spas and hot tubs since June 1, 2011. What does this mean? The addition of trichlor or dichlor in public spas and hot tubs would not be allowed. The choices left for pool techs to use for disinfection would be calcium hypochlorite, bromine, or sodium hypochlorite through approved disinfection feeders. In most of these cases, a pH-adjustment chemical feeder would also be required.

Is it required to test for cyanuric acid & record on chemical log on weekly basis?

The answer to this question is yes and no. If chlorinated isocyanurates are fed or added to the pool water, the test kits are required to test for cyanuric acid. The weekly testing and recording in maintenance logs for cyanuric acid is required when chlorinated isocyanurates (trichlor & dichlor) are used.

Is an electrical interlock required on liquid chemical feeders?

Yes, pool techs shall install liquid chemical feeders so that they are electrically interlocked with the pool recirculation pump. This is a safety measure to ensure that these liquid chemical feeders are not continuously pumping liquid chlorine and muriatic acid solutions into the return line with no water circulation. When these feeders pump these chemicals into empty lines, chlorine gas forms and can harm pool users and employees.

Do chemical storage tanks have to be labeled?

Yes, chemical storage tanks shall be labeled as to their contents. This violation would result in closure of the pool. This reduces the likelihood that a pool tech fill the wrong storage tank with the wrong chemical, which could cause health and safety issues such as formation of chlorine gas.

Is it required to have a cover on the pool vacuum line opening?

Yes, a pool tech shall maintain a vacuum line cover on the pool vacuum line opening when the line is not in use. This violation will result in closure of the pool if the cover is missing or in disrepair. The violation can create a very unsafe condition, especially if the vacuum pump is still operating with no cover on this line. The vacuum line is a direct suction line when the vacuum pump is operating. Even if the vacuum pump is turned off, with the vacuum cover missing, the vacuum line could allow small children to place their arms into the line and then get stuck inside the line. The child could eventually drown if they are not able to stay above the water surface.

Liquid chemical feeders

Damaged spring-loaded vacuum line cover