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Pool Operations Notes

Foreword

  • This manual outlines basic policies, procedures, and guidelines per: the Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation, Pool Operations Manual, Public Pool/Public Spa, Ontario Health and Safety Act, and Class C Facilities Operator's Manual.
  • Applies to Part-Time Aquatic Coordinator, Part-Time Pool In-Charge, and Facility Attendant staff responsible for basic pool operations at their locations.
  • Staff must attend Pool Operations training annually; on-site training may be required.
  • Operators are responsible for pool/spa operation and must adhere to Regulation 565 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
  • WHMIS 2015 requirements apply to handling pool chemicals; follow City of Toronto chemical storage/handling procedures and supplier guidance.

Filtration and Water Quality

  • Overview: Maintain water clarity, proper circulation, and correct chemistry to ensure safety and comfort.

  • Types of Pool Filtration Systems:

    • Sand and Gravel Filters
    • Multi-layer beds of sand and gravel; water enters top/side, passes through layers, debris trapped, filtered water collected at bottom via pipe to return to pool.
    • Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
    • Grids fabric-covered and coated with DE or perlite; grids trap microscopic particles as water passes through.
    • Types:
      • Pressure DE Filter: Enclosed tank; water pumped into tank with filtration medium and returns to pool.
      • Vacuum DE Filter: Open-pit tank; water flows by gravity or pump into tank, then drawn through tank by downstream pump back to pool.

  • Filter Operation – Four Major Settings:

    • Filter: Directs water down through filter medium for cleaning before returning to pool.
    • Re-circulate: Water circulates without filtering; allows sand to settle.
    • Backwash: Reverses flow to loosen debris; cleans filter medium.
    • Drain: Water flows from pool directly to waste sewer.

  • Backwash – Sand and Gravel Filters:

    • Purpose: Remove debris that slows flow and circulation.
    • Determinants of frequency: filter size/age, flow rate, media type, bather load.
    • Pressure gauges measure difference between inlet and outlet pressures (PSI).
    • Process: Reverse flow to dislodge debris; waste water drained via waste pipe; backwash complete when water runs clear in sight glass.

  • Backwash – Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters:

    • Vacuum DE filtration (open tank): isolate filter, drain, clean screens, pre-coat with perlite before restarting.
    • Pressure DE filter backwash similar to DE but within enclosed tank; follow facility-specific procedures.
    • Important: In power outages, backwash must be performed for vacuum DE systems.

  • Chemicals and Equipment (Backwash):

    • Perlite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Stabilizer, CO2 used in DE backwash and conditioning.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (DE backwash):

    • Goggles, gauntlet gloves, Tyvek coveralls, steel-toed boots, half-face respirator with particulate filter (fit-tested).

  • Backwash Procedure – DE Vacuum (summary):
    1) Turn off heater, chlorine, and CO2 injectors; 2) Turn off circulation pumps; 3) Isolate filter tank; 4) Perform backwash per facility; 5) Clean hair/lint trap; 6) Restart circulation pump; 7) Recheck flow and operation.

  • Important Reminders (Backwash):

    • Open tank/backwash may differ by facility; never backwash while swimmers are in the pool (for sand/gravel).
    • Keep clear of moving parts; wear PPE; turn off heaters, chemical feeders, and controllers before maintenance.

  • Hair Lint Trap:

    • Purpose: Remove large debris before reaching intake/pump.
    • PPE: Gauntlet gloves, steel-toed boots.
    • Procedure: Isolate valves, ensure makeup water off, open basket cover, remove and clean basket, inspect seal, replace, re-open valves.
    • Reminders: System must be off before removing cover; check trap daily/backwash; keep trap clean; report broken lids.

  • Skimmer Baskets:

    • Function: Trap large debris at surface.
    • PPE: Nitrile gloves; gauntlet gloves for sharp objects.
    • Procedure: Remove lids with screwdriver, extract basket, discard debris, inspect weir, replace basket, reseal lids.
    • Reminders: Clean daily or as needed; report cracked lids.

  • Make-up Water Meter:

    • Records fresh water entering pool from external source; record daily.
    • Minimum make-up water: at least 15 litres per bather added to the pool.
    • Note: Monitor water level when adding make-up water.

  • Flow Meter:

    • Measures litres per minute (L/min) of re-circulation flow.
    • Distinct from pressure gauge (which measures difference across filter).
    • Rule: Flow rate should not be less than the system’s designed standard; log daily and monitor fluctuations.
    • Report flow issues to CRP/Facilities or designate.

  • Chemical Controller:

    • Displays Oxidizing-Reduction Potential (ORP) and pH; some units show Parts Per Million (PPM) sanitizer.
    • Daily readings should be compared to chemical control readings; do not calibrate if range is off. Contact CRP/Facilities if out of range.

  • Chemical Feeder Timers:

    • Pre-programmed timers control feeders (sodium hypochlorite/CO2);
    • Timers are set by Technical Services; do not adjust (except via override for predetermined lengths).
    • Report any timer issues to CRP/Facilities.

  • Water Pipes:

    • Green pipes = potable water
    • Yellow pipes = chlorinated water

  • Troubleshooting Filtration System Issues

    • Air Bubbles from Jets:
    • Indicates trapped air; troubleshoot by opening bleeder valves, check lines for air leaks, inspect hair/lint trap, check pressure gauges; a backwash may be required.
    • Low Circulation:
    • Causes: clogged skimmers/hair-lint traps, dirty filters, air leaks, water leaks.
    • Steps: inspect baskets/traps, verify seals, review last backwash in log, check for leaks and report.

Pool Maintenance

  • General approach: follow facility-specific procedures; general steps provided for common fouling events and routine cleaning.

  • Procedure for Dealing with a Pool Fouling (general guidelines):

    • Fecal Matter, Vomit, and Blood:
      1) Clear patrons; close pool for 1 hour (turn off filter if high-speed sand filter).
      2) Remove matter with hand-held skimmer net; dispose in toilet.
      3) Disinfect non-water surfaces; flush drains.
      4) Inform staff per facility procedures; no CH needs to be filed with health dept.
      5) Add chemicals to raise FAC to 2 ppm; wear WHMIS PPE.
      6) Restart system if turned off; disinfect equipment.
      7) Take chemical readings from 3 areas (three readings).
      8) Vacuuming not recommended (dispersal concerns).
      9) Complete incident report: date/time, type of stool, FAC at fouling/start of day, pH at fouling, procedures, time of re-opening, daily log entry.
      10) Reopen when adequately sanitized and chemical levels are in target ranges.
    • Liquid Stool:
      1) Clear patrons; close pool for minimum 12 hours (filter can remain operating).
      2) Remove stool; inform appropriate staff (maintenance to escalate as needed).
      3) Add chemicals to bring chlorine to 20 ppm for at least 8 hours.
      4) Backwash at 8–12 hour mark; disinfect equipment; take readings from 3 areas.
      5) Vacuuming not recommended; complete incident report; re-open after sanitation and supervisor confirmation.
    • Note: Toronto District School Board (TDSB) procedures may differ from City of Toronto procedures.

  • Vacuuming (General):

    • Purpose: Remove debris not captured by filter/skimming from pool bottom.
    • Equipment: Portable canister vacuum, vacuum head, hose, vacuum pole.
    • PPE: Steel-toed boots, gloves; PFD if working alone.
    • Setup and Use:
    • PPE on; ensure vacuum power off during setup.
    • Attach hose and head; prime hose by submerging; connect to vacuum.
    • Open suction valve; ensure swimmers are not in pool.
    • Vacuum slowly; avoid awkward postures; stay within reach; have a buddy if alone.
    • Cleaning and Storage:
    • Turn off vacuum; disassemble; relieve air pressure; drain water; clean trap and cartridge; verify seals.
    • Store hose neatly; return vacuum to storage.

  • Skimming:

    • Use skimmer nets to remove surface debris.
    • PPE: Nitrile gloves; gauntlet gloves for sharp objects; when using sodium hypochlorite for cleaning, wear goggles, face shield, gloves, Tyvek, and steel-toed boots.
    • Procedure: skim surface; remove debris; dispose.
    • Reminders: Avoid over-reaching; wear gloves when handling potential contaminants; disinfect skimmer net with sodium hypochlorite solution (6 mL per 100 mL water).

  • Scum Line:

    • Caused by organic contamination at water surface (sweat, lotions, oils, vegetation, soaps).
    • Visual: dark stain near waterline on pool wall.
    • Tools: Off the Wall product; doodle bug pad and pole; bucket.
    • PPE: Nitrile gloves; goggles.
    • Procedure: dilute Off the Wall as per label; scrub along scum line with doodle bug pad; repeat if needed.
    • Reminders: If product contacts clothing, wash; watch posture; ensure supervision if cleaning from water.

  • Section 16.1 – Outlet Covers Inspection (Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565 amendment):

    • Required every 30 days: inspect all pool fittings and water outlet covers (main drains, inlets, skimmers, vacuum lines, equalizers).
    • Personnel: three qualified staff (First, Second, Third Person) supervise/perform; no repairs by aquatic staff.
    • Documentation: complete inspection diagram; log results; report defects to Facilities/Technical Services/designate; keep inspection report for at least one year.
    • Safety notes: Visual deck checks are not sufficient; ensure equalization prior to descent to avoid ear pressure injuries; label diagrams for each fitting/cover.
    • Equipment: screwdriver or designated tool; PPE: swimming goggles or underwater mask.

  • GFCI Test (Electrical Safety):

    • A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) shuts off if electrical shock risk detected.
    • Checks before facility opens; if unavailable, use a GFCI extension cord.
    • Testing steps: wear appropriate footwear; avoid standing in wet area; press RESET; plug in a device and turn it on; press TEST; device should turn off; press RESET again and it should turn back on; if not turning off, GFCI not functioning.

  • Emergency Stop Button:

    • Safety device to switch off power instantly; test every 30 days; record in pool log.

Pool Chemistry

  • Pool Chemistry Overview:

    • Pools are chemically treated to prevent/eradicate growth and pathogens; tests kept within appropriate ranges for safety.

  • Recreation Water Illness (RWI):

    • Bacteria/viruses in pool water can cause illness/death (Hepatitis A, Adenovirus, Norovirus, E. coli, Giardia).
    • Prevention relies on chlorination, filtration, waste disposal, and regular introduction of fresh water.

  • Cryptosporidium (parasite):

    • Resistant to chlorine; linked to liquid stool fouling.
    • To safeguard swimmers after liquid stool fouling: raise chlorine to 20 ext{ ppm} for at least 8 ext{ hours}.
    • Practices to reduce RWI risk:
    • All swimmers must shower thoroughly with soap and warm water before entering/re-entering the pool.
    • Clean diaper change tables, showers, toilets; maintain sanitation.
    • Educate public and staff on RWI risks and prevention.

  • Algae Growth:

    • Microorganisms thrive in warm, still water; entry via wind, rain, debris and outdoor attire.
    • Prevention measures:
    • Shower before entry; no street shoes on deck; squeegee standing water toward deck drains; weekly deck washing; skim and vacuum daily.

  • Pool Chemical Tests

    • Test Kit: reagents required; PPE may be needed per reagent SDS.
    • Sample collection: 12 inches (30 cm) below surface, away from inlets/outlets; take samples from 3 areas if unsure; logs required.
    • Daily Tests:
    • Free Available Chlorine (FAC): target range and notes:
      • Range: 0.5 ext{ to } 10 ext{ ppm}; with cyanuric acid (stabilizer) in use, minimum FAC is 1.0 ext{ ppm}.
      • Ideal ranges: indoor 1 ext{ to } 3 ext{ ppm}; outdoor 3 ext{ to } 5 ext{ ppm}.
      • If FAC > 5.0 ppm, dilute sample to obtain accurate reading (dilution method described: mix half water with fresh water; multiply reading by 2). Very high FAC (> 10 ppm) may require quarter dilution.
    • Total Chlorine (TC): measure sum of FAC and Combined Chlorine.
    • Combined Chlorine: measure presence of chloramines; maximum 0.5 ext{ ppm}; if > 1.0 ext{ ppm}, superchlorination (10–20 ppm) required.
    • pH: target range 7.2 ext{ to } 7.8; ideal 7.4 ext{ to } 7.6.
    • Total Alkalinity: target 80 ext{ mg/L} ext{ to } 120 ext{ mg/L}; recommended 90 ext{ to } 120 ext{ mg/L}.
    • Weekly Tests:
    • Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): target not greater than 60 ext{ ppm}; recommended 25 ext{ to } 40 ext{ ppm}.
    • Calcium Hardness: target 200 ext{ to } 400 ext{ ppm}.
    • Pool Tests Quick Reference (summary values):
    • FAC: 0.5 ext{ to } 10 ext{ ppm}; indoor ideal 1 ext{ to } 3 ext{ ppm}; outdoor ideal 3 ext{ to } 5 ext{ ppm}; if cyanuric acid used, minimum FAC 1.0 ext{ ppm}.
    • TC: maintain within acceptable levels (sum of FAC and chloramines).
    • Combined Chlorine: max 0.5 ext{ ppm}; superchlorination if > 1.0 ext{ ppm}.
    • pH: 7.2 ext{ to } 7.8.
    • Total Alkalinity: 80 ext{ to } 120 ext{ mg/L}.
    • Cyanuric Acid: not > 60 ext{ ppm} (25–40 ppm recommended).
    • Calcium Hardness: 200 ext{ to } 400 ext{ ppm}.
    • Pool Tests Log Book: must be kept on file for at least one year; template example provided.
    • O. Reg. 284/99 s. 1: solo worker safety provisions when exposed to significant drowning risk; life jacket or equivalent, alarm system, rescue equipment, and written measures required.

  • Chemical Storage and Handling

    • PPE per chemical SDS; common PPE includes:
    • Nitrile gloves, gauntlet gloves, goggles or face shield, Tyvek coveralls, steel-toed boots, respirator if required.
    • Safety reminders:
    • PPEs must be inspected for defects before each use; use City of Toronto-approved PPE.
    • All decanted chemicals require workplace labels; add labels to containers.
    • Decanting & Diluting:
    • Add chemicals to water (not water to chemicals).
    • Follow SDS-diluting instructions; wear PPE; use designated containers.
    • Label decanted containers; do not mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.

  • Storage Guidelines:

    • General: store chemicals separately by hazard class; ensure dry, ventilated spaces; avoid direct sun/heat; keep area uncluttered.
    • Administrative: staff must know emergency spill/release procedures, eyewash/shower locations, emergency phone numbers, and first aid kits.
    • Emergency exposure: report to CRP/Supervisor; complete Supervisors' Injury Report and Form 6; follow WHMIS exposure protocols.

  • Chemical Inventory – Common Pool Chemicals:

    • Perlite (DE slurry filter aid alternative): be mindful of respiratory/eye irritation; PPE includes goggles, gauntlet gloves, Tyvek, steel-toed boots, respirator.
    • Calcium Hypochlorite (Granular): strong oxidizer; indoor handling prohibited; outdoor handling requires PPE; mix outdoors away from wind; avoid cross-contamination; store separately from acids/oxidizers.
    • Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid): used for ongoing chlorination and shocking; high pH; store away from acids/oxidizers; dangerous if inhaled; handle with PPE.
    • Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): outdoor use only; does not wear out; keep below 60 ppm; PPE for outdoor handling.
    • Calcium Chloride: raises calcium levels; can cause cloudy water if added improperly; use designated scoop; avoid contact with eye/skin; distribute evenly.
    • Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid): lowers pH; handling prohibited indoors.
    • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): lowers pH; manual handling prohibited; use mechanical switch if trained; CO2 tanks must be housed in a separate, ventilated room.
    • Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): raises pH and alkalinity; avoid mixing with acids; PPE required; dusty environments may require respirator.
    • Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): raises pH and alkalinity; similar PPE as Soda Ash; avoid storing near acids.

  • Facility Safety and Cleaning Products

    • Examples include Lemon Neutral, Scotch Pine, Vinegar, Pine-D, G10, Bouquet #1, Off the Wall, Think Green, Glass Cleaner.
    • PPE varies by product; follow SDS guidance.

Facility Maintenance

  • General Cleaning and Maintenance of Facilities:
    • Sinks, Countertops, Toilets, Showers, Walls, Change Stall Walls/Doors, Shower Walls, Baseboards, Floors, Concrete/Tile, Linoleum/Vinyl, Rubber/Rubber Cushioned Surfaces, Rubber Matting, Shower/Change Room Floor Drains, Windows/Mirrors, Dusting, Garbage/Recycle Bins, Weeding, Setting up Chairs and Tables.
  • Cleaning Protocols:
    • Sinks: use general cleaner; PPE includes nitrile gloves; disinfectant where required; keep sinks clean throughout the day.
    • Toilets: disinfectant; toilet bowl cleaner; PPE for cleaning.
    • Shower Heads: clean with general cleaner and vinegar; wrap with cloth overnight; rinse thoroughly.
    • Walls (Change Stall and Shower/Walls): general cleaner and doodle bug scrubbing; rinse; squeegee; power wash where applicable.
    • Baseboards/Floors/Surfaces: section-based mopping with general cleaner and disinfectant; PPE; ensure mops are cleaned and stored properly.
    • Windows/Mirrors: glass cleaner or vinegar; wipe with cloth; dry.
    • Dusting: wipe surfaces; PPE as required.
    • Garbage/Recycle Bins: change bags; clean bins with diluted cleaner; dispose of waste.
    • Weeding: use gloves; pull weeds by root; dispose; sweep deck.
    • Setting up Chairs and Tables: two-person lift for heavy tables; ensure path is clear.
  • General Floor Care:
    • Sweep with various brooms (corn, push, dust mop); mop using figure-8 method; change mop heads when soiled; rinse and dry;
    • Follow sectioning approach when mopping large areas; maintain PPE.
  • Concrete, Tile, Linoleum, Rubber, and Matting Care:
    • Use appropriate cleaners and disinfectants; follow PPE; use power washers for mats where applicable.

Appendices

  • Commonly Used Cleaning Products (PPE per product)
  • Commonly Used Pool Chemicals (PPE per chemical)
  • Electrical Safety – GFCIs (test procedures and safety rules)
  • Lifting Safely (techniques to prevent back injuries, two-person lifts, and general lifting guidelines)
  • Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Operation (use, procedure, and safety standards)
  • Safe Use of Calcium Hypochlorite (wading pools) – WHMIS & safety steps
  • Slips, Trips and Falls – prevention and housekeeping tips
  • Facility Orientation Form
  • References (regulatory and training references)

GFCI and Emergency Equipment – Quick References

  • GFCI Test (detailed steps): see GFCI Safety Rules in Appendix
  • Emergency Stop Button: test every 30 days; record in pool log

Section 16.1 – Outlet Cover Inspections (Ontario Regulation 565 amendment)

  • Inspect all pool fittings and water outlet covers every 30 days
  • Three qualified staff required (First, Second, Third Person) with responsibilities:
    • First Person: shuts down filter system; ensures no suction; locks down/supervises
    • Second Person: supervises the inspection; authorizes start after First confirms no suction
    • Third Person: inspects outlet covers using a diagram; assigns numbers; signals completion before restarting
  • Document inspection; defective outlet covers must be reported to Facilities/Technical Services/Designate
  • Inspection reports retained for at least one year
  • Note: Visual deck inspections alone are not acceptable; equalization must be confirmed before descent
  • O. Reg. 284/99 s. 1 – Worker safety when exposed to drowning risk; life jacket or measures required
  • Ontario Fire Code references for chemical storage and safety compliance
  • City of Toronto procedures and departmental SOPs for chemical handling and facility maintenance
  • Useful URLs (for internal access) provided in the manual for safety trainings and policy reviews

Quick Reference Formulas and Ranges (LaTeX inline)

  • FAC range without stabilizer influence: 0.5 \le \, \text{FAC} \, \le \, 10\, \text{ppm}
  • FAC minimum with stabilizer: \text{FAC}_{\min} = 1.0\, \text{ppm} when cyanuric acid is used
  • Indoor pool FAC ideal range: 1 \le \text{FAC} \le 3\,\text{ppm}; Outdoor pool FAC ideal range: 3 \le \text{FAC} \le 5\,\text{ppm}
  • Combined chlorine maximum: \text{Combined} \le 0.5\,\text{ppm}; Superchlorination trigger: \text{Combined} > 1.0\,\text{ppm}, with chlorine dose 10 \text{– } 20\,\text{ppm}
  • pH target range: 7.2 \le \text{pH} \le 7.8; Ideal: 7.4 \le \text{pH} \le 7.6
  • Total Alkalinity target: 80 \text{ mg/L} \le \text{TA} \le 120 \text{ mg/L}; Recommended: 90 \le \text{TA} \le 120\,\text{mg/L}
  • Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) maximum: < 60\,\text{ppm}; Recommended: 25 \le \text{CYA} \le 40\,\text{ppm}
  • Calcium Hardness target: 200 \le \text{Ca hardness} \le 400\,\text{ppm}
  • Liquid stool chlorine target: \text{FAC} \approx 20\,\text{ppm} \text{ for } 8\,\text{hours}
  • Liquid chlorine storage: avoid sunlight; high pH; use PPE during handling
  • Backwash timings (typical practices): backwash until water runs clear in sight glass; 20 seconds recirculate/drain intervals are common values in procedure steps (facility-specific)