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-.22 - Operation and Management

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 511-3-5-.22

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) All swimming pools and spas covered by this Chapter shall be maintained under the supervision and direction of a properly trained operator who shall be responsible for the sanitation, safety, and proper maintenance of the pool and all related equipment, and for and daily recordkeeping.

(2) The trained operator shall have a current certificate showing completion of an approved operator training course. A copy or the original certificate or documentation shall be available onsite for inspection by the Health Authority.

(3) The trained operator may be an employee or a contract service provider.

(4) Training for the operator can be obtained by completion of a course approved by the Department.

(5) The trained operator must perform a minimum of two visits weekly and be able to provide assistance whenever needed.

(6) Written documentation of the operator's visits must be available at the pool facility. At a minimum, the written record must indicate the condition of the following items:

(a) The circulation, filtration, and disinfection systems,

(b) safety equipment on-site,

(c) pool stairs and deck condition,

(d) water chemistry test results and,

(e) record what corrective actions, if necessary, were taken by the operator.

(7) Facilities without an on-site trained operator must appoint a responsible on-site person. This individual must be capable of testing the water chemistry as required by the chapter, and must be trained to perform the requirements in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.16.

(8) The responsible person must receive training on basic pool operations from the trained operator, or from a local health department course if available.

(9) Water Testing Frequency. The trained operator or responsible person shall collect water samples from the water in the pool for monitoring. An in-line sampling port may be used for water held in reservoirs. The water quality testing frequency shall be as follows:

(a) For pools, free available chlorine or total bromine and pH shall be tested a minimum of two times daily during the hours of operation.

(b) Total alkalinity shall be tested weekly and calcium hardness shall be tested monthly.

(c) If stabilized chlorine is used as the primary disinfectant, the operator shall test cyanuric acid every two weeks. Otherwise, cyanuric acid shall be tested monthly. Cyanuric acid shall be tested twenty-four hours after addition to the water.

(d) For spas and hot water venues, free available chlorine, total bromine, pH and water temperature shall be tested prior to opening and recorded every four hours.

(e) In-line oxidation reduction potential readings (if applicable) shall be recorded at the same time the free available chlorine or total bromine and pH tests are performed.

(f) If in-line electrolytic chlorinators are used, salt levels shall be tested at least weekly or per manufacturer's instructions.

(10) Water Testing Procedure. The pool operator or responsible person shall acquire a water sample for testing the chemical parameters:

(a) The sample shall be obtained from at least eighteen inches below the surface of the water and from a location between the inlets.

(b) The sample shall be obtained from a section of the pool that has a water depth of between three to four feet when available.

(c) For each water test, sampling locations shall rotate around the shallower end of the pool. The pool operator shall include the deepest area of the pool in the water sampling rotation once per week.

(11) If the water test results are not in compliance with DPH Rule 511-3-5-.17, the operator shall close the pool, record findings, and make the necessary adjustments to the water chemistry to comply with the chapter. The chemicals used and amounts shall be recorded on the operator log.

(12) A safety self-inspection shall be conducted daily by the trained operator or responsible person and documented on a log sheet.

(13) Fecal and Non-Fecal Contamination Response Plan. All public swimming pools shall have a written contamination response plan for responding to incidents of formed-stool, diarrheal-stool, and vomitus contamination. Such incidents shall be recorded and managed by the trained operator or responsible person as follows:

(a) A log shall be maintained to record each occurrence of contamination in the water or on the adjacent deck area for formed or diarrheal fecal material, whole stomach discharge of vomitus, and blood.

(b) After an incident, the public swimming pool will be closed for the time required to achieve the correct contact concentration and time (CT) value (CT, mg-min/L) for the hazard, in accordance with the most recent recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(14) Upon completion of any swimming pool or spa, the manager and his operators shall be given complete written and oral instructions by the builder as well as operational guidance of the pool, all equipment and the maintenance of the swimming pool water.

(15) The theoretical peak occupancy limit shall be observed by the management. A sign stating the occupancy shall be posted in a visible location near the entrance in four inch letters and numbers. The maximum number of bathers to be allowed in a pool enclosure at one time shall be based on DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(12).

(16) Management shall establish an inclement weather policy for the safety of the bathers.

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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