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Contingency plan

Contingency plan

The purpose of the contingency plan is to address those situations where contamination has been introduced into the pool area from a fecal incident, vomit, blood, or the discharge of storm or sanitary sewage into the pool or on the pool deck. The plan needs to provide a procedure for dealing with both limited contamination and gross contamination.

indoor pool with windows

Limited contamination

Limited contamination is defined as a contamination event where the amount of contamination is not sufficient to consume the disinfectant residual present in the swimming pool. For example, a single fecal incident in a pool with a volume greater than 10,000 gallons would be considered limited contamination if the pH and free available residual concentration of the disinfectant meets or exceeds the requirements of R 325.2194 throughout the pool both before and after the contamination is noted.

Swimming Pool

Gross contamination

Gross contamination is defined as an event where all the available chlorine or bromine in the pool would be consumed by the contaminant. Generally, gross contamination is intended to apply to those situations where sanitary sewers or storm sewers overflow into the pool and large volumes are involved. However, it would also apply to a fecal incident in a spa or small pool with a volume less than 10,000 gallons.

Procedure for responding to contamination of the deck or restroom at a public swimming pool

  1. If there is a diaper spill or discharge of bodily fluids on the pool deck, deck furniture, or in the restroom, prohibit access to the area by posting personnel or by placement of stanchions with appropriate signs. Do not allow anyone to enter the contaminated area until all decontamination procedures are completed. If the contamination is limited to the surface of deck furniture, it may be simpler to take the furniture to a secure area for decontamination.
  2. All solid contaminants should be removed using a scoop or a mop and bucket. Dispose of the contaminants in a sanitary manner and disinfect the equipment. A hose or pressure washer should not be used to remove the contaminants as this may only spread the contamination to nearby areas or accidentally contaminate the pool.
  3. Scrub the affected area with a strong bleach solution (one cup of bleach per 3 gallons of water) and let the chlorinated water remain for a period of 30 minutes. Rinse this area with water ensuring that the rinse-water does not go into the pool. Let the area completely dry or keep it closed overnight before allowing usage. 

These recommendations for responding to contamination do not address the use of non-chlorine disinfectants because there is limited pathogen inactivation data for many of these compounds. Because improper handling of chlorinated disinfectants could cause injury, appropriate occupational safety and health requirements should be followed.