Durham County
HomeNews
Health Officials Riding Wave of Pool Inspections
Period in advance of Memorial Day is busiest time of year
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Media Contact: |
|
| May 22, 2014 |
DURHAM, N.C. – These days, it is not unusual to find pool program specialist John Williams by a swimming pool, but a refreshing dip is not the reason for the visit.
“If I’m not inspecting a swimming pool, I’m on the phone scheduling an inspection for one,” said Williams.
The period leading up to the Memorial Day holiday is the busiest time of the year for pool inspections for the Durham County Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health division.
Since April 1, the division has averaged approximately 18 pool inspections per week.
The Durham County Department of Public Health is mandated by state law to inspect public swimming pools, spas, and wading pools. Pools are permitted as either seasonal or year-round status. Seasonal permits may be issued after April 1 and expire on October 31 of each calendar year. Year-round permits are valid for 12 months after the date of issuance.
The department currently monitors 172 seasonal and 120 year-round public swimming facilities.
State law requires seasonal pools undergo a minimum of one inspection per year while year-round facilities require a minimum of two inspections per year. Environmental Health specialists conduct the permitting and compliance inspections for these facilities. Inspections evaluate five major categories: water quality, pool maintenance, premises, equipment room, and dressing and sanitary facilities.
If one or more critical items are noted during the inspection that cannot be corrected, then the permit is denied or immediately suspended.
One extra challenge that Environmental Health specialists face this year involves compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Passed by Congress and signed into law in 2007, this federal legislation established national pool drain safety requirements to reduce the entrapment and suction hazards associated with pools.
All public pools in the United States must have drain covers that meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard and any single main drain must have a secondary means of preventing entrapment. Documentation of compliance was required by May 1, 2010 for pools to continue to operate.
“Most pools in Durham County became compliant in 2009,” said onsite water protection section supervisor Patrick Eaton. “However, many Virginia Graeme Baker approved drain covers are only guaranteed by the manufacturer to meet the ASME/ANSI standard for five years and thus must be replaced accordingly. This pool season marks the end of the five year service life for most drain covers in Durham County. ”
In addition to normal inspection and documentation procedures, pool operators must also provide documentation of drain cover replacement and manufacture date for their drain covers before obtaining a permit from the Durham County Department of Public Health.
The keys to safety in and around the water are proper supervision and being aware of the surrounding environment. Some things to look for include:
• Make sure pool gates are always closed. When entering the pool area, gates should latch after entry.
• Pool rules are clearly posted.
• Ensure that a working emergency phone exists in the pool area.
• Make sure there is clear unobstructed access around the pool.
• A lifeguard should be on duty or signs posted indicating that no lifeguard is provided. If no lifeguard is provided, the law requires that a US Coast Guard approved ring buoy, throw rope and reach pole with body hook be visible and readily accessible.
• Swimmers should also be mindful of pool safety and sanitation. It is recommended that all no one swim alone and that children be monitored by an adult at all times. Swimmers should shower before entering the pool and small children should wear swim diapers. In the event of fecal contamination, the pool should be vacated and pool management notified immediately. Pool operators can then employ established procedures to disinfect the pool.
• In general, if the water chemistry is properly maintained, the water will be crystal clear and sparkling. A coin dropped into the pool will be clearly visible on the pool floor
• Follow the no diving and depth warnings
• Stay away from the main drains.
Additional tips and recommendations for preventing water-related injuries can be found by visiting the CDC’s Home and Recreational Safety page at http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/index.html.
For more information about pool and spa inspections in Durham County, contact the Environmental Health division at 919-560-7800, by e-mail at healthinspector@dconc.gov, or visit the division webpage at dconc.gov/publichealth.
# # #