Section 410IAC6-2.1-44. Fecal accidents

   (a) In the event that a solid stool or full stomach vomit is identified in the pool or spa water, the following steps are required:

(1) The pool shall be cleared of all patrons and close all affected pools or spas operating a common filtration system and keep closed during the sanitation procedure.

(2) The solid fecal material or vomit shall be removed using a net or scoop. The pool vacuum shall not be used for this purpose. All equipment used to remove the fecal material or vomit shall be sanitized with a fresh solution of twenty (20) parts per million (ppm) chlorine or immersed in the pool during disinfection.

(3) The free chlorine/bromine level shall be tested.

(4) pH shall be maintained 7.5 or less.

(5) Ensure water temperature of seventy-seven (77) degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

(6) If chlorine stabilizers are not present in the pool water, the pool shall be closed until a minimum of two (2) ppm of free disinfectant has been present in the pool water for a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes as measured at poolside or the length of time necessary to attain a CT inactivation value of forty-five (45). When chlorine stabilizers are present in pool water, the pool shall be closed until four (4) ppm of free disinfectant must be present in the pool water for a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes as measured at poolside or the length of time necessary to attain a CT inactivation value of one hundred (100).

(7) When the required level of disinfectant concentration is met, the pool may reopen.

  (b) In the event that a nonsolid stool is identified in the pool or spa water, the following steps are required:

(1) Immediately clear the pool of all patrons and close all affected pools or spas operating on a common filtration system and keep closed during the sanitization procedure.

(2) The fecal matter should be removed as much as possible using a net or scoop. The pool vacuum shall not be used for this purpose. All equipment used to remove the fecal material shall be sanitized with a fresh solution of twenty (20) ppm chlorine or immersed in the pool during disinfection.

(3) pH shall be maintained at 7.5 or less.

(4) Ensure that water temperature shall be seventy-seven (77) degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

(5) If chlorine stabilizers are not present in the pool water, raise the free chlorine residual in the pool water to twenty (20) ppm, chlorine minimum, and maintain it at that level for a minimum of seven hundred sixty-five (765) minutes (twelve (12) hours and forty-five (45) minutes), or the length of time necessary to attain a CT inactivation value of 15,300 or completely drain the pool to a public sewer. Spas only may be completely drained to an approved sewage disposal system other than a public sewer. Stabilized chlorine cannot be used to raise the free chlorine residual. When chlorine stabilizers are present in the pool water, the pool shall be closed, the pH lowered to 6.5, and a forty (40) ppm of free disinfectant must be present in the pool water for a minimum of thirty (30) hours as measured at poolside.

(6) When the pool is drained, sanitize all surfaces with a chlorine solution of at least twenty (20) ppm.

(7) When the pool is disinfected without draining, continuously operate the recirculation/filtration system during the sanitization/contact period time.

(8) Filters shall be backwashed to waste and filter material replenished as necessary.

(9) When the sanitizing contact period is completed, the pool may be reopened if the:

(A) excess free chlorine levels are reduced to the maximum allowed in section 30(b) of this rule;

(B) pH is balanced as needed;

(C) filter is recharged as needed; and

(D) circulation system is operating.

(Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 6-2.1-44; filed May 19, 2003, 8:30 a.m.: 26 IR 3333; readopted filed Jul 8, 2009, 1:44 p.m.: 20090805-IR-410090209RFA; filed Jul 26, 2010, 2:16 p.m.: 20100825-IR-410090006FRA; readopted filed Sep 30, 2015, 2:45 p.m.: 20151028-IR-410150169RFA)