The Stamford Health Department, Environmental Health and Inspection Division is responsible for conducting complaint investigations of commercial and public swimming pools. The inspection involves a visual inspection of the pool water clarity and the layout and equipment of the pool.  The inspection also entail the chemical analysis of chlorine or bromine levels, pH level, and an analysis of bacterial counts in the water.

The purpose of the inspection is to ascertain that the chemical additives to the pool or whirlpool will effectively sanitize by killing harmful microorganisms that cause health-related problems, such as gastroenteritis, ear infections, and athlete’s foot.  The bacterial analysis, which is performed in the Stamford Health Department laboratory from a water sample obtained from the pool, is examined for bacteria counts.  If the pool water yields more than two hundred total heterotrophic bacterial colonies per milliliter, as determined by the standard (35°C) agar plate count, the pool is closed for a minimum of eight hours and until a second sample can be obtained with acceptable bacteria counts. Pool Water Clarity The pool needs to be clear enough as to be able to identify a black disc placed at the bottom of the pool.  For the individual that does not have a black secchi disk , the clarity of the pool can be examined by the visibility of the drain in the deepest part of the pool.  Clear water is necessary both for safety and to decrease the chlorine demand in the pool water.  It is difficult to maintain a satisfactory chlorine residual within a turbid pool. Cloudy water may be caused by any of the following factors: A circulation filtration system that is inadequate to satisfactorily handle the introduction of foreign matter. A circulation filtration system that is poorly maintained, for example, a filter may need back-washing or fresh filter media. The presence of Algae. Unbalanced pool water leading to the precipitation of Calcium compounds. A pH level greater than 7.8. An excessive concentration of total dissolved solids. Inadequate vacuuming of the pool bottom. Pool Water Disinfectant and Test Kits The pool water must be disinfected by an automatic feeder so as to allow measurable residual of disinfection at all times. Pool test kits must be replaced yearly to assure proper and accurate readings and are to be available at every pool site. Chlorine levels Free available chlorine (FAC) is the portion of total chlorine remaining in chlorinated water that has not reacted to contaminants.  This means that this chlorine is a reserve ready to kill bacteria and other contaminants at any time. The free available chlorine residual must be no less than 0.8 mg/l.  If cyanuric acid is used to stabalize the free available chlorine, or if chlorinated isocyanurate compounds are used, the concentration of cyanuric acid in the water shall not exceed 100mg/l and a free available chlorine residual of at least 1.5 mg/l shall be maintained throughout the pool whenever it is open for use.  Free and combined chlorine levels are what the inspector examines and are an indication that  the microorganisms are being killed. pH Levels The pH is also tested during the inspection.  The pool shall maintain a pH no less than 7.2 and no greater than 7.8. Pool Requirements Daily record keeping of chlorine and pH levels prior to the pool opening and subsequent testing throughout the day based on heavy bather loads. Decks, showers, rooms, hallways, toilet facilities, and any other area used by the patrons of the pool must be clean and  well maintained.  Theuse of 0.5% chlorine solution, or equivalent fungicide, must be used to clean pool decks and shower rooms daily. All persons using the pool must bathe with soap and water (90°F-105°F) before entering pool. Outdoor pools shall be surrounded by a minimum 4 foot barrier and have a self-closing and self-latching door. When the pool is closed, access to the pool shall be prevented. When no lifeguard is on duty a sign indicating such must be present and visible to the patrons. When lifeguards are present they must be on a stand raised to a four foot  minimum height. A first aid kit is required at all pools and must be an American National Red Cross standard 24-unit first aid kit or equivalent. There shall be an emergency telephone with numbers listed or a device at all pool areas. Anyone who is suspected of having a communicable disease must not enter the pool. No spitting or nose blowing in the pool. Lifesaving equipment must be visible and easily attainable (shepherds crook and ring buoy). Depth markers on the deck to tell patrons how deep the water is and also a marker in the middle of the pool to indicate the change in depth from shallow to deep end. Whirlpool Requirements The minimum free chlorine residual for a whirlpool shall be at least 1.0 mg/l and the P.H not less than 7.2 and not greater than 7.8. Pool water shall not exceed 104°F in public spas. Depth markers located on the rim (2) are required to indicate to the patron the depth of the spa. A visible precaution sign located adjacent to the spa that indicates the following: Elderly persons and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure shall not enter the spa. Unsupervised use by children prohibited. Do not use while under the influence of alcohol, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics or tranquilizers. Do not use alone. Observe a reasonable time limit, (preferable no longer than 15 minutes) then shower to cool down and , if desired, then return for another brief stay. Oils, body lotions, and soaps need to be completely removed before entering spa.   Traditionally chlorine and chlorine compounds are used to disinfect swimming pools to ensure the control of micro-organisms and sanitary conditions of the pool. Please feel free to call the Stamford Health Department at (203) 977-4362 for information. Happy Swimming!!