Swimming Pool and Spa Operator’s Guide
1st Edition 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1
Water Chemistry ......................................................................................................... 2
Water Quality .............................................................................................................. 6
Water Testing Equipment ............................................................................................ 6
Record Keeping .......................................................................................................... 7
Entrapment ................................................................................................................. 7
Equipment ................................................................................................................... 7
Chemical Storage........................................................................................................ 8
Pool Area/Enclosure.................................................................................................... 8
Maintenance and Operations ...................................................................................... 11
Approved Signs ........................................................................................................... 11
Equipment Repair or Replacement.............................................................................. 12
Washoe County Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator Certification Program........ 12
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this guide is to provide public pool and spa owners and operators with an
understanding of how pools and spas are permitted, inspected, and regulated by the Washoe
County Health District. This guide will also provide general information regarding the proper
operation, water chemistry, and maintenance for public pools and spas. This guide does not
replace the “Public Bathing Places Regulations” or the “Public Spa Regulations.” It is intended
to provide additional information and guidance only, and should be utilized in conjunction with
the above referenced regulations.
The goal is to reduce the risk factors that have been identified and are associated with public
pools and spas that lead to injury, illness, or death.
Risk Factors:
• Improper water chemistry
• Unsafe suction outlets
• Improper recirculation / disinfection system
• Improper chemical storage
• Safety hazards
• Unsecured pool enclosure
• Inadequate water clarity
Risk factors can be mitigated through some of the following methods:
• Maintaining a responsible person to operate the pool or spa
• Trained and knowledgeable staff
• Educated bathers
• Maintaining good operational logs (daily water chemistry, maintenance, safety, etc9)
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
1001 East Ninth Street I P.O. Box 11130 I Reno, Nevada 89520
775-328-2434 I Fax: 775-328-6176 I washoecounty.us/health
Serving Reno, Sparks and all of Washoe County, Nevada |
Washoe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our goal is to develop strong ties with pool and spa operators and work together to provide
safe, well-operated and maintained public pools and spas for everyone to enjoy.
Preventing the public from getting sick due to contact with or ingestion of contaminated water is
the primary reason swimming pools and spas are treated with disinfectant. Protecting the
public’s health is the primary goal as well as reducing the potential spread of Recreational
Water Illnesses (RWI). RWI’s are illnesses spread by water used for activities such as
swimming, playing, and soaking. RWI’s are spread through contact with contaminated water
that has not been properly sanitized. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa are
the common causes of most illnesses and can be controlled by utilizing proper preventative
measures. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium (Crypto),
Norovirus, Shigella, Escherichia coli, and Giardia. These diseases can cause gastroenteritis,
which refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract. The general symptoms
associated with gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping, with
large outbreaks generally occurring in the summer season.
Any user or employee working in the water can be affected. It is important to be knowledgeable
and recognize the risk factors associated with public bathing places in order to reduce potential
threats to public health.
WATER CHEMISTRY
Maintaining properly balanced water in a public pool or spa can be a difficult task, but once
completed it will provide a safe environment for people to enjoy, and cost less to monitor and
maintain over time. To monitor the safety of the public you must test the water and add
chemical(s) if necessary to ensure that the pool or spa are continually safe to operate.
Chemicals used in swimming pools include: Disinfectants to destroy harmful or otherwise
objectionable organisms; Alkalinity and pH Adjusters to maintain a consistent acid-base
relationship and acid buffering capacity; Chlorine Stabilizer to prevent unnecessary loss of
chlorine; Calcium to adjust hardness and protect pool surfaces and equipment: Algicide to kill
and prevent algae, and Filter Aids to help remove foreign material. Daily operating records will
provide a record of testing and allow for review to determine if any maintenance issues exist
that can adversely affect the daily operations.
Disinfection
Proper disinfection of your pool or spa is necessary to reduce the potential spread of RWI’s. The
disinfection process can be affected by, the pH, temperature, environmental wastes, and user
contamination. As these factors change and increase, the proper level of disinfection becomes
harder to maintain and balance. The most common disinfectants are chlorine and bromine,
which are also oxidizers. These disinfectants react with and kill or inactivate microorganisms
and oxidize contaminants. To be effective the disinfectant must also maintain a concentration in
the water for extended periods of time (i.e., residual effect).
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Washoe County Water Chemistry Guidelines
Chemical
Acceptable Range
Minimum
Maximum
Chlorine
1.0 - 5.0 ppm
1.0 ppm
9.0 ppm
Bromine
3.0 - 5.0 ppm
3.0 ppm
9.0 ppm
7.0 - 8.0
7.0
8.0
Total Alkalinity
80 - 120 ppm
60 ppm
180 ppm
Calcium Hardness
200 - 400 ppm
150 ppm
500 ppm
Less Than 100 ppm
0 ppm
100 ppm
pH
Cyanuric Acid
*Note that the Washoe County Health District may suspend your ‘Permit to Operate’ if any one
of the above listed measurements are not within the acceptable range.
Chlorine
Free Chlorine Residual is the amount of chlorine in the pool which has not reacted with
substances other than water. It is the chlorine which is available to disinfect pool water and
oxidize organic substances. There are a number of different chlorine products available, so be
sure you know and understand how the products you use will work together to maintain proper
water chemistry and balance.
The acceptable residual Free Chlorine range is between 1.0 – 5.0 ppm. When approaching or
above 9.0 ppm, you must immediately reduce the chlorine residual and close the pool or spa if a
reading above 9.0 ppm is attained.
Bromine
Bromine is chemically very similar to chlorine. Bromine compounds react more slowly than
chlorine and can be more stable and less subject to dissipation due to sunlight. Bromine is less
affected by high temperature and nitrogen wastes.
The acceptable residual Bromine range is between 3.0 – 5.0 ppm. When approaching or above
9.0 ppm, you must immediately reduce the bromine residual and close the pool or spa if a
reading above 9.0 ppm is attained.
Sanitizer levels that exceed 9.0 ppm can cause skin irritation to older adults and young children.
High sanitizer levels make balancing the pH difficult which will cause additional skin and eye
irritation, as well as cause increases in chemical cost. Additionally, high sanitizer levels can
damage hair, skin, and clothing of bathers using your facility.
pH
pH is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in water. It indicates the relative acidity or
basicity of pool water. pH is measured on a scale of 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong base), with 7
being the neutral pH.
The acceptable pH range is 7.0 – 8.0. The ideal range for pH is 7.4 – 7.6, because the pH of the
human eye is 7.5. A slightly alkaline pH of 7.4 to 7.6 is most desirable because this range is
most comfortable to the human eye and provides for optimum use of free chlorine while
maintaining water that is not corrosive or scale forming. If the pH is above or below the
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acceptable range the pool or spa should be closed and the water balanced prior to opening and
operating the pool or spa.
If pH is NOT within 7.0 – 8.0 range then close the pool or spa until it is corrected.
•
If pH is too low (below 7)
o Water becomes acidic
o Chlorine residuals dissipate rapidly
o Eye irritation occurs
o Plaster walls are etched
o Metal fittings, pump impeller, heater core may corrode
o Dissolved metals may leave stains on walls
o Rapid Loss of alkalinity
•
If pH is too high (above 8)
o Chlorine activity is slowed and inefficient
o Scale formation and discoloration of pool walls
o Water becomes cloudy
o Filter is overworked
o Eye irritation may occur
It is important to understand the relationship between pH and chlorine. Chlorine reacts with
water to form hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the form in which chlorine best serves as
a disinfectant. Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid and easily dissociates to an ionized
hypochlorite state. This is important since both hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion are
counted as free chlorine residual by your test kit. But, only hypochlorous acid acts as a
disinfectant. The balance between hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion is affected by pH.
The higher the pH, the less hypochlorous acid present and the less effective free chlorine
becomes. At a pH of 7.2 about 66% of free chlorine is hypochlorous acid. At a pH of 7.8 only
about 33% of free chlorine is hypochlorous acid. Therefore, pH control is essential to maintain
effective free chlorine residual.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is closely associated with pH. The total alkalinity is a measure of the ability of a
solution to neutralize hydrogen ions. Total alkalinity is the result of alkaline materials including
carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides. The acid neutralizing (buffering) capacity of water is
desirable because it helps prevent wide variations in pH whenever small amounts of acid or
alkali are added to the pool. Total alkalinity is a measure of water's resistance to change in pH.
If total alkalinity is too low:
pH changes rapidly when chemicals or impurities enter the water. pH may drop rapidly, causing
etching and corrosion.
If total alkalinity is too high:
pH becomes difficult to adjust. High pH often occurs causing other problems such as; cloudy
water, decreased disinfectant effectiveness, scale formation and filter problems.
Adjusting the total alkalinity will have the greatest impact on all other chemicals. Always adjust
alkalinity first. Wait for the water to recirculate and turnover and then balance pH. Once the
alkalinity and pH have been adjusted you should wait for the water to recirculate and then
balance the sanitizer level.
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Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness is the measure of the dissolved calcium salts in water. The ideal range is
between 200 – 400 ppm.
If calcium hardness is very low then water may leach calcium from pool walls causing
pitting of the plaster surface. Very high calcium hardness may contribute to scale
formation and clouding of the water.
Stabilizer – Cyanuric Acid
Hypochlorous acid is highly unstable and dissipates rapidly in sunlight. The result is a loss of
free chlorine in pools exposed to sunlight. Proper stabilization of chlorine with cyanuric acid can
slow the rate of chlorine loss without inhibiting the disinfection and oxidation properties. Proper
stabilization occurs when cyanuric acid is between 30 – 50 ppm in the water. If cyanuric acid
concentrations are above 100 ppm, a condition called “Chlorine Lock” may occur. If the free
chlorine residual is ‘locked’ and is no longer acting as a disinfectant, the potential for your pool
or spa to transmit disease to those persons using it is greatly increased. As the cyanuric acid
levels increase the sanitizing power of chlorine decreases.
If the cyanuric acid concentration exceeds 100 ppm, you must close the pool or spa and drain
and scrub the sidewalls prior to opening and operating.
Water Chemistry Testing Frequency
You must test the water chemistry in all pools and spas a minimum of one time per day.
However, additional water chemistry testing may be required depending upon the number of
bathers, hours of operation, and other conditions specific to the pool and/spa that is in use. The
Certified Pool Operator for the pool and/or spa must determine if water chemistry testing must
be completed more than the once per day in order to maintain a safe environment for the public.
Water Chemistry Testing Frequency
Chemical
Minimum # **
Bromine
1 / day
Chlorine
1 / day
pH
1 / day
Total Alkalinity
1 / day
Calcium Hardness
1 / week
Cyanuric Acid
1 / month
** Washoe County Health District may require additional water quality testing depending on specific site conditions.
Non-Chlorine Shock
There are many products on the market that can oxidize organics without the use of chlorine.
Pools and spas that use these products can reduce organics without closing the pool longer
than it takes to dissolve and distribute the chemicals. However, it is especially important to know
and understand how these products react with your specific sanitizer and how to properly test
your sanitizer levels in your pool or spa if these products are utilized.
In particular, products that utilize Potassium Monopersulfate can create a unique situation if you
utilize chlorine or bromine as your sanitizer. Potassium monopersulfate in a bromine system is
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used as an activator for the bromine that has been used and converted into a non-active form.
Monopersulfate performs some oxidation of waste as in the chlorine system, but it also
reactivates the bromine so that it is capable of sanitation and oxidation. Chlorine is not capable
of this type of reactivation. Therefore, monopersulfate tends to increase the bromine level when
added to an established bromine system.
When monopersulfate is present it reacts with DPD #3, creating a false combined chlorine
reading. It does not react with DPD #1A or DPD #1B reagents used to measure free
chlorine.
Algae Control
Algae are tiny plants that bloom and grow in swimming pools if nutrients are present and a
sufficient level of free chlorine is not maintained. Below are descriptions of the three most
common algae problems in swimming pools.
Green Algae: the most common algae in swimming pool floats in water and coats pool surfaces.
Left unchecked green algae will very quickly turn the pool water pea green.
Mustard Algae: settle on pool walls and causes a slimy yellow film.
Black Algae: appear in "buds" or clumps attached to tile grout, corners, steps and pool surfaces.
WATER QUALITY
Pool water clarity is an early indication of the pool or spas safety. A clean and clear pool or spa
is inviting and encourages bathers to enter the water. Cloudy water is an indication that
something may be wrong with the filtration, circulation flow rate, or poor water chemistry. Cloudy
water presents an additional risk for drowning. When water clarity is not sufficient to clearly see
the bottom of the pool or spa, a potential drowning victim may not be seen until it is too late to
rescue them.
If the pool or spa is so cloudy that you cannot clearly distinguish the pattern of the main drain at
the deepest portion, the pool or spa must be immediately closed. Correct the water clarity so
that the pool is clean and clear prior to opening and operating.
WATER TESTING EQUIPMENT
Every pool or spa facility must have an approved test kit to measure the Free Chlorine or
Bromine residual, pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid concentrations
(only if chlorine with stabilizer is utilized). The test kit must be on site at all times, in good repair,
and available for use upon inspection.
Test kits that utilize N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine or (DPD #1) turn pink in the presence of
chlorine and bromine, are approved for use. This type of reagent can accurately measure the
free chlorine and bromine residual.
Test kits that utilize orthotolodine and/or test strips are not approved.
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RECORD KEEPING
All pool and spa operators are required to keep and maintain daily operating records for every
day the pool or spa is in operation. The records must be kept on site and available for review at
the time of inspection.
Records must include:
Date and Time
Chlorine or Bromine (concentration)
pH
Total Alkalinity (concentration)
Calcium Hardness (concentration)
Cyanuric Acid (concentration)
Flow Rate (gallons per minute)
Backwash (date and time)
Type of chemical and amount added
Gates/doors/safety equipment check
Records should be retained for a minimum of one year; however the Washoe County Health
District can require additional record retention time frames depending upon site conditions.
ENTRAPMENT
Suction and Drain Covers
All main drain covers must meet the “Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act” (VGB)
anti-entrapment standards ASME/ANSI A112.19.8. The act requires all public pools and spas to
have approved anti-vortex drain covers firmly attached and, in some cases, an automatic shut
off switch installed. The main drain covers must be in good repair, installed according the
manufacturer’s instructions, and secured to the main drain housing.
If covers are broken, loose, or missing screws the pool or spa must be immediately closed and
the covers removed and repaired prior to opening and operating the pool or spa.
Anti-Entrapment Devices
Pools and spas with a single main drain (that is not considered unblockable) must also have an
added level of protection to prevent entrapment. A Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS),
Suction-Limiting Vent System, Gravity Drainage System, or an Automatic Pump Shut-off
System are types of approved systems or devices that can be installed.
Plans must be submitted to the Washoe County Health District if you consider installing, adding,
or altering any portion of your circulation system, structure, or equipment to meet VGB
standards.
EQUIPMENT
Recirculation
The recirculation system or filter system is required to be operating at all times the pool or spa is
open to the public, and for not less than 3 hours after the facility is closed. The circulation and
filtration equipment, including rate of flow indicators, pressure gauges, valves, etc., must be
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within their acceptable ranges. All equipment must be certified through NSF International, and
any changes to the equipment must be addressed through the Washoe County Health District
prior to installation and operation to ensure that additional plans or permits will not be required.
•
The minimum turnover rate for a public pool is 6 hours.
•
The minimum turnover rate for a wading pool is 30 minutes.
•
The minimum turnover rate for a public spa is 30 minutes.
If the pool or spa’s recirculation system is not functioning, you must close the facility until the
system can continuously operate and meet the minimum turnover rate.
Chemical Feeders and Disinfection Methods
The pool or spa disinfectant equipment must be operational and adjusted to maintain proper
disinfectant levels. The equipment must be approved for use with the pool or spa disinfectant. A
public pool or spa must be equipped with an automated disinfectant feeder that continuously
operates and sanitizes the pool or spa. The disinfectant injectors must automatically shut off
when the water through the recirculation system is not flowing.
If the pool or spa’s chemical feeder is not operational, you must close the facility until the
system can be repaired, water chemistry is within all regulatory limits, and the system can
continuously function.
Under no circumstances can you place sanitizing pucks or products in skimmer baskets or
directly into the pool or spa in order to maintain sanitizer levels.
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Chemical Safety and Storage
Pool chemicals may become a hazard when contaminated by a small quantity of water or when
improperly mixed or stored. Fires, toxic vapor, and personal injuries can result if pool chemicals
are not stored properly and handled with care. Pool chemicals should be stored in a cool dry
area that prevents water from coming in contact with the pool chemicals and in an area at least
two feet away from heat sources and electrical equipment. The pool operator is responsible for
knowing and understanding the hazards associated with pool chemicals and ensuring that the
chemicals are safely stored and handled.
POOL AREA/ENCLOSURE
Decking
A clear, unobstructed deck must be provided around the entire perimeter of a pool with a
minimum width of 4 feet. The deck must not drain into the pool or spa or the overflow gutter.
Drainage must be directed from the deck in a manner that will not create muddy, hazardous or
objectionable conditions. The deck area must be slip-resistant, non-abrasive, and flush with the
pool coping and the deck must be free of potential hazards that may cause injuries or potential
tripping hazards to bathers.
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Spa Deck Exception
A continuous unobstructed deck at least 4 feet wide including the coping, must be
provided around at least half (50%) of the perimeter of the spa.
Coping
Coping around the pool or spa edge is usually a pre-cast concrete bull-nosed stone designed to
finish the pool or spa’s edge and bring it flush with the deck. It is also designed as a handhold
for swimmers. Coping also helps keep the pool or spa clean by directing water runoff to the
deck.
Ladders, Handrails, and Stairs
Ladders and handrails must be tight and secured to the decking to prevent injuries. Loose and
unsecured ladders and handrails must be repaired prior to bathers using the facility.
Stairs with cracks and chips can cause cuts and abrasions to bathers. Stairs that are not in
good repair should be repaired as soon as possible and a time frame for the repair should be
established with the Washoe County Health District. All stairs must have a marking that is
colored so as to contrast with the color of the stairs and be clearly visible to all bathers.
Lighting
All pools designed and maintained for use at night must be equipped with lighting so that all
parts of the pool, including the bottom, may be readily seen without glare. If lighting is not
provided, the facility must post a sign stating “No Swimming After Dark.”
All lighting should be checked to ensure that it is properly working and not damaged. No lighting
should be installed directly above any spa.
Float Lines and Depth Markings
Depth markings and float lines provide bathers with information on how deep the water is and
where there are changes in depth in the pool. This can be especially helpful to those bathers
who are learning to swim and must rely on additional safety equipment nearby.
Depth markings must be plainly marked in units of feet at or above the water surface on the
vertical pool wall at the deepest and shallowest depths of the pool and spa.
Depth markings for pools:
• Depth markers must be in numerals not less than 4 inches in height and of a color
contrasting with the background.
• Markers must be on both sides and at the ends of the pool.
• Must be plainly visible to person in the pool and to persons about to enter the water.
Depth markings for spas:
• The maximum depth must be clearly marked.
• Depth marking must be positioned within 18 inches of the water’s edge.
• Must be positioned to be read while standing on the deck facing the water.
• Must be at least 2 depth markings per spa regardless of the size or shape.
Float Line or Lifeline
Devices for fastening lifelines must be installed at least 2 feet toward the shallow end from the
break in grade between the shallow portion and the deep portion of a pool.
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Lifesaving Equipment
At least one of the following pieces of lifesaving equipment must be provided at every public
bathing or swimming facility:
• A rescue tube or ring buoy with a minimum outside diameter of 20 inches securely
connected to a rope that is a minimum of 1 ½ times the width of the pool or swimming
area.
• A life pole or shepherd’s crook type of pole with a minimum handle length of 12 feet.
o If your facility is larger than 2,000 square feet you must have additional lifesaving
equipment available.
First Aid Kit
Every public bathing place must also be equipped with a standard first aid kit, filled, and readily
available ready for use.
The first aid kit must include:
1 – First Aid Book
1 – Box Plastic Adhesive Bandages – 1” x 3” 16/box
1 – Tweezers
1 – Scissors
1 – Spool Tape – ½” x 5 yards
2 – Compress Bandage – 3”x3”
1 – Triangular Bandage – 40”
1 – Small Ice Pack
1 – Box Fingertip Bandage – 10/box
1 – Box Cloth Knuckle Bandage
1 – Eye Dressing
1 – Box Telfa Pads – 1 ½” x 2” 12/box
1 – Roller Gauze
3 – Packages Clean Wipes
1 – Compact CPR Shield
1 – Latex Gloves, Pair
2 – Emergency Blankets
Enclosure: Barriers and Fences
A properly constructed fence is necessary to prevent childhood drowning. A pool must be
surrounded by a fence, wall, building or other barrier that completely encloses the pool area and
exclude all unauthorized persons. No part of a pool enclosure may be used for common foot
traffic. The barrier must be constructed in such a manner that it is impenetrable for small
children and must not offer any external handholds or footholds.
The following requirements must be met for all enclosures:
• The barrier must be a minimum of 5 feet (60 inches) in height.
• Any vertical member in the barrier must not be more than 4 inches apart.
• Any opening at the bottom of the barrier must not be more than 4 inches in height.
• Any horizontal members must not be less than 5 feet (60 inches) apart.
• No part of the barrier or landscaping can create an external handhold or foothold.
Remodeling, installing, and modifying existing enclosures or barriers may require permits and
approval from the Washoe County Health District, contact the Health District prior to conducting
any work.
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Self Closing and Latching Gates
Any gate or door that opens into the pool area must be equipped with permanent locking
devices and it must be self-closing and self-latching.
All self-closing and self-latching mechanisms must be located no less than 3 ½ feet above the
ground (42 inches). All gates must self-close and self-latch from any open position.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
Pool Maintenance
Daily walking of the pool and spa area to ensure safety and routine maintenance is conducted
will ensure that the facility is well cared for and require less major repairs. The pool and spa
surfaces should be routinely brushed to eliminate dirt and algae build up. The water should be
skimmed daily to remove scum and other floating debris.
A telephone for use in case of an emergency at the pool or spa must be operational and be
readily available, with emergency phone numbers posted at the phone location.
APPROVED SIGNS
The following information must be posted at the following facilities:
Pools:
• You must post the maximum number of bathers for the pool
• Whenever lifeguards are not on duty, a sign is needed that says, “Warning-No Lifeguard
on Duty” (4 inch letters)
• “Children Under 14 Years Old Should Not Use Facility Without An Adult in Attendance”
• “Solo Bathing is Prohibited”
• Diagrammatic illustrations (drawings) of artificial respiration procedures.
• Post 911 emergency number
• “No Diving” (4 inch letters)
• “No Swimming, Bathing or Other Use of Facility Allowed After Dark” where lighting is not
provided and the pool or spa is closed at night (4 inch lettering)
Spas:
Hot water spas must have a temperature of between 700 F and 1040 F.
• Spa area must have posted, “Extended exposure to hot water or vapors may be
detrimental to the health of elderly persons and persons with heart conditions, diabetes,
or high or low blood pressure.”
• Spa area must have a sign stating, “Children 12 years or younger must not use the spa
unless supervised by an adult. The maximum recommended time for such children to
use the spa is 10 minutes.” (4 inch letters).
• Spa area must have a sign directing the behavior of bathers (no running, etc.) and with
the location of the nearest phone and emergency telephone number (911).
• Must post the maximum number of bathers for the spa.
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Bath-houses, toilets, showers, and drinking fountains
The following minimum sanitary facilities must be provided:
Men
Women
1 water flush toilet
1 lavatory
1 shower
1 water flush toilet
1 lavatory
1 shower
Pool or spa restrooms should be routinely cleaned and free of debris and trash, and in good
repair. Dispensers must be stocked with soap, toilet paper, and paper towels or other hand
drying equipment.
Special note: All facilities must have the above available if more than 10% of bathers will have
to travel from their place of residence more than 300 feet to use sanitary facilities.
Waste Water
All waste water from a pool or spa must be discharged to the sewer with an appropriate air gap
or other Washoe County Health District approved device. Waste water includes backwash
water, rinse water, and all water drained from the pool or spa.
It is not acceptable to discharge water to any other source unless prior arrangements have been
made with the Washoe County Health District and all other regulatory agencies. Discharges of
water to any unapproved source may result in a misdemeanor violation.
EQUIPMENT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
According to NAC 444.061, a “Remodel” means to replace all or part of any structure, circulation
system or appurtenance of a public bathing or swimming facility or to modify it to the extent that
its design, configuration or operating characteristics differ in any respect from those of the
original.
This does allow those certified, as well as other applicable trades people, to conduct normal
maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment that has previously been approved; unless
the result of the maintenance or repair is such that the type, size or operating characteristics of
the equipment are substantially different from those of the original.
Prior to performing any “remodel” or change of equipment, contact the Washoe County Health
District to determine if plans, fees, and/or permits may be required.
WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND SPA OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
A poorly operated pool can harbor disease, provide a source of contamination, is chemically out
of balance, and can become a nuisance and potential threat to public health and the
environment. A properly operated swimming pool or spa will be inviting and promote the public
health and use by those bathers, while preventing the transmission of disease. In order to
ensure the prevention and control of infectious disease, RWI’s, and sanitary conditions a Public
Swimming Pool and Spa Operator who has been approved by the Washoe County Health
District is required.
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Washoe County Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator Requirements:
As of January 1, 2012, all permitted pools and spas within Washoe County must have an
individual who has been recognized as a Certified Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator in
order to maintain the permitted status. Any facility that does not meet this requirement will have
the permit suspended until a re-inspection has been completed with their Public Swimming Pool
and Spa Operator present.
The certified operator does not have to be on site at the time of inspection, but the certified
operator is responsible and may be held liable for all pool or spa operations. If corrections are
required at the time of inspection it is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that all items are
corrected, and to notify the Washoe County Health District upon their completion. The certified
operator is responsible for ensuring daily record maintenance, water chemistry, pool/spa and
equipment maintenance, and maintaining a safe area for all bathers.
Operators who fail to comply with the regulations may be required to meet with Washoe County
Health District staff for a formal meeting to discuss operations, and may face suspension or
revocation of their certification to operate a pool or spa.
To obtain the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator Certification, individuals must
successfully complete a Certified Pool Operator course through the National Swimming Pool
Foundation. This is the only National certification accepted by the Washoe County Health
District at this time.
In order to receive the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator Certification from the Washoe
County Health District and be in compliance, applicants must:
1. Complete the Washoe County CPO Application
2. Provide a copy of NSPF certification
a. Must include date of successful course completion
3. Provide a current copy of Government Issued ID
a. Must have current Government issued ID with applicant at the time of document
submittal in order to process application
4. Every permitted pool and/or spa facility must complete and conspicuously post the
CPO Form to Post (posting the form in the pool/spa pump room is an easy alternative).
The CPO Form to Post identifies the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Operator who
oversees the facility and their current contact information.
There is no limit to the number of facilities that an operator can oversee. The Public Swimming
Pool and Spa Operator certification is good for five (5) years from receipt of the NSPF
certification. The same process is required for renewals.
Swimming Pool and Spa Operator’s Guide
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