With the current increase in pool use, proper maintenance and attention to safety are imperative to keep the pool clean and people safe from chemical misuse. Chemicals are important for maintenance but unfortunately can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, and eye irritation, to name a few. I recently spoke with Theresa Bellish of NSF to learn more about pool safety. Bellish has over twenty years of experience in testing, auditing and certification services for drinking water treatment chemicals, distribution system components, recreational water products, onsite wastewater treatment systems and electrical safety services. Bellish shared a few simple steps hoteliers can take to ensure a proper level of pool safety.
First, Bellish told me that operators need to make sure chemicals are stored at recommended conditions—away from sunlight, and in a dry environment. “It can impact the chemicals,” she says.
“Use certified materials and chemicals that have gone through independent, third-party certification,” Bellish emphasizes. “Safety is always first. Wear proper goggles and gloves. Make sure you verify the chemical is what you think it is. Make sure the labels match up. Read the labels.”
“Test the water on a regular basis for chlorine levels, PH and alkalinity,” she added. “When it comes to the chemistry of the water, make sure it is balanced—7.4 to 7.6 pH, 80 to 100 ppm alkalinity, and with chlorine in the 1 to 3 ppm range.”
In a saltwater pool, salt levels should range from 2700 to 3400 ppm. Water outside that range can lead to skin and eye irritation, Bellish says. It is not the saltwater itself that disinfects but the chlorine created from the salt cell. Because salt is more corrosive, pools made of concrete or with a vinyl liner should be inspected for rust and corrosion.
More chlorine is needed if there are a lot of swimmers and ideally (wishful thinking, I know), swimmers should shower before entering the pool. “All that dirt and grime is being transferred to the pool and from the body,” Bellish says.
Feeder design needs to match the specific chemical type, brand and trade name being used. If there is a mismatch, this can cause a chemical explosion. “Feeders are designed either to use chemicals in the form of a tablet or liquid,” Bellish says. “The feeder is designed to deliver that form of chemical at a specific rate. The system could have pressure bursts.”
Pool chemistry should be checked two to three times a day—morning, mid-day and afternoon.
Pool operator certification is also critical. Most pool codes require pool operators to complete a two-day course to become a certified pool operator.
Click here to learn more about Pool and Spa Chemicals Certification.
