POOL PLANT – SPLASH ZONES disinfected before pad is used.
• Ensure pad is fit for purpose – e.g. remove stones, glass, debris etc.
• Check fittings are fit for purpose. • Ensure all controllers are operating correctly as the best practice recommends this whilst open.
• Ensure filters are thoroughly disinfected. • Backwash regularly and ensure good dilution, generally the volume of these is a fifth of conventional pools.
• Superchlorinate whole system possibly with specialised chemicals.
• Keep pad spotlessly clean after use to reduce the attraction of animals which can harbour various pathogens and defecate on the pad!
• It is good practice to clean after a day’s use with biocides compatible with water and, sluice down before use.
• Keep pH at the bottom of the range. • If using stabilisers ensure elevated free chlorine level.
• Ensure you have a robust Standard Operating Procedure for all predictable events.
• Ensure crypto protocols are adhered to. • A major issue is the lack of toilet and shower provision – can you address it?
food for bacteria and use up disinfectants. Good showering facilities are essential and can be used as an entrance to the zones.
3. Controlling water chemistry including the disinfectant and pH daily with a suitable robust traffic light system. Total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, temperature and calcium hardness – i.e. water balance, after each back wash and altered as necessary. It is also valuable to check source water for water balance weekly.
4. Monitoring and thorough cleaning of the splash zone. Incorrect operation and maintenance can promote colonisation of filter units, balance tanks etc. The most common type of filter used are pressure sand filters, ideally medium rate. They require specific maintenance (refer to the supplier’s recommendations). A good regime is to super chlorinate regularly. Care should be taken to protect the probes of the automatic controller.
As a health check, water in splash zones should be tested at least once per month for microbial activity. In busy splash zones it may be necessary to test more frequently. Suitable protocols for detection of blood, vomit and faeces are essential.
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES Operators have a legal responsibility to ensure splash zone water is safe for both staff and customers. This legislation is further reinforced by Legionella legislation. It should be noted that splash zones have to be tested and corrective action taken where necessary, frequently throughout operational days (every two hours). It is also a requirement to record
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disinfectant levels and any remedial action taken,
www.staadmin.co.uk is a bespoke online facility for operators to input and store pool test data; it not only stores your data in an easy to access database but will also interpret your results with a green, amber or red reading. It follows that clearly defined parameters must be set to manage these facilities safely. Subsequently when STAadmin records a red reading which is outside the recommended parameters it alerts the operator via email that the bathing conditions are not safe.
It is also recommended bacterial testing is carried out monthly including a Legionella test and all results outside parameters addressed immediately.
TYPICAL DAILY CHECK LIST BEFORE OPENING • Visually check all equipment for integrity and safety. Items would include splash zone fittings, electrical equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, etc.
• Ensure chemical levels are correct before opening and at prescribed intervals and automatic controls are operating effectively before opening the zones.
• Physically and chemically clean pump strainer pots and baskets, overflow channels and grids.
• Ensure appropriate volume of water to tie in with accepted dilution policy is used during backwash process. This also assists in the prevention of total dissolved solid build up.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PRE OPENING OF SEASONAL FACILITIES • Ensure both holding tanks are correctly
• If high rate filters are present check enough chemicals are available for a suspected runny stool.
• It is also essential that staff have robust risk controls in relation to all chemical dosing.
AUTOMATIC DOSING SYSTEM The presence of an automatic dosing system is essential for any commercial facility. This allows constant monitoring and necessary dosing of disinfectant and pH balance chemicals. It is essential that any automatic system be manually checked at least every 2 hours, to ensure correct operation. Any breakdown of the automatic system must be treated as an emergency since the constant monitoring and dosing is essential in the control of bacteria. Serious consideration should be given to closure if recommended chemical levels cannot be attained.
BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION Due to the conditions that prevail within a commercial facility, if chemical levels cannot be maintained, then bacteria can multiply very quickly. The organisms will thrive due to the water temperature (close to body temperature), organic feed from body debris and the perfect medium – water. Uncleaned surfaces and water with low disinfectant levels provide an ideal harbour for bacteria.
CONCLUSION
The need for high levels of cleanliness and control are essential in the battle against bacteria. The most important item on your priority list should be ‘good house keeping’. SPN
STA 01922 645097
www.sta.co.uk
SPN February 2013 37
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