A Simplified Version of the
STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC
SWIMMING
POOLS & SPAS
(TAC, Title 25, Part 1, Chap 265 General Sanitation,
Subchap L, Section 265.181 to 265.208)
Texas Department of State Health Services
www.dshs.state.tx.us
Prepared for
GRAYSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
POOL OPERATOR’S
HANDBOOK
POOL TYPE SIGNS REQUIRED LOCATION
(WARNING in 4” letters, CHILDREN in 2”) (In 1” letters)
ALL POOLS
& SPAS
WITH NO
LIFEGUARD
(If phone is not visible)
[265.199 e,f,j
265.205 f7]
ALL CLASS
(in 4” letters and also a
C & D POOLS 4” international symbol)
WITH NO
LIFEGUARD
[265.199 e, f]
(in 1” letters)
ALL SPAS
[265.192 m,
205 f7]
Sign 1) (Sign 2)
(Sign 4)
(Sign 3)
(In 4” letters) SIGN MOUNTED TO
POOLS WITH EXTERIOR HOUSING
CHLORINE DOOR. DOOR MUST
GAS HAVE A WINDOW
[265.198 e, f6] OR A PORT
(In 1” letters)
SIGN MOUNTED ON EXTERIOR OF
GATE IF PUMP IS NOT OPERATING
CONTINUOUSLY. HOWEVER,
CLARITY AND DISINFECTANT
LEVEL MUST BE MAINTAINED
POOL TYPE MARKINGS REQUIRED LOCATION
DEPTH MARKINGS:
1. 4” PERMANENT LETTERS
2. SLIP-RESISTANT
3. CONTRASTING COLOR
4. IN FEET OR METERS and FRACTION
FLOOR MARKINGS: 1. 4” FLOOR LINE IN CONTRASTING COLOR
2. 1” STEP LINE IN CONTRASTING COLOR
1. ON DECK
2. AT 6’ OR LESS DEPTHS, MINIMUM 2/ POOL
3. 25’ OR LESS APART
4. 4” LETTERS & SYMBOL READ FACING WATER
TELEPHONE
LOCATION :
_________________
WARNING
NO LIFEGUARD
ON DUTY
CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL
WITH OUT ADULT SUPERVISION
IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY
CALL 911
DANGER
CHLORINE
TELEPHONE FIRE DEPARTMENT
NUMBERS: HAZMAT AGENCY
C
HL
O
RINE DEALER
DO NOT USE THE
SPA IF THE WATER
TEMPERATURE IS
ABOVE 104°F
CHILDREN SHOULD
NOT USE SPA
WITHOUT ADULT
SUPERVISION
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
USERS IN THIS POOL IS:
SHALLOW DEEP DIVING
15 ft²/ user 25 ft²/ user 300 ft²/ user
BACKWASH INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Clean Filter Pressure: _____ psi
2. Normal operating pressures
3. Pressure differentials that indicate
the need for filter cleaning
DIVING EQUIPMENT:
MFG’S NAME / ADDRESS
BOARD EQUIPMENT LENGTH
BOARD ID: JUMPING or DIVING
FIXED FULCRUM SETTING
ANSI / NSPI 1-1991 REFERENCE
WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
DATE OF INSTALLATION
FILTER AND SEPARATION TANK
INSTRUCTIONS: ______________
______________
SIGN MOUNTED VISIBLY
AND SECURELY INSIDE
POOL CLOSURE.
ADDITIONAL SIGN FOR
TELEPHONE LOCATION
REQUIRED OUTSIDE FOR A,
B & C POOLS ON THE GATE,
DOOR OR FENCE IF LOCKED
SIGN MOUNTED SECURELY
AND VISIBLY INSIDE POOL
ENCLOSURE
ALSO MOUNTED ON ANY
PERMANENT STRUCTURE
LIKELY TO BE USED FOR
DIVING WITHIN 5 FT OF
WATER SURFACE
SIGN MOUNTED
SECURELY AND
VISIBLY INSIDE
POOL ENCLOSURE
SIGN MOUNTED SECURELY:
(Sign 1) INSIDE ENCLOSURE
[265.203 j]
(Sign 2) NEAR DIVING EQUIP
[265.186 c10]
(Sign 3) ON FILTER OR TANK
[265.188 f]
(Sign 4) NEAR FILTER
[265.183 b3]
1. ON DECK
2. DEPTHS ARE MEASURED 3’ OUT FROM WALL
3. PLACED EVERY 25‘ OR LESS APART, FOR EVERY
2’ CHANGE OF DEPTH, AND ALSO AT 5’ DEPTH
4. WITHIN 24” FROM AND FACING WATER EDGE
5. ON VERTICAL WALLS, 4.5 INCHES FROM TOP,
AND 50% OF LETTERS ABOVE WATER LEVEL
1. ON POOL FLOOR AT 5’ TRANSITION POINT
2. ON STEP
EDGES
LETTER MARKINGS: NO DIVING :
(Same letter qualities as above)
ALL POOLS
& SPAS
[265.186 c7C
265.186 c10C
265.199b]
EMERGENCY
CUTOFF
SWITCH
LOCATION
SIGNS AND DEPTH MARKINGS
Rev 6/05
POST-10/1/99
POOLS & SPAS
[265.183 b3
265.184 n
265.185 e
265.186 c10
265.188 f
265.203 j
265.205 f7]
POOL CLOSED
ALL POOLS
& SPAS
[265.203 C2a]
NO
DIVING
AVS: Atmospheric vent system designed to reduce entrapment by suction outlets
BACKWASH: Process of cleaning filters by reversing the water flow into the wastewater drain
BREAKPOINT: Combined chlorine destroyed by increasing free chlorine to 10 times that level
DEPTH: Shallow (less than 5 ft) Deep (5 ft or more)
FREE AVAILABLE CHLORINE: Total chlorine minus combined chlorine
POOL: Post 10/1/99 (constructed on or after 10-1-99) / Pre-10/1/99 (constructed before 10-1-99)
Class A - For accredited competitive aquatic events and recreation
Class B - For public recreation and general public
Class C - For hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks,
property owners associations, clubs, schools etc.
Class D - A wading pool with a maximum depth of 24”
Spa - Hot tub, whirlpool, hydrotherapy pool, mineral bath, air induction bubbles,
hydrojet circulation, etc., at least 2 feet deep, and having a maximum
surface area of 250 ft
2
or maximum volume of 3250 gal, and is not drained
after each use
Therapeutic Pool – Pool/spa operated exclusively for medical or therapeutic purposes.
These pools are inspected under Texas Health and Safety Code 341.064.
SKIMMER WEIR: Adjustable door, flap etc. that moves with small changes in water level to
assure a steady continuous flow to draw floating debris.
SRVD: Safety vacuum release device (a mechanical or electrical system to reduce
entrapment risk by suction outlets)
SUCTION OUTLET: Opening(s) which drains water to the filter under negative pressure. A
skimmer is not a suction outlet.
SUPERCHLORINATE (Shock): Add chlorine to pool water to a level 10 times the amount of
combined chlorine in the water. Shocking is successful when the
breakpoint has
been reached (see breakpoint above).
TURNOVER: Circulation of one volume of pool water equal to the total pool capacity
WATER
QUALITY: Total Chlorine - all the chlorine in the pool water
Free Chlorine - that portion of total chlorine that actually destroys germs
Combined Chlorine – undesirable chlorine that combined with ammonia, nitrogen,
or with human products such as sweat, saliva, urine, skin, lotions etc. Also
called chloramine. Chloramine causes eye burn, has a strong chlorine odor
and can be removed by superchlorinating. Combined
chlorine is equal to total
chlorine minus free
chlorine.
pH - a value expressing acidic or basic properties. Chlorine is most effective at a
pH between 7.0 and 7.8 in water.
Stabilizer – (cyanuric acid) it protects chlorine from the damaging effects of U.V.
in sunlight. It is not effective indoors. Bromine cannot be stabilized.
Temperature - pool temperature is most critical in spas. (See p.3)
Turbidity (water clarity) - is the cloudy condition of water caused by the presence
of fine particulate matter that interferes with the passage of light. Clear water
is vital during emergencies.
Total Alkalinity - a measure of water’s ability to resist change in pH. It consists
mainly of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides.
TDS (total dissolved solids) - the amount of dissolved matter in water, such as
calcium, magnesium, carbonates, metallic compounds. NOTE:: Adding
chemicals to pool water always increases TDS.
Hardness - the amount of calcium, magnesium, or other salts in water. Low
hardness is corrosive. High hardness causes scaling.
Heavy Metals - copper, iron, manganese; may cause colored water, stains, or
green hair.
Algae - one celled chlorophyll-containing plants that can thrive in water. They are
undesirable because they reduce water clarity, cause offensive odors, and
harbor germs. Algae can be controlled by proper chlorine levels.
GLOSSARY
P
urpose
:
This publication has been prepared for public swimming pool operators
and sanitarians to assist in making recreational waters as safe as
possible. It is in a condensed version for easy use and has italicized
codes for quick reference to the more comprehensive rules in TAC Title
25 §265 General Sanitation, Subchapter L, Texas Department of State
Health Services. The latter takes precedence for compliance purposes.
Acknowledgements:
Compiled by D. B. Rubiano, R.S. using Standards for Public Swimming Pools and Spas, Texas
Department of State Health Services, 2005 rev, Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 341, 757
and TAC 337,
Pool Operator’s Manual, Washington State Public Health Association and Washington
State Environmental Health Association, 1997,
Aquatic Technology Newsletter, US Filter’s Stranco
Products Aquatic Division, Bradley, IL, and The Proper Management of Pool and Spa Water, by
Mitchell P. Kirk, Hydrotech Chemical Corporation (Great Lakes Chemical Corporation) 1988.
CONTENTS
Training p.1
Safety p.2
Water Quality, Testing p.3
Circulation p.4, 5
Maintenance p.6
Troubleshooting p.7
Pool Closing p.8
Glossary Inner back cover
Signs, Markings Outer back cover
ASSEMBLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAMPHLET FORMAT (8½” X 5½”)
1. Download the six sheets of this booklet.
2. Print only the odd sheets, 1, 3, & 5. Invert these and return to printer.
3. Print the even sheets 2, 4, & 6 on the back sides so that sheet 1 is on the back of sheet 2.
4. Place the 3 double-sided sheets in proper order, fold, and staple.
1.
CONDITIONS REQUIRING CLOSURE
SUCTION OUTLETS:
Main Drain Grate Covers or grates missing, broken, or loose
Anti-Vortex Cover
[265.187 a,189 a, and 265.190 b]
Any Cover or Grate
DISINFECTANT Inadequate level, especially too low
LEVEL [265.204 a, 207 a]
The presence of fecal material from humans or
FECAL MATERIAL animals requires immediate closure regardless
of the disinfectant level
[265.203, 204, 207, 341.064]
WATER CLARITY Bottom and main drain are not clearly visible in
the deepest part of the pool or spa [265.203 b,c,d,e]
Regulatory authority determines that the
OTHER HAZARDS operation or maintenance of the pool or spa
constitutes a serious health or safety hazard
[265.207 a, c, 341.064]
All pools and spas shall have a current and
OPERATING PERMIT valid operating permit issued by the
regulatory authority
[265.183 a, other ordinances]
For pools not in use for extended periods of
OFF SEASON time, clarity shall be maintained, algae growth
CLOSURE
prevented, and no objectionable odors,
insect breeding conditions, or other nuisance
or safety hazard shall be present [265.203 d,e]
PUMP NOT A pool pump may operate for less than 24
OPERATING hours a day if a pool closed sign is installed
CONTINUALLY on every gate and clarity and disinfectant
are maintained. [265.203c2]
RE-OPENING A CLOSED POOL OR SPA [265 208e]
Operation of a closed pool or spa may be resumed only by the explicit
authorization of the regulatory authority. A reinspection may be required.
OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT.
F Personnel responsible for the operation of the disinfection agent and other potentially hazardous
chemicals shall be properly trained. Protective equipment and clothing, including rubber gloves and
goggles, and any other protective gear and safety information shall be provided;
(1) Trained personnel shall be provided to comply with §265.197(b)(3) of this title (relating
to Disinfecting Equipment and Chemical Feeders for Post-10/01/99 and Pre-10/01/99
Pools and Spas);
(2) Two persons trained in the performance of routine chlorination operation and
emergency procedures shall be readily available during normal operating hours;
(3) Pool personnel shall be informed about leak control procedures; only trained
designated personnel shall operate the chlorinator and change chlorine cylinders; and
(4) Required operator certification for certain types of post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools
and spas. Post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 Class A or B pools and Class D pools
operated in conjunction with a Class A or B pool shall be maintained under the
supervision and direction of a properly trained and certified operator who is responsible
for the sanitation, safety, and proper maintenance of the pool or spa, and for
maintaining all physical and mechanical equipment and records. Training and
certification can be obtained by completion of one of the following courses or their
equivalent:
(a) NRPA, "Aquatic Facility Operator" (A.F.O.);
(b) NSPF, "Certified Pool-Spa Operator" (C.P.O.);
(c)
YMCA, "Pool Operator on Location" (P.O.O.L.);
(d) NSPI, "Professional Pool & Spa Operator" (P.P.S.O.); or the
ASPSA, "Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician" (L.A.F.T.).
F INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST-10/01/99 POOLS AND SPAS. Upon completion of construction of a
post-10/01/99 pool or spa, the owner shall obtain from the pool or spa builder complete written
operational instructions for the pool or spa. Written instructions shall include items such as
procedures for filtration, backwash, cleaning, and operation of all chemical feed devices and
general maintenance of pool or spa. In addition, the following are required:
(1) Labeling of valves
(2) Labeling of exposed pipes
(3) Clean filter pressures, normal operating pressures, and pressure differentials that
indicate the need for filter cleaning
F LIFEGUARD PERSONNEL STANDARDS at post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools. Post-
10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools shall comply with the following lifeguard requirements:
(1) Lifeguards shall hold a current ARC "Lifeguard Training" certificate or the equivalent
certification from an aquatic safety organization, which also includes training in ARC "Adult, Infant,
and Child CPR" and "Community First Aid" or their equivalent;
(2) An additional lifeguard, or second responder who is monitoring and readily available at the
pool, and who has a minimum training in (ARC) "Adult, Infant, and Child CPR" and "Community
First Aid" or equivalent training, shall also be in the pool area when the pool is in use;
(3) All lifeguards and second responders shall receive training in the application of effective pool
emergency procedures for events such as submersions, suspected spinal injury, medical
emergencies, missing persons, bad weather, etc. Such training will be reviewed as necessary and
kept current;
(4) Pool facilities shall provide alertness/response drills and other training including
documentation of the following:
(a) a pre-season training program
(b) a continual "in-service" training program for all lifeguards, and other aquatic
personnel totaling a minimum 60 minutes per week
(c) performance "audits" as recommended by the ARC or YMCA or equivalent aquatic
safety organization
(d)
an emergency action plan similar to the one outlined by the ARC or YMCA or
equivalent aquatic safety organization
(e) management at each facility shall maintain a current file with each staff person's
current certification including expiration dates
F MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
: Manufacturer’s description of the significant
hazard information and shall be maintained for every
chemical used and must be available for
emergency responders upon request. Information in the MSDS sheets shall include: storage,
labeling, protective equipment for operators, safety, and first aid treatment.
CLOSING POOLS
TRAINING
1
8
REQUIREMENTS
LIFEGUARDS (1) Required at Class A, B, and C (with diving board or unlocked slide)
[265.199 g] (2) Minimum number for adequate supervision (see Training P.1)
(1) Required at Class A, B & C visibly within 20’ of pool
RING BUOY (2) U.S. Coast Guard approved, 15 to 24” diam
[265.199 i]
(3) Attached to a
1
/
4
to
3
/
8
inch rope,
2
/
3
pool width
(4) 1 ring. One additional ring & pole if over 2000 ft
2
water surface
(1) Required at Class A, B & C visibly within 20’ of pool
REACHING POLE (2) Light weight, strong, non-telescopic, 12 ft min
[265.199 i]
(3) Fiberglass or non-conducting; body hook with blunted ends
(4) 1 pole. One additional pole & ring if over 2000 ft
2
water surface
(1) Both required at Class A & B pools, either required at Class C
FLOAT LINE or (2) Placed at 5 ft depth, 1 to 2 ft on shallow side
FLOOR MARKING
(3) Floats spaced 7 ft max apart
(Over 5 ft depth) (4) Sufficient size and strength for handhold support
[265.199 b] (5) Side wall attachments are corrosion resistant and non-projecting
when rope is detached.
(6) Floor marking is 4” wide in contrasting color
(1) Required at Post 10/1/99 pools/spas if depths exceed 42” and
there is no seatbench/swimout/lounge below water perimeter
(2) May include rope, ladder, ledge, deck, coping (2” or less) etc.
HANDHOLDS (3) Located along immediate top edge of pool, no more than 9”
[265.186 b7,8 and 199 a] above design water level, 4” min horizontal width, slip-resistant
(4) Handrails must be provided if lifeguards are required. Access
to pool’s edge and stairs must comply with ADA and fair housing.
Pool Type Fence Opening Height Gates (open outward)
Class A, B Max 1¼” (>1½”) 6 ft (7ft) Supervised or locked
Under Chap 757 Max 1¾ “ 4 ft Self-closing, latching*
Class C, D Max 4” 4 ft Self-closing, latching*
*3½ ft above deck
Chain link only permitted for fences installed on or after 9-1-04 for pre-10/1/99 pools
Required for all spas, 5 ft or more away (except for air switches), in 1”
letters, within sight of spa (
or a sign stating the location of the switch).
ELECTRICAL Required for all pools, a disconnecting means of all hot wires of
DISCONNECT [265.192eh] pool equipment, located within sight of pool. Also, GFI required.
LIGHTING
Required if operated during low illumination: underwater (0.5 watts
[265.192e,199 k] per ft
2
water surface); overhead (0.5 foot candles per deck surface)
with no bottom glare.
Also, GFI required.
TELEPHONE [256.199 i] Required for all pools and spas (within 200 ft, no locked doors/gates)
FIRST AID KIT [265.205 f] Required at Class A, B & others w / lifeguards. Standard OSHA 24 unit.
THERMOMETER Required at all spas. Must be unbreakable type. Also, a visible
[265.205 f] clock is recommended near each spa.
DEPTH MARKINGS
See outer back cover
SUCTION OUTLET COVER See Circulation p.5
BATHER LOAD The maximum user load shall not exceed one person per 9 ft
2
of
[265.185 e] water surface, (see required sign on outer back cover).
SAFETY
CAUSE CORRECTION
High combined chlorine Superchlorinate (shock)
Chemical imbalance Correct pH, alkalinity, hardness
Clogged filter Backwash
High TDS Add coagulant or partial pool drain
High cyanuric acid Total or partial pool drain
D.E. spill, or floc overuse Repair filter septum, use cationic floc
High combined chlorine Superchlorinate (shock)
Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
Low pH Add soda ash or caustic soda
GREEN HAIR OR Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
COLORED WATER
Low hardness Add calcium chloride
Reduce copper algaecide or use a
Copper or other non-copper type. Also, chemicals for
minerals present treating pool water may not be iron
free. It is also possible that minerals in
the make-up water are over 1.0 ppm.
Build-up of body oils, Superchlorinate (shock)
cosmetics, other Enforce showering prior to pool use
QAC algaecide excess Use non-foaming algaecide
Low disinfectant Superchlorinate (shock)
High pH Add muriatic acid
Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
High hardness Add sodium hexametaphosphate or
partial pool drain
High heavy metal Chelation treatment
Low pH or tot alkalinity Add soda ash or caustic soda
Low hardness Add calcium chloride
Low chlorine Superchlorinate (shock, non-stabilized form)
Also, treat water with QAC algaecide.
High cyanuric acid Total or partial pool drain
High phosphorous Add lanthium carbonate or apply spot
treatment with calcium hypochlorite
TROUBLE
SHOOTING
CLOUDY
WATER
EXCESSIVE
FOAM, FILM
OR SCUM
SCALE
DEPOSITS
METAL PARTS
CORRODING
ALGAE
ENCLOSURES
[265.200, 757]
SPA EMERGENCY
SHUTOFF [265.192 m]
EYE BURN
SKIN IRRITATION
CHLORINE ODOR
2 7
TESTING
REQUIREMENTS
[265.204] FREQUENCY
Required every 2 hrs
Pools
Spas for Class A, B or D/spa
(located at A or B), or
Free chlorine
1 to 8 2 to 8 daily for auto systems
DISINFECTANT Free bromine*
2.5 to 12 4.5 to 12 Recommended every
(ppm) 2 hrs for Class C or
Combined chlorine 0 0
D/spa (located at C), or
(total minus free) daily for auto systems
ORP (Oxidation-Reduction 650 MV min
650 MV min
NOTE: RECORDS MAY BE
Potential) REQUIRED IF INSPECTIONS
INDICATE NON-COMPLIANCE.
Readings may be affected by pH or cyanuric acid SAVE FOR 2 YRS [265.204 e,]
pH 7.0 to 7.8 “
CYANURIC ACID 100.0 max (none for bromine) As necessary to assure
(ppm) proper chemical control
TEMPERATURE Spas 104°F max ”
WATER Pool bottom and the main drain at the “
CLARITY
deepest part of pool are clearly visible
TOTAL ALKALINITY 60 to 180 (Recommended) ”
(ppm)
TDS (ppm) 5000 max (Recommended) “
HEAVY METALS None (Recommended) “
HARDNESS 150 to 1000 (Recommended) “
ALGAE/BACTERIA None (Recommended) “
TEST KIT [265.204 b,c,d]
1. A reliable means of testing the above is required. Check expiration dates often.
2. Proper storage according to manufacturer’s recommendations is required.
*3. If a DPD chlorine test kit is used for bromine, multiply test result by 2.25.
COMMON TEST KIT ERRORS
ERROR CAUSE COMMENT
DPD kit: false High disinfectant Normal pink color is bleached (flash off) by excess
yellow or clear color disinfectant. Dilute new sample with distilled water.
Retest. If in normal range, lower pool disinfectant.
pH kit: false Limited range Add distilled water to pool water and retest. If new
yellow or red color of phenol red pH is in normal range, pool water pH is wrong.
pH kit: purple color High disinfectant Phenol red is reacting with the excess disinfectant.
Lower the disinfectant.
Total alkalinity: High disinfectant Normal green-to-red shift is bleached out by excess
blue-to-green color disinfectant. Resample, add chlorine neutralizer
(e.g. thiosulfate) to the sample, then retest.
3
WATER
QUALITY
ACTION REQUIRED
Too Low: Add disinfectant to feeder
DISINFECTANT
Too High: Add sodium thiosulfate
Too low: Add soda ash or caustic soda
Too high: Add muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate
TOTAL Too low: Add soda ash or sodium bicarbonate
ALKALINITY Too high: Add muriatic acid
SHOCKING (superchlorination): Add sufficient chlorine to burn
away (or oxidize) all products formed when chlorine combines with
human waste such as sweat, urine, skin, lotions, etc.
WHEN TO SHOCK:
(1) Whenever combined chlorine is detected on tests:
Example: total chlorine 1.5
free chlorine
(subtract) 1.0
combined chlorine 0.5
(2) Whenever eye or skin irritation, sharp chlorine odor, flat
hazy water, or algae is noted, or
(3) Daily
Monthly Weekly
Spas Pools Pools if water temperature is over 85
HOW TO SHOCK:
(1) Remove all bathers. If indoors, open doors/windows, fans on.
(2) Measure the combined chlorine. Multiply that by 10 or 12.
(3) Increase the free residual chlorine to that level, as follows:
Example:
X 7.5 X ÷ 1,000,000 X 12 =
pool volume (lb/gal) combined (ppm) gal of beach*
chlorine
*If other shock treatments are used in lieu of bleach, be sure to divide
this number by the % hypochlorite. For instance, divide the number
by 0.65 when using calcium hypochlorite (65%). This is in pounds.
(4) Re-open pool when combined chlorine is finally zero ppm.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS
PERSONNEL Always wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves. Use only
EPA registered chemicals and according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Ö Acids and bases EXAMPLE: muriatic acid and sodium hydroxide
Dry organic and inorganic chemicals such as:
DO ORGANIC INORGANIC
NOT Ö Dichlor Sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, bisulfate,
MIX Trichlor hydroxide, thiosulfate, Calcium hypochlorite
Ö Water into chemicals. Instead, always add chemicals to water.
Ö Chemicals directly into skimmers. Children often play here.
STORAGE Store chemicals in a dry, well ventilated, isolated area. Remove petroleum
products. Cover chemicals and be sure labels are readable.
MAINTENANCE
COMBINED
CHLORINE
pH
6
REQUIREMENTS
STEP ONE: DETERMINE AVERAGE POOL DEPTH
Add deep end depth (ft) ____ + shallow end depth (ft) ___ ÷ 2 = avg. depth (ft) _____
Pool STEP TWO: DETERMINE POOL VOLUME
Sizing Rectangular pools:
Length (ft) ___ x Width (ft) ___ x Avg. Depth (ft)___ x 7.5 =
Round pools:
Long Short Avg
Diameter (ft)___ x Diameter (ft) ___ x Depth (ft) ___ x 5.9 =
Pool Type Turnover Rate
Spa ½ hour
Wading 1 hour
Post-10/1/99 pool <4ft avg depth (x 1.5) 4½ hours
Post-10/1/99 pool ≥4 ft avg depth 6 hours
Pre-10/1/99 pool (heavy bather load)
6 hours
Pre-10/1/99 pool (normal load) 8 hours
NOTE: Generally, wading pools, spas, and heavier loads require faster
turnover rates since more organic substances such as sweat, urine, feces,
skin, etc. are expected to be present.
HOW TO CALCULATE THE FLOWMETER READING:
Examples: Pool Volume (gal) Reading (GPM)
1,000 Wading 16.6
1,000 Spa 33.3
10,000 27.8
15,000 41.7
20,000 55.5
20,000 Pre-10/1/99 pool 41.6
Flowmeters WHEN FLOWMETER READINGS ARE TOO LOW
[265.187 b9, c7] (1) Filter clogged, backwashing may be necessary
(2) Skimmers, screens, strainers may need cleaning
(3) Flowmeter itself may need cleaning. It may also be installed
incorrectly (see below).
(4)
Pump malfunction
CORRECT INSTALLATION OF A FLOWMETER
(1) Match flowmeter with pipe size and flow direction arrow ( )
(2)
Flowmeter shall read at least 1½ times design flow rate.
(3) Install flowmeter after the filters to avoid clogging flowmeter.
(4) Install it on a straight pipe at a minimum distance from all
elbows, tees, or reducers using the following rule:
(10 times pipe diameter upstream and 4 times downstream.
to avoid flowmeter inaccuracies due to internal turbulence)
Examples: 10 X 4 X
Pipe Size Upstream (from filter) Downstream (to pool)
1” 10” 4”
1½” 15” 6”
2” 20” 8”
2½” 25” 10”
Outlets
Suction
Outlets
[265.190]
Covers
Pre-10/01/99 pools or spas must comply as follows: [265.190 e]
DEPTH (4 ft or less) DEPTH (over 4 ft)
Upgrading Dual hydraulically balanced Dual hydraulically balanced
outlets 3 to 20 ft apart with outlets 3 to 20 ft apart with
(by 1-1-05) either (1) approved covers or approved covers or grates, or
grates and an AVS or SVRD,
or (2) 24” grates, or
Single outlet with a 24” grate Single outlet with approved cover
and an AVS or SVRD or grate and an AVS or SVRD
Exemption A Pre-10/1/99 pool or spa, less than 3 feet deep which meets
[265.190 e 1C] the required turnover and feeds directly into another pool
having a main drain, is not required to have a main drain.
Skimmers Weirs shall be present.
Vacuums Automatically closes & latches, must be closed and latched when pool is open.
May be permanently sealed.
Equalizers Approved covers or permanently sealed.
HOW TO BACKWASH [265.188 h]
(1) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
(2) If instructions are not available, backwash when the pressure between
the inlet and the outlet of the filter is 10 to 12 psi., as follows:
Filter with 1 pressure gauge: First backwash completely and
record the cleaned filter pressure; this is the reference pressure for a clean filter.
Later, when the gauge measures 10 to 12 psi above the reference pressure, then
backwashing is necessary.
Filter with 2 pressure gauges: Backwash when the difference
between the two gauges measures 10 to 12 psi.
(3) NOTE: Backwashing should not be done too frequently since freshly backwashed filters
are not very efficient. However, efficiency increases as the pressure nears 10 to 12 psi.
(4) Flowmeter reading may be reduced noticeably when filter begins to clog.
(5) Instructions for backwashing, filtration, cleaning, operation, and general maintenance shall
be available.
CIRCULATION
Pool Volume = GPM
Turnover Rate x 60
4 5
Every suction outlet shall have an ASME/ANSI approved
cover stamped with 112.19.8M and gallons per minute. Also,
a replacement spare cover on-site is required. As an
alternative, an approved grate with a minimum diagonal
measurement of 24” may be substituted for the approved
cover. If used, all fasteners must be stainless or brass
removable only with a tool.
Every suction line shall have a minimum of 2 hydraulically-
balanced suction outlets 3 to 20 feet apart from cover
edges. Water velocity shall not exceed the following:
Velocity Location
6 ft/sec In pipes
1½ ft/sec Thru a 24” diagonal grate
Flow rate stamped on cover Thru a A112.19.8M cover
Also, for 4 ft max depth pools with grates less than 24”, an atmospheric
vent system (AVS) or safety release vacuum system (SRVS) is required.
Sump clearance = the lesser of 1½ X suction pipe diameter or 8”.
Turnover
[265.187 b,c]
GAL
GAL
