Current Pool Rules
172.29(4): Vortex & Current Pools
…in ≥4” letters:
“Artificial Current; Strong Swimmers Only.”
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Cold Soak
Pool Rules
172.29(5): Cold Soak Pools
…in ≥4” letters:
The water temperature in Fahrenheit.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Posting Interactive Play
Attractions Rules
172.29(2): Interactive Play Attractions (≥1”)
a. Do not enter the interactive play attractions if you have
a communicable disease or an open cut.
b. Do not bring food, drink, gum, tobacco, glass, or street
shoes into the interactive play attraction.
c. Do not bring animals into the interactive play attraction
area.
d. Recreational wheel-based methods of transportation
are prohibited.
e. Diaper changing is permitted in designated area only,
and not allowed on splash areas.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Death, Injury and/or
Illness Reporting
• 172.32(2): Operators shall report incidents
resulting in death, injury and/or illness
requiring emergency medical personnel to
the Division of Public Health by the end of
the next working day.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Record Keeping
• 172.32(3):
Operators shall
keep records
regarding each
fecal accident
response.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
On-Site Records
Per 172.32, On-site records must include:
• Monthly operating reports,
• Laboratory bacteriological reports,
• Copy of most current HFS 172
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/fsrl/codes/index.htm
• Pool construction plans,
• Pool Equipment Manufacturer’s instructions/records
(including pump performance curves),
• CDC fecal accident response document,
• Daily inspection and operational test records, and
• Lifeguard staffing plan, if required.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Waterslide
Inspections
Why?
• In May 2003, the Department of
Commerce repealed the waterslide section
from Comm 34, Amusement Rides and
Attractions.
• Informal inspections of pool and water
slides, as pool appurtenances, began in
Summer 2006.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
What’s New: Water Attraction and
Waterslide Inspections
172.37(2): The owner shall arrange periodic inspection,
operational testing, and keep the records:
• Daily Inspection and Operational Testing
• Each day before use.
• All control devices and safety equipment.
• Waterslide Inspection
• 5-year evaluation of slide & platform structural
stability & integrity by a Professional Engineer.
• Engineer-signed report will be kept on site.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Telephones at Pools
172.26(2) TELEPHONE
• For outdoor pools, a working telephone shall be
available in the pool area.
• For indoor pools, a working telephone shall be
available within the enclosed area around a
pool.
• A current list of emergency numbers and the
facility’s location shall be attached to or posted
near the telephone.
• Cellular or cordless phones may not be used to
comply with this subsection.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Telephones at Pools
172.26(2) TELEPHONE
• Note: A request for an alternative location
for a telephone or another system of
communication that provides access to
emergency service during hours of pool
operation may be made under s. HFS
172.03(2).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
“Grandfathered” in or not?
When are older pools required to upgrade to
the standards in the new code?
The key question:
Is it Structural/Mechanical or Operational?
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
“Grandfathered” in or not?
•
If it’s a structural or mechanical issue, the
features or equipment that were approved by
the Department of Commerce, when the pool
was built, are not required to upgrade…unless:
1. There is an immediate threat to public health
and safety.
2. This is a specifically articulated requirement
in the new code requiring upgrading (none
at this time).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
“Grandfathered” in or not?
If it’s an operational issue, the pool or water
attraction must comply with the new code.
Operational issues include:
• Lifeguard staffing and staffing plans,
• Disinfectant levels,
• Water Chemistry standards,
• Certified Operators, etc.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Code Corrections
Code
Section
Topic
Correction
172.04(4)
Pool Slide Definition
“per minute” needs to be added.
172.04(45)
Superchlorination
Definition
Duplicate phrase, “to raise the level of the oxidizer.”
172.13(a)
Disinfectant rate- of-flow
meter
At this time, it is not possible to meet this code
requirement.
172.14(3)(e)
Outdoor Pool Combined
Chlorine concentration
The acceptable outdoor pool combined chlorine level
should be changed to 0.4 or 0.6 ppm.
172.15(1)
Chlorine Generators and
Superchlorination
The sentence should read that an additional system is
required for maintaining disinfectant levels during peak
usage periods.
172.22(1)
Missing Subsection (b)
Section 172.22(1) is incorrectly numbered.
172.22(2)
Lifeguard Qualifications
Red Cross water park lifeguard requirement needs to be
corrected.
172.22(b)(1)(3)
Lifeguard Qualifications
National Pool and Water Park Lifeguard Training
certificate needs to be corrected.
172.26 (2)
Incorrect Note
The note should refer to 172.03(2).
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Fecal Accident
Response and Cryptosporidium
• Presentation by Michael J. Beach, PhD of CDC’s
Healthy Swimming programs.
• October 2, 2007 World Aquatic Health Conference in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
• New Fecal Accident Response Recommendations.
• Previous Crypto inactivation research done at 80 ppm
free chlorine & pH 7.0
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Fecal Accident
Response and Cryptosporidium
CDC’s Fecal Accident Response Recommendations
Cryptosporidium CT Factor
Disinfectant Concentration x Time (minutes)
2004
Recommendation
12/2007
Recommendation
9,600
15,300
(10 ppm for 16 hours)
(10 ppm for 25.5 hours)
10/2007
Recommendation
w/ Stabilizer
No
Recommendation*
*18,000 (20 ppm for 15 hours) when Cyanuric Acid is ≤50 ppm, per
Tracynda Davis of the NSPF on 11/19/07.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Vomit in Pool Water
• CDC Fact Sheet (provided)
• Public Health Concern: Noroviruses
• Response:
• Use CDC’s formed fecal accident
response,
• Cl2 at 2 ppm & pH 7.2 – 7.5 for 25
minutes
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Blood in Pool Water
• CDC Fact Sheet (provided)
• Possible Blood-borne Pathogen (Hep B or
HIV) Concern
• CDC: “These germs do not survive long
when diluted into properly chlorinated
water.”
• No public health reason to recommend
pool closure. However, patron
expectations may be different.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Cleaning Up Body Fluid Spills on
Pool Surfaces
• CDC Fact Sheet (provided)
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/fecal_response.htm#other
• Recipe for Bleach Disinfecting Solution:
• 9 parts cool water,
• 1 part household bleach,
• Add bleach to water, gently mix,
• Allow bleach solution to
remain on surface for 20
minutes.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
MRSA: An Issue for Pools?
• MRSA infects > 90,000 Americans a year,
with > 18,000 deaths.
10/17/07 Journal of the American Medical Association
• The MRSA death rate topped the AIDS
death rate in 2005.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• News coverage over the MRSA deaths of
two students.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: MRSA & Pools
• I would say that staph [Staphylococcus Aureus]
are no harder to keep in check than the other
organisms of concern in a swimming pool, i.e. E.
coli, Pseudomonas and other vegetative
bacteria, so those levels of free chlorine should
be fine. It's whirlpools, as you know, that we
have to be concerned about with extra cleaning
precautions, due to the biofilm that builds up and
promotes bacterial growth in the jets. (10/19/07)
Gwen Borlaug, CIC [Certified in Infection Control], MPH
Wisconsin Bureau of Communicable Disease and Preparedness
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: MRSA & Pools
• This [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)]
should not be an issue, normal chlorine levels [in pools
and water attractions] should kill these critters. (10/19/07)
John Archer, Communicable Disease Epidemiologist
Wisconsin Bureau of Communicable Disease and Preparedness
• Wisconsin Division of Public Health MRSA Fact Sheet at:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/MRSA.htm
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Salt Chlorination
• Converts salt into sodium hypochlorite using
electrolysis
• Less handling and storage of aggressive
chemicals
• Salt 3000 – 5000 ppm
(0.3% - 0.5%)
• New code requires a
secondary disinfection
system.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Ultraviolet (UV)
Disinfection
• Cryptosporidium and Giardia are
inactivated by high doses of UV
light.
• New York Health Department
issued an emergency code
(January 2007) requiring UV
systems at sprayparks.
• UV breaks apart chloramines.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Climbing Walls
• Addition of a climbing wall requires plan review.
• Must comply with drop slide criteria in Comm 90.
• Water depth
be equivalent
to wall height.
• Patrons must be
>42” tall.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Air Quality
October 2006
Air Sickness
“New studies suggest indoor aquatic
environments can trigger, or even
cause, asthma and other respiratory
ailments, opening the door for
complaints and lawsuits. Here’s how to
stay on top of this emerging issue and
keep the air healthy.” by Rin-rin Yu
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues – Air Quality
Five factors to ensuring health indoor air
quality at indoor pools:
• Pool water temperature 2 – 5 degrees cooler
than the air temperature,
• Relative humidity 50 – 60%,
• Minimum of 25 – 30% fresh air exchange
through HVAC (maybe 100% in winter),
• Air exchange (supply and return) both high
and low,
• Negative pressure in the pool area.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Activist Swimmers
The “Activist Swimmer” or the “Empowered
Pool Patron”:
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Issues: Dog Swimming Events
• Several misconceptions and many concerns
• Illinois: No
• Minnesota: NO!
Yes, that’s what
you think it is.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
DPH Pool Policies
Pool Code Policy & Interpretation Committee
• Previous total of 37 policies.
• 5 kept, as is.
• 10 still valuable, but need updating.
• 22 eliminated or rescinded.
• All policies on the Health Alert Network.
• 28 new policies to be created
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
DPH Pool Policies – On the HAN
Food Safety & Recreational Licensing
Topic Area
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
DPH Pool Policies – on the HAN
Pools and
Water
Attractions
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
DPH Pool Policies
Current Policies:
• Plan Specifications Approval – Water
Fountains/Bottled Water
• Potassium Monopersulfate
• Cameras in Remote Pool Areas
• Coin-operated Showers at Public
Swimming Facilities
• Aqua Climbing Walls
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
New Policies, Procedures, Guidelines
• Pool & Water Slide Inspection Procedure,
• Minimum Age of Lifeguards,
• Death, Injury and Illness Reporting
Procedure and Forms,
• Responsible Supervisor,
• Instructional Programs,
• “Premises” Definition.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Pool & Water Slide Inspection Procedure
Initial “brainstorm” on 10/25/07:
•
•
•
•
Identify the slide type (body, mat, raft),
Note and determine the water flow down the slide flume,
Note if the slide is being used as intended,
Note the condition (rust, corrosion, breakage, cracking,
deterioration, delamination, wear or other damage) of
handrails, stair treads, fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws),
grates and/or structures.
• Note missing fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws) or other
slide hardware.
• Are slide mats or rafts sanitary and in good functioning
condition?
• Are slide rules posted?
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Commerce Pool Policies
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-SwimmingPoolsDataReport.html
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Aquatics and Public Health
Aquatics International
Nov/Dec 2007
Vol. 19, No. 10
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Aquatics and Public Health
Aquatics International
Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 19. No. 10
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Aquatics and Public Health
Inspection Loads:
U.S. Food & Drug
Administration
Recommendation*
Wisconsin Division
of Public Health
Average
~215-246 Facilities
per Sanitarian
≥730 Facilities
per Sanitarian
*Draft Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards –
Standard No. 8 Program Support and Resources (January 2005). USFDA.
(@1.3 average inspections/facility/year = 30% re-inspection rate)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Thank You
David W. Pluymers, MSTHA, RS
Program Manager – Recreational Waters
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
1 West Wilson Street, P.O. Box 2659
Madison, Wisconsin 53701-2659
phone: 608-266-8294
pluymdw@dhfs.state.wi.us
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services