Pool Inspections
The Division of Environmental Health works to prevent illness for people who
swim or play in public pools, spas, or hot tubs by conducting routine
inspections, investigating complaints, and providing education opportunities. We
offer a seminar for Pool Operators every other year prior to the swim
season. Please call the Health Department for course listings.
Public pools are regulated by the Michigan DEQ
Public Swimming Pool Monitoring
program. Our Environmental Health Sanitarians conduct facility inspections
of outdoor pools at least once a season and at least twice a year for indoor
pools. Pool Operators must sample their pool for bacteria at least once a week while in
operation. Chlorine and Bromine should be tested twice a day with a test kit.
When a pool contamination event occurs the pool should be shocked. Shocking
destroys algae, bacteria, chloramines, and human wastes. Follow the disinfectant
manufacturer’s recommendation for the proper amount of treatment chemical to
use.
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Use this equation to figure out the volume of your pool: |
Rectangular pool: length x width x average depth x 7.5 = volume
Circular pool: diameter x average depth x 5.9 = volume
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Recommended Pool Chemistry |
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Calcium Hardness: |
200 ppm – 400ppm |
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Ideal pH range: |
7.4 – 7.6 |
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Chlorine range: |
1ppm – 3ppm |
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Bromine range: |
2.0ppm – 4.0ppm |
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Ideal Alkalinity range: |
80ppm – 120ppm |
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*ppm = parts per million; example: 1oz to 1,000,000oz |
Frequently Asked Questions
I was swimming in a pool and a day later I noticed I had a rash. What
should I do?
Contact your health care provider first and tell them that you developed a rash
after swimming in a pool. They can evaluate the need for treatment to make you
well. Contact our office and let us know the name of the pool. We will
investigate the incident and attempt to determine the cause of the rash.
I was swimming in a lake and developed what my neighbor called swimmers
itch. What should I do?
Contact your health care provider for treatment. Contact our department to
report when and where you went swimming.
What is swimmers itch anyway?
Swimmers itch usually refers to a rash caused by a little parasite that burrows
under your skin and dies. To avoid the rash, you should shower immediately after
leaving the water and towel dry and put on some dry clothes. Try to remove
little water droplets before they dry on your skin. The little parasite lives in
the water and can survive in a water droplet long enough to burrow under your
skin.
Resources:
Center for Disease
Control, FAQ
DEQ Public Swimming Pool Monitoring Program
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