Public swimming pools are licensed and regulated by the State’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Public Swimming Pool program. Local environmental health sanitarians conduct yearly facility inspections at licensed public swimming pools, spas and splash pads. Sanitarians also investigate complaints and provide educational materials to pool operators.
Pool operators are required to sample pool(s) for the presence of coliform bacteria regularly during operation. Operators should test chlorine and bromine levels at a minimum of twice daily to ensure proper disinfectant levels are maintained.
When a pool contamination event occurs or a positive coliform bacteria test result is received, the pool should be closed and “shocked.” This process destroys algae, bacteria, chloramines, and human waste before re-opening. Operators should follow the disinfectant manufacturer's recommendation for the proper amount of treatment chemical to use when shocking a pool.
Calculating Pool Volume:
- Rectangular pool: length x width x average depth x 7.5 = volume in gallons
- Circular pool: diameter x average depth x 5.9 = volume in gallons
For more information regarding a contamination event clean-up, please refer to: EGLE Contingency and Emergency Response Plans.
Recommended Pool Chemistry
|
Chemical Parameter |
Ideal Range |
|
Calcium Hardness |
200 ppm – 400 ppm |
|
pH Range |
7.4 – 7.6 |
|
Chlorine Range |
1.0 ppm – 3.0 ppm |
|
Bromine Range |
2.0 ppm – 4.0 ppm |
|
Alkalinity Range |
80 ppm – 120 ppm |
Note: ppm = parts per million (e.g., 1 oz to 1,000,000 oz).
Frequently Asked Questions
A rash appeared a day after swimming in a pool. What is the next step?
Contact a health care provider first and mention the development of a rash after swimming. A provider can evaluate the need for treatment. Additionally, contact the Environmental Health office with the name of the pool. An investigation will be conducted to attempt to determine the cause of the rash.
A rash developed after swimming in a lake. What should be done?
Contact a health care provider for treatment. Contact the Health Department to report the time and location of the swim.
What is "swimmer's itch"?
Swimmer's itch usually refers to a rash caused by a small parasite that burrows under the skin and dies. To avoid the rash, shower immediately after leaving the water, towel dry, and change into dry clothes. Removing water droplets before they dry on the skin is essential, as the parasite can survive in a water droplet long enough to burrow under the skin.
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