PUB609 - WK8: Spas & Temperature Based Pools

what is defined as a public spa

hydro-massage pools containing water using hydrojet circulation, air induction bubbles, or current flow

are there different classes of spas

no

list regulated spa exemptions

• facilities serving less than 6 units

• spas operating within a dwelling unit

• signage

• private residential spa made to the public with/without charging an access fee

what are the unique water chemistry issues spas have that pools dont

• more scale formation and TDS accumulation

• hot water temperature = more microbial growth

• higher bather density

• high filtration

• more pH fluctuations

requirements of spa operation

• trained operator

• ensuring continuous operation

• safe and sanitary condition

• safe chemical storage and first aid kit

ontario building code requirements for a spa

• water depth max = 1.2m

• max depth at seating = 600mm

why is the turnover rate in spas faster

it's smaller, so it needs to be chlorinated faster if higher bather load

safety requirements specific to spas

steps require a handrail, non-slip surface with contrasting colours

how do we measure slip resistance?

coefficient of friction (COF): numerical value that describes the amount of traction between the foot/shoe and the surface

scale of coefficient of friction

0-1

what colour should the pool/spa liner be

white or light in colour

scale of CDC and MOH recommendations of colours based on the munsell colour system

6.5 or higher

how to test for spa clarity

operator to see the lowest water outlet drain when spa water is in a non-turbulent state

safety requirements for a spa

• 15-min timer for jets and clock

• emergency stop button with audible/visible signal on activation

• max temp limit of 40C

• lowest drain cover must be visible for clarity

water chemistry of spa

• FAC/bromine: 5-10ppm

• ORP meter: 600-900 mV

• pH: 7.2-7.8

• TA: 60-180ppm

• NO cyanuric acid

freq of testing for FAC, TB, pH, TA, temperature, and clarity

30 minutes before pool opens, 2 hours/day without automatic device, 4hours/day with automatic device

freq of testing for # of bathers

daily

freq of testing for ground fault detector buttons

daily

freq of testing for emergency telephone

daily

freq of testing for gravity/suction outlet covers, emergency stop button

30 operating days

what is a hot pool

pool with temp of 35 degrees or higher

can multiple pools share safety equipment

yes, only if its multiple closeby

what is a cold plunge pool

pools for submerging your body in cold water, where temp can be as low as 1 degree celcius

what temp does physiological reactions start at

15 degrees cel

physical injury risks

• cold shock response

• fall related injury

• decreased blood flow

body response to cold shock

rapid breathing, increased heart rate, gasp reflex

does survival rate of waterborne pathogens increase or decrease with cooler temperatures

increase

does growth rate of pathogens increase or decrease with cooler temperatures

decrease

whats legionella

free living aquatic bacteria occuring widely in water environments

two different types of illness from legionella

legionnaires disease & pontiac fever

legionnaires disease is what

serious respiratory illness with pneumonia

what is legionella associated with

bio films harbouring protozoa

legionella transmission

inhalation of aerosolized droplets produced from spa jets

what causes biofilms

when circulation doesnt happen and the water is standing

CDC recommendations for disinfection in public spa

1. close spa

2. contact public health unit

3. collect samples

4. drain

5. scrub

6. replace filters

7. make repairs

8. refill and hyperchlorinate

9. flush system

what is pseudomonas

opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in aquatic environment

common sources of pseudomonas

environment like soil and water

transmission of pseudomonas

direct body contact

symptoms of pseudomonas

itchy painful ears with pus and rashes

where can pseudomonas accumulate

in biofilms and hot water environments of spas

what is mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)

group of environmental mycobacteria, found in natural waters

transmission of mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)

inhalation of aerosols or skin contact

top 5 inspection trends found by CDC

1. water pH

2. disinfection concentration

3. chemical storage

4. max temperature

5. chemical feeders