We, as pool operators, have a lot to worry about when it comes to our swimming pools. We have to keep the chemicals balanced. We have to follow safety regulations. We have to test and log our results. This can be a lot especially if taking care of the swimming pool is not our only responsibility and if we manage multiple properties. As always, safety is our number one priority.
The Model Aquatic Health Code
According to the CDC, the Model Aquatic Health Code is “guidance based on the latest science and best practices to help ensure healthy and safe experiences in public pools, hot tubs and splash pads (in places like apartment complexes, hotels, gyms and water parks)”. This is why it was created in the first place. To help keep our commercial properties safe enough to keep our bathers safe. This code helps reduce the risk of injuries and illness at commercial facilities. While the codes can vary by region, health agencies can use all or just parts of the MAHC. You can find 2023’s current MAHC at cdc.gov. What are some of the things they require and look for?
Safety Features and Equipment
Since safety is our number one priority, it is also your local health department’s main priority. We have to comply with things such as having a functional ADA chair lift for our pools and spas. We have to have the proper warning signs. We have to have current emergency contact info local to your body of water. We have to have sturdy handrails and ladders. We have to have visible depth markers. We have to have VGB-compliant drains. We have to test and log our water. We have to make sure the water is clear enough so that the main drain is always visible. The Pool Shark H2O App can be a huge asset to your properties as it helps with water testing, logging, and more.
Clear Water
Clear water comes from proper water chemistry. We never, however, want to add chemicals without first testing our water. Testing the water is required by your local health department as well. Some regions require just once daily pool testing, while others may require up to every hour. This can be a lot of work for you and your staff. The Pool Shark H2O App can help simplify things with its modern technology.
You can pair the Pool Shark H2O App with the LaMotte Spin Lab for fast and accurate results. With the spin lab, you take a small syringe of water and squirt it into a spin disc. The disc is then placed into the spin lab and viola! Your test results are sent to any device you have the Pool Shark H2O App installed on. Not ready to do the spin lab thing? Not to worry. You can still manually test and enter your results into the APP.
The Pool Shark H2O App’s innovative technology uses the Langelier Saturation Index to properly dose your water. Water can either be neutral, which would be a 0, scale forming, which would be anything over 0, or corrosive, which would be anything under 0. Our goal is to keep the water at 0.15 in either direction. Proper dosing instructions not only help keep your water safe, but help make it clear and inviting. Not to mention protecting our pool’s surface, plumbing, and even equipment. You can check your staff’s water test results remotely on the App, so you don’t even have to be onsite to verify a good water balance. Reducing chemical waste from improper dosing can also save money. Which will make you, and your bosses, happy pappy.
Pool Chemical Logging
As part of the MAHC and local pool health department regulations, logging our water chemical test results is a must-do. Gone are the need for old fashioned paper log books. So you need not worry about them not getting used, getting wet, getting misplaced and the big one–storing them for years. Yes, the Pool Shark H2O App uses a cloud-based technology to store your pool water tests results. Unless you live in South Carolina, digital logs are perfectly acceptable by local health agencies (South Carolina issues their own state required pool log books).
In the horrible case of someone getting sick and claiming it was from your facility’s water, you can protect yourself and the property by pulling up the pool chemical result logs on the App. Pretty cool, huh?
Some states, like Florida, have very strict health department regulations. Even if not required by law, I recommend you invoke your own strict practices to help ensure an inviting pool that keeps everyone safe and minimizes the liability of your company. The Pool Shark H2O App helps make this practice easier! See you poolside!
Learn More - The Ultimate Guide to Pool Log Books
