“Stronger regulation will improve safety.” “This law will keep kids safe.” “Hiring more inspectors will improve safety.”

A recent press release from the CDC proves that safety seems to be just a buzzword in the Aquatics industry. http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0519-public-pools.html. In 5 of the most heavily regulated and frequently inspected states, 80% of facilities had at least one violation. 1 in 8 had “Immediate closure” violations. We know the industry can do far better – not through more regulation, but with the cooperation of operators and facility managers.

Safety comes through a system of multiple processes that work to make sure no single pathway exists that allows problems to go uncorrected. Safety starts with high standards – regulatory codes and industry standards.   Those standards must be followed by multiple layers, multiple checks, procedures, inspections and audits so that no single point of failure progresses to the point of violation, or worse – injury or death.

As a facility operator, it is imperative that you use a systems approach to build adequate layers to recognize deviations, catch errors, and mitigate unsafe situations rapidly – as soon as they occur. Your process must be a 360° process involving operations, finance, logistics, and executive and must include every employee level in your facility to ensure proper plan design and buy-in. It is a written plan – editable, of course, but written.

Layers include:

  • Operator and management training
  • Operating rules
  • Checklists
  • Maintenance procedures and checks
  • Qualification of facility repair personnel
  • Facility “re-open” process
  • Reporting process
  • Recordkeeping
  • Facility audits
    • Internal
    • External

Robust planning and process review will ensure your facility never has a situation that escalates to the point of violation. We recommend taking advantage of programs like those offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF®) to design your facility’s management system. As NSPF® Instructors, Lehmann Pools & Spas can help.

Pool Operator Class

Data in this latest report from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says that public pool operators in even the most regulated states (New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California) are not successfully managing their swimming pools.

  • Most inspections of public aquatic venues (almost 80 percent) identified at least one violation.
  • 1 in 8 inspections resulted in immediate closure because of serious health and safety violations.
  • 1 in 5 kiddie/wading pools were closed—the highest proportion of closures among all inspected venues.
  • The most common violations reported were related to improper pH (15 percent), safety equipment (13 percent), and disinfectant concentration (12 percent).

Lehmann Pools & Spas helps Commercial & Public Pool Operators meet and exceed the toughest pool standards.  Check out our Commercial Products & Services page to see how we can help you manage your pool.

  • Training & Certification for Operators – including NSPF®CPO®
  • Equipment Sourcing
  • Installation & Maintenance
  • Secondary Sanitization Systems
  • Chemicals
  • Inspection and Audit Services

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