A real-life example
Elise Knox, an aquatic facility operator in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas region, along with a staffer, attended a CDC state aquatics seminar in an effort to be prepared with a plan to avoid a Crypto outbreak, and that she did when her area was hit hard with an outbreak in 2007.
“We knew we couldn’t budget for UV filters in all of our pools, but we needed to prepare because an area-wide outbreak would be sure to affect us,” says Knox. “In this case, we decided to use the enhanced filtration method. We were the first pool in the area to use it, in fact.
“We have used this method now for more than seven summers and we’ve had the side benefit of excellent water clarity.”
According to Knox, when the outbreak occurred, they hyper chlorinated the pool water as per CDC recommendations.
“Chlorine is not the be all and end all solution; it’s a clean-right-now solution only,” said Knox. “I like to compare hyper chlorinating to washing a doorknob during flu season. The next person that comes along and sneezes on your doorknob, it’s back to the same mess.”
This facility’s Crypto prevention plan also included methods to help keep it from entering pool water with the following: On weekdays, when children are most likely to come to the pool alone, a mandated restroom/hydration break at 3 and 5 p.m., was established. Every child age 7 through 17 is required to exit the pool for 30 minutes and are encouraged to stop at the water fountain for a drink and strongly encouraged to use the restroom (so they do not go in the pool). The facility also established a website for patrons to read about its prevention methods, as well as provide informative links on CDC’s website.
“We’ve always concentrated on ‘low tech’ methods, but this really showed our staff why we actively work to enforce the ‘shower before swimming’ and ‘no spitting or spouting’ rules,” says Knox. “We also displayed clever signs and funny posters the CDC has on their website for our facilities, reinforcing these same rules.
“In the end, our patrons actually thanked us for enforcing the rules. It was amazing how supportive they became as we explained why we had routine breaks and required showers.”
A continuing challenge
RWIs, especially Crypto, continue to be a major challenge for pool professionals. New water treatment technology and multiple water maintenance procedures are key to maintaining healthy water in aquatic facilities. These layers will include a residual of chlorine sanitizer, ozone or UV, regular dilution of pool water, and enhanced filtration of micro-organisms using the recommended polymer system.
Terry Arko has more than 40 years of experience in the pool, spa and hot tub industry, working in service, repair, retail sales, chemical manufacturing, and product development. He is a certified pool operator (CPO) instructor through the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). He also serves as instructor for the Pool Chemistry Training Institute (PCTI) to certify residential pool techs. Arko is an active member on the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC). He is a member of Pool & Spa Marketing‘s Editorial Advisory Committee and currently serves as a water specialist for NC Brands, parent company of SeaKlear, Natural Chemistry and Coral Seas. He can be reached via e-mail at tarko@ncbrands.com.
