Spring 2015

WavelengthO A K L A N D C O U N T Y H E A L T H D I V I S I O N

Welcome to the 2015 issue of the Wavelength. Alongwith this newslett er, the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) provides a free pool seminar as part of our educati onal outreach to public swimming pool operators. This year the pool seminar will take place on Friday, April 17, 2015; see Page 2 for more informati on.

To expedite the process of opening your outdoor pool we are introducing a new opening procedure this year. If your pool is eligible to open prior to an inspecti on, simply fi ll out and email the checklist to us at OCHDpools@oakgov.com. You need not wait for OCHD approval. See Page 2 for further conditi ons and details.

As a reminder, a State of Michigan Public Swimming Pool license must be renewed each calendar year and posted at the facility. An applicati on and submitt al instructi ons can be obtained by calling Teresa Fry, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), (517) 284-6529 or by e-mail at fryt@michigan.gov. In

Spring 2015 Pool Seminar 2New Outdoor Pool Opening Procedure 2I Already Paid the $66 Fee! 2What is the Proper Way to Take a Water Sample? 3Model Aquatic Health Code - First Edition Now Available 3Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance 3Spray Pads and Parks: An Alternative to Swimming Pools 4Operators-Guardians of the Swimming Pool 5Drain Cover Expiration and Replacement 5Cleaning Up Body Fluid Spills on Pool Deck Surfaces 6Swim Diapers 6Protecting Swimmers from STAPH and MRSA 6Hot Tubs: High Heat, Chemicals and Bathers 7Tips for Preparing to Open Your Outdoor Pool 7Why is a Flow Meter Important? 8Article Quick Links 8

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In This Issue

additi on, OCHD charges a $66.00 annual inspecti on fee per pool. The fee is required for all licensed swimming pools including pools, spas, spray pads, and therapy pools for the 2015 season and is separate from any fees that are paid to DEQ for licensure. (Click here to Environmental Health Services Applicati on for Inspecti on/Review). Failure to submit the appropriate fee and complete the inspecti on process will result in forfeiture of your State of Michigan license for the following year. Call OCHD Environmental Health Services offi ce in Ponti ac with questi ons regarding the license and/or inspecti on fees. An inspecti on cannot be done on your pool unti l all fees have been paid.

OCHD looks forward to building a strong working relati onship with you and your staff . We recommend keeping a copy of the State of Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rules (Click here) available for reference as you prepare your pool for opening this spring. As always, feel free to contact us with questi ons. We wish you a safe and healthy swimming season.

Oakland County Health Division1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341

L. Brooks Patterson Oakland County Executive

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For More Information Contact:

Pontiac - EHS1200 North Telegraph 34EPontiac, MI 48341-0432248.858.1312FAX 248.452.9758

Southfi eld - EHS27725 Greenfi eld RdSouthfi eld, MI 48076-3625248.424.7191FAX 248.424.7115

Click here to view the EHS Pool Program website.

The Oakland County Health Division will not deny participation in its programs based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. State and federal eligibility requirements apply for certain programs.

Spring 2015 Wavelength

SPRING 2015 POOL SEMINAR“Crack the Code: Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rules”

Join us for a review of the DEQ Pool Rules and gain insight into what to expect from your annual OCHD public swimming pool inspecti on. Save the following date:

Date: Friday, April 17, 2015Cost: FreeLocati on: Oakland County Executi ve Offi ce Building

East and West Oakland Conference Rooms2100 Ponti ac Lake Rd, 41W Waterford MI 48328

Schedule: 8:30 am to 9:00 am Registrati on9:00 am to 1:00 pm “Crack the Code: Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rules”

Note: No lunch break will be provided.

Pre-enrollment required. Click here to register online or contact Richard C. Peresky at 248.858.1007 or by email at OCHDpools@oakgov.com .

If your pool was not closed by OCHD for any reason during the 2014 season, you have paid the OCHD inspecti on fee, have a current DEQ license, and a sati sfactory water sample result, you are eligible to open prior to an OCHD inspecti on. Simply fi ll out the “Noti fi cati on of Operati on” form found on page 3 of the “Seasonal Opening Checklist” (Click here) and email it to OCHDpools@oakgov.com. If all the above conditi ons are met, you do not need to wait for OCHD approval prior to operati on. Our staff will conduct the inspecti on soon aft er noti fi cati on has been submitt ed. If your pool was closed by OCHD for any reason, please call 248-858-1312 to schedule an opening inspecti on.

I ALREADY PAID THE $66 FEE!

Please note that in addition to the Oakland County Health Division’s (OCHD) $66 annual pool inspection fee, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) pool license fee is also $66. The OCHD inspection fee, per licensed vessel (including pools, spas, wade pools, therapy pools, etc) is required to be paid prior to your annual pool inspection. For indoor pools, the due date was December 31, 2014. The outdoor pool fee will be due in April. A letter will be sent to outdoor pool owners/operators this spring. For questions on pool inspection fees, please contact Environmental Health Services at 248-858-1312.

The DEQ $66 annual license fee was due December 31, 2014. Late fees are now applicable. Click here to see the fee schedule. For questions on pool license fees, please contact Teresa Fry, DEQ, at fryt@michigan.gov or 517-284-6529.

1-800-784-8669

Contact 248-858-8745 for further information on tobacco dependence.The Oakland County Health Division will not deny participation in its programs based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. State and Federal eligibility requirements apply for certain programs.

The Michigan Department of Community Health offers many solutions to those who want to quit Tobacco. Finding the right one is up to each individual and we encourage people to visit the MDCH Quit Tobacco tools and resources website.

RoxanneCondit/MyBookGraphics/SubstanceAbuse/YouCanQuit/02.14.2012

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Spring 2015 Wavelength

MODEL AQUATIC HEALTH CODE FIRST EDITION NOW AVAILABLE

The fi rst editi on of the Model Aquati c Health Code (MAHC) is now available on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventi on’s (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/mahc/.

The MAHC is not law, but a set of guidelines for state and local governments to follow when setti ng their own public swimming pool rules. The goals of the MAHC are:

• to help prevent drowning, illness, and injuryassociated with swimming

• to raise minimum standards and reduce inspecti onviolati ons at public pools

• to keep pools open to allow for more summer andyear round fun

The MAHC has not yet been adopted in Michigan. All licensed public swimming pools here must comply with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Public Swimming Pool Rules (Click here). DEQ plans to adopt porti ons of the MAHC in the near future.

Wash hands with soap and water prior to opening the sterilized bott le.

1. Empty the pill or powder into the lid without touching it. Donot worry if the powder sti cks to the inside of the bott le.

2. Invert the bott le, thrusti ng it into the pool water at least 12inches or elbow length. Do not sample the water directly infront of an inlet or skimmer.

3. Turn the bott le upright under the water then raise it out ofthe pool or spa.

4. Tap the water bott le to remove excess water unti l it reachesthe 100ml level.

5. Pour the pill/powder from the lid into the water, cover ti ghtlyand att ach the properly completed sample form with a rubberband.

6. Take the sample directly to the lab or drop off locati on. Poolsamples should be transported on ice.

Following these steps will help you avoid contaminati ng your water sample. Ask your sanitarian at your annual inspecti on for a demonstrati on, or call Environmental Health Services for guidance.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The Americans with Disabiliti es Act (ADA) was revised in 2010 and implemented January 31, 2013. The 2010 revisions require at least one accessible means of entry to a pool, spa, or wade pool when readily achievable. Two means of entry are required for pools greater than 300 square feet. Suitable means of entry include chair lift s, sloped entries, accessible pool stairs, and transfer walls. These requirements for both newly constructed and existi ng public swimming pools will ensure that, going forward, people with disabiliti es can enjoy the same acti viti es at the same locati ons and with the same independence as everyone else. Enforcement of the ADA, primarily through private lawsuits, is overseen by the United States Department of Justi ce (DOJ) and through local building offi cials. DOJ offi ces can be reached at (800) 514-0301. For more informati on, review the following documents found on the DEQ website:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-rmd-dwehs-sp-meansofentryandexit_375961_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-rmd-dwehs-sp-adafaq_368038_7.pdf

SPRAY PADS AND PARKS: AN ALTERNATIVE TO SWIMMING POOLS

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Recreational water facilities come in many shapes and forms. Pools, ranging in depth from three to fi ve feet, are the most popular in Oakland County. Over the past 10 years, however, spray pads have become more common. There are now four licensed spray pad facilities in Oakland County. These differ from pools because they are at ground surface and have active water features as the exposure method. They are not meant for full body immersion. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) defi nes a spray pad as one where the sprayed feature water is collected and recirculated instead of simply sprayed then sent directly to waste. This cycling water requires pumps, fi lters, and chemical feeders similar to those used in pools. A DEQ swimming pool license is not required when the spray pad water is sent directly to waste (sewer or surface water). Water sent to surface water may, however, need a discharge permit.

There are several concerns specifi c to spray pads not seen with traditional swimming pools. Because potential contaminants like diarrhea, vomit, and dirt are rinsed off and recycled there may be an increased risk of recreational water illnesses if the water is not properly treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (click to view), several Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks have been associated with spray pad use in the last few years. With spray pad use there is also a higher chance for droplet exposure to the lungs compared to pool usage. This can lead to illnesses like Legionnaires Disease. Indoor spray pads are of higher concern due to elevated humidity levels, but the spray pads in Oakland County are all located outdoors.

The Model Aquatic Health Code (click to view) defi nes spray pads as an “Increased Risk Aquatic Venue” because the typical user is under fi ve years of age. Similar to wade pools, young children are the most frequent visitors to

spray pads. They are at greater risk for recreational water illness due to developing immune systems and because they are less cautious than adults with hygiene habits.

Pool and spray pad requirements are similar in many ways. Routing of waste water is alike because used water in both instances should be routed to approved drains. Spray pads and gutter system pools both require surge tanks. Both types of facilities also require test kits and emergency phones. Both site types need fi rst aid and blood spill kits. Having a drinking fountain in place is not only a requirement, but also encourages hydration at both types of venues. Pool and spray pad rules are also different. Spray parks

do not require a fence. Since there is no expected water build up on spray pads, depth markers are not a must. A ring buoy, spine board, and reach pole are not required at spray pads. While a pool attendant is highly recommended at both pools and spray pads, lifeguards are not required at spray pads.

There are some pools that also have water features. These sites would fall under the Pool Rules. Spray pad cycling rates are 30 minutes

or less. For new pools with water features the requirement is six hours or less. DEQ approval is required prior to constructing or making modifi cations to spray pads. Contact Paul Sisson (DEQ) at (517) 284-6541. Become familiar with information located under the ‘Permits’ section on the DEQ web page. The web page has information on obtaining a construction permit, establishing a new swimming pool, and a swimming pool permit application. This information, although referencing swimming pools, is used for all licensed DEQ recreational water facilities.

Photo Courtesy of CDC.govwww.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/water-play-areas-interactive-fountains.html

Spring 2015 Wavelength

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OPERATORS - GUARDIANS OF THE SWIMMING POOL

Owning and taking care of a public swimming pool comes with many important responsibiliti es. A knowledgeable operator can be the diff erence between a safe summer or one requiring response to medical emergencies. Well cared for pools allow patrons to enjoy many of the health benefi ts associated with swimming. In order for a pool to functi on properly it is imperati ve that swimming pool operators understand their pools.

There are many ways to learn how to operate a public swimming pool. Some of these can be informal such as learning from former pool operators, speaking with pool vendors, and reading arti cles from reputable sources in print or on the internet. Vendors and other public agencies may also off er meeti ngs or trainings. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) hosts an annual pool seminar to refresh operators and owners about basic pool operati on principles and County specifi c standards. This year, the seminar will be held April 17 (See Page 2 for details). Reviewing previous OCHD annual inspecti on reports is another way to learn about your pool. Also, make sure to clear up any issues you have with your OCHD sanitarian during your annual pool inspecti on. He/she will be glad to clarify any questi ons you may have.

More formal training is off ered by the Nati onal Swimming Pool Foundati on (NSPF) and the Nati onal Recreati on and Park Associati on (NRPA). In additi on to the many free on-line videos found on the NSPF website, they also off er a Certi fi ed Pool Operator (CPO) certi fi cati on, while NRPA off ers the Aquati c Facility Operator (AFO) certi fi cati on. Both courses are taught by certi fi ed instructors and porti ons can be taken online and in the classroom. Successful completi on of an exam is required to receive certi fi cati on. CPO and AFO certi fi cati ons are currently not required by the Pool Rules, though OCHD strongly encourages faciliti es to consider this type of training.

Operator duti es are found in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Public Swimming Pool Rules. In general, pool operators must know the basic mechanics and safety features of the swimming pool: What the fl ow rate should be, how to test the concentrati on of chlorine/bromine, how to test pH, how/when to backwash. Perhaps most importantly, the operator should know where the pool emergency and conti ngency plans are located and what to do with the pool during both a medical emergency and/

DRAIN COVER EXPIRATION AND REPLACEMENT

You may have noti ced a new statement preprinted on your routi ne pool inspecti on report in the lower left corner:

“Note: Replace anti -entrapment drain covers per manufacturer guidelines. Must meet

ANSI/APSP-16 2011 standards”

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 required anti -entrapment drain covers on all public swimming pools. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) required completi on of a drain replacement form shortly aft er the Act implementati on indicati ng the installati on of approved drain covers. Most of these drain covers expired fi ve years aft er installati on. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) urges you to check the expirati on dates on your main drain covers and replace, as necessary. Completi on of another form is not necessary if replacing with the same make and model. However, a construction permit may be necessary if the drains need to be cut out. For further clarification contact Paul Sisson, DEQ at: sissonp@michigan.gov, prior to replacement.

or contaminati on event. How to turn off the pool equipment and pump, how to properly shock the pool, and the ability to close/lock the pool enclosure are all essenti al functi ons of a pool operator. Finally, the Public Swimming Pool Rules require the pool operator be available to the pool area within 15 minutes to ensure the above duti es can be accomplished in a ti mely manner. It is a good idea to have at least two people who can perform the duti es of the pool operator to ensure adequate coverage during vacati ons and on weekends. For further questi ons on the duti es of a pool operator, please contact OCHD Environmental Health Services.

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Spring 2015 Wavelength

CLEANING UP BODY FLUID SPILLS ON POOL DECK SURFACESBody fl uids, including blood, feces, and vomit are all considered possibly contaminated with infectious pathogens or other germs. Spills of these fl uids on the pool deck should be cleaned up and the soiled surfaces disinfected immediately.

One of the most commonly used chemicals for disinfection is a homemade solution of household bleach and water. Since a solution of bleach and water loses its power quickly, it should be mixed fresh before each clean-up to make sure it is eff ective.

Recipe for Bleach Disinfecting Solution:

• 9 parts cool water• 1 part household bleachAdd the household bleach to the water. Mix the solution.

Clean-up Procedure Using Bleach Solution:

1. Block off the area of the spill from clients until clean-up and disinfection is complete. (Closure of the pool may be necessary.)

2. Put on disposable gloves to prevent contamination of hands. 3. Wipe up the spill using paper towels or absorbent material and place in a plastic garbage bag. 4. Gently pour bleach solution onto all contaminated areas.5. Let the bleach solution remain on the contaminated area for 20 minutes. 6. Wipe up any remaining bleach solution. 7. All non-disposable cleaning materials used such as mops and scrub brushes should be disinfected by

saturating with bleach solution and air dried. 8. Remove gloves and place in plastic garbage bag with all soiled cleaning materials. 9. Double-bag and securely tie-up plastic garbage bags and discard. 10. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

SWIM DIAPERS

The State of Michigan Swimming Pool Rules do not prohibit diaper aged children from using a public swimming pool. However, the use of swim diapers may offer a false sense of protection says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swim diapers only delay the entry of stool and diarrhea into the pool water; they do not prevent contamination. If you choose to allow diaper aged children in your swimming pool, emphasize that anyone, regardless of age, should not swim with diarrhea. Also, recommending caregivers check swim diapers every 30 minutes, and taking frequent bathroom breaks when swimming with young children will also help avoid contamination. Providing changing tables, soap, and hot water in your restrooms encourages a clean/sanitary area away from the pool to change diapers. These are simple things you can do to encourage proper hygiene at your swimming pool.

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a common type of bacteria that lives on the skin of healthy people. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to certain anti bioti cs. While MRSA does not survive long in pool water because of the presence of disinfectants, it is possible to spread MRSA at a public swimming pool facility. MRSA can be spread from an infected person through direct contact such as brushing up against an open wound. It can also be spread by touching contaminated objects such as hand railings, kickboards, or benches. Oft en people do not know that they have a MRSA infecti on because it can look like a spider or insect bite.

As a pool operator, you must be aware of ways you can prevent transmission of MRSA. Ensure that bathers cover cuts or scrapes. Have an adequate supply of bandages on hand for any injuries. Be sure to clean frequently touched surfaces such as benches, chairs, railings and locker room fi xtures with an anti microbial cleaner. Allow pool toys and accessories to dry in the sun to control bacterial growth.

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Spring 2015 Wavelength

HOT TUBS: HIGH HEAT, CHEMICALS AND BATHERS

Operati on of a spa requires special considerati ons. The shear lack of size in additi on to high bather loads and elevated temperatures can wreak havoc on water chemistry and cause many frustrati ons. Due to the smaller size and decreased water volume, spas are highly responsive to chemicals and mistakes can have a great impact. In additi on, higher bather load per water volume can promote slime build-up which provides a place for bacteria to grow. Higher water temperatures can deplete disinfectant and more readily foster recreati onal water illnesses. Following the ti ps below, keeping organized, and ensuring that monitoring and operati onal procedures are followed on a daily basis is essenti al to prevent the spread of recreati onal water illnesses and at the same ti me will reduce your stress level!

• Regularly monitor and train employees. Ensure proper staffi ng throughout the week, and especially on the weekends. Remember an operator must be available to respond within 15 minutes when the pool/spa is open to the public.

• Maintain and test chlorine (3-5 parts per million) and bromine (4-6 parts per million) levels. The pH should be balanced between 7.4 and 7.6. Note: higher saniti zer levels are recommended with increased bather loads.

• Test and record chemical levels at least three (3) ti mes a day. • Ensure water temperatures do not exceed 104°F.• Never shock a spa.• Enforce bather load limits.• Keep complete records of all chemical levels and work performed on the spa.• Drain, scrub, and replace the water on a weekly to monthly basis, depending on usage and water quality.• Inspect and maintain all fi ltrati on and recirculati on components. Scrub and remove any slime layers that may have

formed.• Keep users informed of proper use and current pool conditi ons.

TIPS FOR PREPARING TO OPEN YOUR OUTDOOR POOL

Make sure to do the following to prepare for opening your outdoor swimming pool:

1. Verify that you have a current license through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

2. Pay the 2015 Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) inspection fee. The $66 fee is required for each swimming pool and/or spa at your facility.

3. Submit a water sample to the OCHD lab, or a DEQ certifi ed laboratory to test for total coliform and standard plate count. Do not take a sample until the pool water has been balanced. Sample results must be zero (0) or non-detect for total coliform and less than 200 MPN/100ml for standard plate count.

4. Address any violations noted on last year’s inspection.5. If your pool was open all of the 2014 swimming pool season (you were not issued a closure order

for any reason by OCHD), you may submit a pool opening checklist found at: http://www.oakgov.com/health/Documents/EH/eh_pools_opening_checklist.pdf . You only need to return the last page of the form, “Notifi cation of Operation,” to OCHD. The notifi cation should be emailed to OCHDpools@oakgov.com.

6. If you were closed by OCHD for any reason last year, you need to have an inspection prior to opening. It is best to call at least one week in advance to schedule an opening inspection.

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ARTICLE QUICK LINKS

Page 1 - Environmental Services Applicati on for Inspecti on/Review (pg 1): www.oakgov.com/health/Documents/EH/eh_app_insp_review.pdfPage 1, 3, 5 - State of Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rules www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-dwrpd-eh-swmpl-SR_Rules_PRINT_COPY_2-8-01_270447_7.pdfPage 2- Spring 2015 Pool Seminar Registrati ons: www01.oakgov.com/servicesreg/default.aspx EHS Pool Website: www.oakgov.com/health/Pages/info_pub/eh_pool_program.aspx OCHD Noti fi cati on of Operati on form: htt p://www.oakgov.com/health/Documents/EH/eh_pools_opening_checklist.pdf DEQ Fee Schedule http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/wb-land-swimmingpools-feeadjustments_216064_7.pdf

Page 3 & 4 - Model Aquati c Health Code: htt p://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/swimming/pools/mahc/Complete-First-Editi on-MAHC-Code.pdfPage 3 ADA Compliance, DEQ links: htt p://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-rmd-dwehs-sp-meansofentryandexit_375961_7.pdf htt p://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-rmd-dwehs-sp-adafaq_368038_7.pdfPage 4 - CDC, water play areas and interacti ve fountains: htt p://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/water-play-areas-interacti ve-fountains.htmlPage 4 - DEQ web page, permits secti on: www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_51087_3732---,00.htmlPage 5 - Nati onal Swimming Pool Foundati on (NSPF): htt p://nspf.org/en/home.aspx Nati onal Recreati on and Park Associati on (NRPA): htt p://www.nrpa.org/AFO/Page 7 - OCHD pool opening checklist: www.oakgov.com/health/Documents/EH/eh_pools_opening_checklist.pdf

WHY IS A FLOW METER IMPORTANT?

The fl ow rate is the amount of water that fl ows through your pool in a set ti me period. The fl ow rate is reported in gallons per minute. A fl ow meter is used to measure the fl ow rate. Flow meters are required to be installed on the pool piping system. The fl ow rate for a pool is determined by taking the total pool volume (gallons of water) and dividing it by the pool turnover period (total ti me it takes for the pool circulati on system to move the total volume of pool water).

Damaged fl ow meters or inadequate fl ow meter readings are common violati ons cited on pool inspecti on reports. Flow meters are important because the sizing of pump equipment is dependent on the fl ow rate. Water quality and water clarity depend on the fl ow rate of water. A properly working fl ow meter can help prevent pool problems and closures. For example, a fl ow meter that has a low reading may be an indicati on that pool water is not circulati ng in the pool fast enough. Poor pool water circulati on can lead to water clarity problems and unsati sfactory water samples, which will result in closure of the pool.

When monitoring pool chemistry or completi ng pool maintenance, check your fl ow meter to ensure it is working and the fl ow meter reading is adequate. If you are unsure what your fl ow meter reading should be, take a look at last year’s pool inspecti on. The required fl ow rate is listed on the top left of your annual pool inspecti on report.