Maintenanace and Operation of Public Swimming Pools
Swimming pools must be continually disinfected with a chemical which imparts an easily measured, free available residual effect. When chlorine is used, a free chlorine residual of at least 0.5 parts per million (ppm), but no more than 5.0 ppm, must be maintained throughout the pool. When bromine is used, a residual of at least 1.0 ppm, but no more than 10.0 ppm, must be maintained throughout the pool. The minimum chlorine and bromine levels are 1.0 ppm and 2.0 ppm respectfully when cyanuric acid exceeds 30 ppm, pH is greater than 7.7, the water temperature is greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, or the pool is a wading pool. For spa pools, the minimum allowed disinfectant residual is 2.0 ppm free chlorine or 4.0 ppm bromine.
The pH of the water in the pool must be maintained between 7.2 and 8.0.
The alkalinity of the water in the pool must be at least 50 parts per million.
Whenever the pool is open for use, the pool water must be clear enough so the bottom drain is easily visible.
Visible dirt on the bottom of the pool must be removed every 24 hours or more frequently as needed to eliminate buildup. Visible scum or floating matter on the pool surface must be removed no less than every 24 hours by flushing or other effective means.
Proper operating records must be kept daily showing:
A) the operating periods of recirculation pumps and filters and corresponding
rate-of-flow meter readings;
B) amounts of chemicals added, except chemicals added through an automated
system;
C) disinfectant residuals including both free and total disinfectant residuals;
D) pH readings;
E) the temperature reading of pools with heaters;
F) any other pool chemistry measurement taken, although not required to
be recorded daily, such as alkalinity and cyanuric acid concentrations;
G) any malfunction of equipment; and
H) any accidents or injuries requiring assistance from a lifeguard, attendant,
or emergency medical personnel.
All pool incidents resulting in death or serious injury that require
assistance from emergency medical personnel must be
reported to the Commissioner of Health by the owner or the owner’s
agent by the end of the next working day.
The owner or operator must designate a trained operator to operate the pool in compliance with Minnesota Rules, part 4717.0150 to part 4717.3975. The trained operator must be certified as successfully completing a pool operator training course as specified. Acceptable training courses are:
A) the National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool Operator course;
B) the National Spa and Pool Institute Tech I and Tech II courses (both
required); or
C) the National Recreation and Park Association Aquatic Facility Operator
course.
A certified trained operator must successfully complete a training course as specified at least once every five years. A copy of the trained operators training certificate must be posted at the facility whenever the pool is open for use.
An operations manual must be available that provides operational information relating to all pool equipment.