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Resources for Operators
water quality
Proper water quality is important for the health and safety of pool users as well as for the protection of your pool equipment and the pool itself.
Minimum and Maximum Disinfectant Levels
how to use your test kit
It’s important to learn how to test pool water, but what most pool operators don’t know is there is a right and wrong way to test your water.
To take a proper water sample, use a clean comparator tube and hold it upside down so that the opening is facing the floor. Insert into the water elbow-deep and turn it right side up to collect the sample. Do not take the sample near any return jets or skimmer openings.
Watch this video to learn about proper water testing techniques.
There are many different kinds of test kits available. Click on the following links to learn more about each kit and watch videos on how to use them properly:
K-2005 Complete™ Kit with Liquid DPD
K-2006 Complete™ Kit with FAS-DPD
Records
Operators are required to test pH, residual disinfectant concentration, treatment system flow rates and temperature (if spa water temperature is over ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit) daily. Additionally, operators are required to record quantities of all chemicals added to pool water each day and any incidents of visible pool water contamination, for example, from vomit, feces, or blood. Alkalinity is to be tested and recorded at least once a week. If cyanuric acid or one of its derivatives is used in a pool, cyanurate level testing at least weekly.
Use these monitoring log sheets and keep them for at least three years.
pool operator TRAINING
Pool operators need to be properly trained in water chemistry and mechanical components to effectively maintain pools. The following trainings are available.
National Swimming Pool Foundation's Certified Pool Operator (CPO) courses
National Recreation and Park Association's Aquatic Facility Operator courses
Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act
Read more about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act).
Use the verification form to make sure you're in compliance.
Injury/Illness reporting
Report all injuries or illnesses to the health department within 48 hours. Email completed forms.
Use the injury report form to report deaths, near drownings, or serious injuries.
Use the illness report form to report communicable diseases associated with your facility.
Pool and spa safety signs
Regulated pool owners must have signage that states pool rules and safety information. The signage must be placed in a visible area of the pool with readable lettering (all of the text must be at least 3/8 of an inch high).
See WAC 246-260-131 (5) for a list of Washington State rules and here for example signs.
fecal incident Response
Use these fecal incident response guidelines to properly treat your pool.
Single main drain guidance
If you still have a single main drain, use the single main drain guidelines to make sure you follow state and federal requirements.
barriers
Barriers around water recreation facilities are intended to prevent injury and drowning by deterring unauthorized entry to a pool, spa, or other recreational water feature.
See WAC 246-260-031 for barrier requirements.
Print an important barrier reminder poster.