Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 55-89 - Food, Lodging, and Recreation Safety
Chapter ATCP 76 - Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Pools and Water Attractions
Subchapter III - Water Treatment Systems and Water Quality
Section ATCP 76.16 - Water quality

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง ATCP 76.16

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) GENERAL REQUIREMENT. Pool water shall be free of chemical, physical, and microbial substances known to be, or suspected of being, capable of creating toxic reactions or skin or membrane irritations. P

(2) WATER CLARITY. Pool water shall be transparent and free from cloudiness. The main drain grating shall be readily visible from the pool deck, including the outline of the main drain and the main drain cover pattern. P

(3) WATER SAMPLING.

(a) Sample collection and analysis. The department or its agent may collect samples of pool water for microbiological analysis in evaluating water quality. The analysis of water samples shall be performed by a laboratory accredited by the department. These monitoring activities may be supplemented with additional microbiological analysis, which shall be performed by an accredited laboratory certified in those methods. Pf

Note: A list of accredited laboratories may be obtained by calling the department at (608)224-4712 or by email at.

(b) Bacteriological standards. Water quality shall be maintained to meet the following standards:
1. When bacteriological analysis of total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Legionella pneumophila is performed, no detectable levels are present in a 100 milliliter sample. P Any approved method for each analyte may be reported as either colony forming units or most probable number.

2. When bacteriological analysis is performed for the heterotrophic plate count, the total count may not exceed 200 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) in a 100 milliliter sample. Pf

3. If a pool is closed due to a water sample that contains total coliforms pursuant to s. ATCP 76.30 (1) (b), the pool can be reopened when the pool system is properly working, the disinfectant or sanitizer concentration is maintained pursuant to s. ATCP 76.14 Table A, and any fecal accidents have been treated pursuant to s. ATCP 76.31. P

(4) ALGAE CONTROL. An algaecide may be used in a pool pursuant to ss. ATCP 29.50 (4) (b) 1. and 76.14 (2), according to the manufacturer's label directions. P

This section is created eff. 9-24-23 by CR 22-021.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin 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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.