Commercial pool owners like hotels and resorts are responsible for the safety of their guests. They must do everything to ensure this, from complying with pool safety regulations to getting regular commercial pool cleaning services. This article will discuss the potential hazards in commercial pools, the regulations that aim to prevent these, and what commercial pool owners must do to protect their guests.
Potential Commercial Pool Issues
Commercial swimming pools are prone to various issues that may put guests at risk. Owners are liable for any injury or illness caused by their pools, such as:
Accidents
There have been many reports of guests drowning or getting injured in commercial pools. In some cases, these accidents could have been prevented if the pool staff had been more attentive or if the pool area had been better designed.
Crowding in commercial pools can also lead to accidents. With too many people in the pool, it becomes more difficult for swimmers to stay afloat and avoid collisions.
Diving accidents are also common in commercial pools. While many do not have diving boards, even a simple jump into the water can be dangerous if the pool is too shallow.
Inadequate Pool Maintenance
Another potential hazard in commercial pools is inadequate maintenance. Without regular commercial pool cleaning services, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. These can cause skin infections or GI illnesses.
Poorly maintained pools can also have cloudy water, which makes it difficult for swimmers to see obstacles in the water. That can lead to accidents.
Commercial pools have pumps, filters, and other equipment installed to keep the water clean and safe. However, if these devices fail or break down unexpectedly, they can contaminate the water with bacteria and algae and expose swimmers to injury from malfunctioning parts.
There have been guests electrocuted after swimming in poorly maintained pools with faulty electrical wiring. An uncovered pool drain can also cause suction injuries to swimmers or even lead to drowning.
Water Quality
Another potential hazard in commercial pools is poor water quality. Commercial pools are often associated with outbreaks of infections, such as Legionnaires’ disease. If the water is not adequately chlorinated, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Contaminants can also enter the pool water through swimmers. If there is no adequate disinfection, these can spread disease.
On the other hand, the overuse of chemicals in the water and pH levels that are too high or too low can also pose a hazard for swimmers. That can range from eye irritation or burns to more severe health effects like respiratory problems and burn-like skin irritation.
Swimming Pool Regulations
Various regulations aim to keep guests safe in commercial pools. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, enacted in 2007, requires public pools and spas to have drain covers that meet specific safety standards. It also requires pool owners to have an emergency action plan in place in case of a drain entrapment.
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is the model public swimming pool code. It is a voluntary set of guidelines that states can choose to adopt. The MAHC covers various aspects of pool safety, including water quality, operator training, and public education.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is another government agency regulating pools. The CPSC sets safety standards for pool equipment and publishes recalls of defective products.
What Commercial Pool Owners Must Do
The safety of guests in a commercial pool depends on the actions and decisions of lifeguards, pool staff, and management. Not following proper protocols may lead to accidents or other health issues.
Commercial pools must have lifeguards present when they are open to the public. These guards should be well-trained and certified by a credible organization such as the Red Cross or YMCA. They should also follow guard-to-swimmer ratios set by law (e.g., one guard for every 50 swimmers under eight years of age).
Management must enforce capacity limits to prevent crowding in pools. A strict policy on proper swimwear and showering before entering the pool will reduce skin infections among guests who use the pool. Guests who are ill must not be allowed to enter the pool. Clear signage regarding pool depth, diving rules, and other safeguards will further help ensure pool safety.
Commercial pool owners must have an emergency response plan that covers all eventualities, not limited to a drain incident. They must train their staff to implement it effectively as well.
Commercial Pool Cleaning Services
It is best for commercial pool owners to get regular commercial pool cleaning services. These experts are well-trained not only in cleaning the pool but also in all aspects of pool maintenance.
That includes regular testing of water quality and disinfection levels and applying the proper chemicals in the correct measurements. They also inspect all equipment and do preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacements. That includes proper grounding of electrical equipment to reduce the risk of electrocution.
By getting commercial pool cleaning services, commercial pool owners can be confident that their pool is always safe for their guests.
Weber Pools provides a monthly commercial pool service that includes standard maintenance. We have the required pool service licenses and insurance, and we are knowledgeable and updated on health department requirements for commercial swimming pools. View our service options today.