Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-5 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER PARKS
Rule 511-3-5-.17 - Chemical Operational Parameters
The chemical operational parameters in swimming pool or spa water shall not exceed the maximum level or be lower than the minimum level given in the following parameters. Where no minimum or maximum is given, additional information is within this Chapter to assist the pool operator.
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Minimum |
Ideal |
Maximum |
Comments |
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(1) Disinfectant Levels (a) Free chlorine, ppm in pools not using cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine compound use (b),1.-5. |
In a pool, hot weather/heavy use may require operation at or near maximum levels. Regular superchlorination is recommended (see Remedial Practices below). |
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(b) All public pools except as listed below: |
1.0 |
1.0-3.0 |
10.0 |
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1. Spas |
3.0 |
3.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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2. Activity/interactive/ Wading Pools |
2.0 |
2.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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3. Interactive Water Play Pool(Spray Pad) |
2.0 |
2.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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4. Wading Pools |
2.0 |
2.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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5. Water Attraction Pump Reservoirs |
2.0 |
2.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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(c) Free Chlorine level in pools using cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine product |
2.0 |
2.0-5.0 |
10.0 |
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Combined chlorine, ppm |
None |
None |
0.4 |
High combined chlorine results in chloramine formation and reduced chemical efficacy. Take remedial action to establish break point chlorination (See Remedial Practices below). Other signs of combined chlorine: -Sharp chlorine odor -Eye irritation -Algae growth |
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Bromine, ppm |
Pool 3.0 Spa 4.0 |
Pool 3.0-5.0 Spa 4.0-6.0 |
Pool 8.0 Spa 8.0 |
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(2) Chemical Values |
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pH |
7.2 |
7.4-7.6 |
7.8 |
If pH is: Too High: - Low chlorine efficiency - Scale formation Cloudy Water Too Low: - Rapid dissipation of disinfectant - Eye discomfort - Plaster and concrete etching - Corrosion of metals and vinyl liner damage |
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Alkalinity (buffering), ppm as CaC03 |
60 ppm |
80-100 for halogen compounds with a high pH 100-120 for halogen compounds with a low pH |
180 |
If total alkalinity: Too Low: - pH bounce - corrosion tendency Too High: - Cloudy water - Increased scaling potential - pH tends to be too high |
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Total dissolved solids (TDS), ppm |
These values are offered as guidelines rather than absolute values to indicate concern for accumulation of impurities in the course of operation. Excessive high TDS may lead to hazy water or corrosion of fixtures, and can be reduced by partial draining with addition of fresh water. High initial TDS may indicate poor water quality due to corrosive mineral salts, humus or organic matter. Consult local water authority. Increasing TDS indicates build-up of impurities to be controlled by partial drain/refill with fresh water. |
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Calcium hardness, ppm, as CaCo3 |
150 |
200-400 to balance water |
1000 |
Operations of pools, spas and hot tubs at maximum hardness will depend on alkalinity (buffering) requirements of the disinfectant used. Maximum alkalinity and lower pH must be used with maximum hardness (over 500 ppm) |
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Heavy metals, ppm |
None |
None |
If heavy metals, such as copper, iron, manganese, silver are present: -Staining may occur -Water may discolor -Chlorine dissipates rapidly -Filter may plug -May indicate pH too low or corrosion. |
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(3) Biological Values |
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Algae |
None |
None |
None |
If algae are observed: -Shock treat pool (See Remedial Practices, Shock treatment) -Supplement with brushing and vacuuming. -Use approved algaecide according to label directions (See Remedial Practices below) |
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Bacteria |
None |
Recognized Water quality Standard |
If bacteria count exceeds maximum allowed: -Superchlorinate and follow proper maintenance procedures -Maintain proper disinfectant residual. |
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(4) Stabilizer (if used) |
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Cyanuric acid, ppm |
- |
30-50 |
90 |
If stabilizer is: Too High: - May reduce chlorine efficacy Too Low: - Chlorine Residual rapidly destroyed by sunlight Note: Stabilizer is not needed in indoor or brominated pools and spas. |
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(5) Remedial Practices |
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Break point chlorination dosage in ppm. Superchlorination |
When combined chlorine is over 0.4 ppm, superchlorinate by adding ten times the combined chlorine in ppm and subtract the current disinfectant level. (e.g. combined chlorine is 0.5 ppm, superchlorinate by adding 4 ppm. (5 ppm -1 ppm current chlorine level = 4 ppm) Applied at the end of daily usage, hold this level for 1-4 hours to clarify the water, remove ammonia (combined chlorine), and to kill any algae present. Can also be applied when no bathers are present and as required to maintain clear water and the required halogen residual. |
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Superchlorination frequency |
Pool- monthly |
Pool- Every other week Spa- Daily |
Pool- Weekly when the temperature is over 85 °F |
Note: Some high use pools may need superchlorination three times a week or more as a preventative measure or when combined chlorine is over 0.4 |
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Shock treatment, dosage in ppm |
10.0 |
-------- |
--------- |
Nonchlorine oxidizers are not considered biocidal, but may reduce organic contaminants. |
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Clarifying/Flocculating frequency |
------ |
When needed |
--------- |
Use all clarifiers following manufacturer's directions. |
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Algaecides |
Follow manufacturer's directions. Use E.P.A. registered products. |
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Water replacement |
Water in spas that have high bather use may require partial or complete replacement of water periodically to dilute dissolved solids, to maintain water clarity and to do necessary routine maintenance. |
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Foam |
None |
None |
None |
Foam may harbor persistent microorganisms. If foaming is not adequately controlled, consider daily shock treatment, water replacement or an appropriate antifoam agent. Follow manufacturer's directions. |
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(6) Temperature °F |
-- |
78 -82 °F or Bather preference |
104 °F |
If temperature is: Too High: - Health hazard - Bather discomfort - Excessive fuel requirement - Increased evaporation - Increased scaling potential - Increased use of disinfectants - Increase potential for corrosion Too Low: - Bather discomfort - Increase chance of hyperthermia |
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(7) Water Clarity |
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Water turbidity |
Must be able to see main drain covers or marker tile on the bottom of the deepest portion of the pool. |
-- |
-- |
If water is turbid: - Disinfectant level may be low - Filtration system may be inoperative - Improper chemical balance - Bottom should be clearly visible at the deepest part of the pool or spa. - Consult remedial practices |
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(8) Oxidizers |
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Ozone, low output generators Contact concentration mg/L when ozone is injected and not removed prior to entry into pool. Above pool and spa levels |
-- 0 |
-- 0 |
0.1 0.05 |
Serves as oxidizer of water contaminants. Indoor installations should have adequate ventilation. |
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(9) Oxidizer Reduction Potential |
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ORP |
750 MV |
-- |
-- |
When chlorine or bromine is used as the primary disinfectant, ORP can be used as a supplemental measurement of proper disinfectant activity. The use of ORP testing does not eliminate or supersede the need for testing the disinfectant level with standard test kits and ORP reading may be affected by a number of factors including (1) pH, (2) probe film and (3) cyanuric acid. Follow manufacturer's recommendations. |
O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.
