Johnson County, Indiana
Health Department
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Johnson County, Indiana Health Department
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“Public & Semi-Public
Swimming Pools Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1” Revision Effective: August 26, 2010 Pool Program *NEW! 2010 Revised Pool Rule – Effective August 26, 2010 The Johnson County Health Department regulates Johnson County swimming pools under the newly revised 2010 Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1. The rule and extensive information regarding this rule are available at the Indiana State Department of Health website: http://www.in.gov/isdh/23281.htm . If you would like to obtain a license to operate a public or semi-public swimming pool or spa in Johnson County, you must first complete the Swimming Pool License Application form. If you are planning to construct a new pool or make alterations, you must also complete a Swimming Pool Construction Permit Application form. All pools are subject to inspection for compliance with Indiana code construction requirements prior to opening as set forth in Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Division of Fire and Building Safety Plan Review Branch, 675 IAC 20 "The Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission - Swimming Pool Construction Code". You may access their site at: www.in.gov/dhs/fire/branches/plan_review. Public and semi-public pools are inspected on a regular basis during operation in order to assure that the facility operates in accordance with requirements in 410 IAC 6-2.1 "Indiana State Department of Health Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pool Rule 2010". Johnson County conducts “pool operator classes” annually in the spring which are free to operators of facilities within Johnson County. Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I have to sample my pool water?Indiana State code requires that you submit one (1) sample per week whenever your pool is open. A separate sample is required for each individual pool or spa. Back to TopWhat are the current Indiana rules governing Johnson County swimming areas?
Does my private swimming pool need to be licensed?
Does my semi-public or public pool, spa, or beach need to be licensed?
How can I get my public pool licensed?
Are Johnson County swimming pools and spas inspected?
What are reasons a pool can be closed by the Johnson County Health Department? Swimming pools, spas, and beaches must maintain operating and sanitation standards as set-forth in the Indiana State Department of Health Swimming Pool Rule, 410 IAC 6-2.1. A pool shall be closed when any of the following occurs: – (1) Failure to meet bacteriological requirements of section 31(f) of this rule. (Pools must test weekly for bacteriological contamination.) – (2) Failure to meet disinfectant concentrations of section 30(b) of this rule. (Pools must maintain specific concentrations of disinfectant.) – (3) Failure to meet the water clarity requirements of section 31(a) of this rule. (Cloudy or discolored water may obscure the bottom.) – (4) The grate on the main drain is missing or broken. (This is potential for suction-entrapment accidents.) – (5) Failure to meet lifeguard requirements of section 35 of this rule. – (6) A pump, filter, or disinfectant feeder is nonoperational. – (7) A nonsolid fecal accident occurs. – (8) The spa water temperature exceeds one hundred four (104) degrees Fahrenheit. Where can I have my swimming pool water tested?
Does Johnson County offer pool operation classes?
Are there specific water temperature requirements for pools?
Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) varies in type and severity. Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Cryprosporidium, Shigella, E. coli and Norovirus occur in pools and spas each year. Respiratory infections such as Legionella, Pontiac Fever are common. Skin, ear and eye infections caused by Pseudomonas, Staph and Bacillus are also frequently associated with pools. Additional information on RWIs can be found on CDCs web site. Yes. 410 IAC 6-2.1-35 states that "A qualified lifeguard is required for all semi-public pools with a surface area of two thousand (2,000) square feet or more. Lifeguards must be on duty at poolside at all times when the pools are open for use." The rule addresses two specific types of fecal accidents: solid and nonsolid. Specific procedures are outlined that detail appropriate steps to take for each type of incident and differ because of varying degrees of contamination. Those procedures are further based on the assumption that the accident is discovered quickly. This instance poses a unique situation that must be handled differently than specifically detailed in the rule. A solid formed stool, discovered and removed quickly after the accident, has little time to shed significant numbers of disease producing organisms into the pool water. When the fecal material has the opportunity to remain in the pool for an extended period of time, the material will be eroded, dispersed throughout the pool and will lodge in the filter media where it will continue to shed organisms. To assure the greatest level of protection for the bather, incidents of this type should be handled as though the accident was nonsolid. The pool should be closed and the nonsolid stool procedures followed. There are two questions to consider. One; How old are the reagents in the test kit? Reagents have a shelf life that is affected by environmental factors such as heat, light and humidity. If the reagents, or the test kit itself, are stored in an area subject to wide changes in temperature, sunlight and humidity, the shelf life will be compromised. Test kits and reagents should be stored in a cabinet where these environmental factors are more easily controlled. The second question to ask is what is the alkalinity of the pool water? Total Alkalinity is a measure of the pH buffering capacity, or the water’s resistance to a change in pH. Maintaining proper alkalinity is important to the life expectancy of the pool, because a low total alkalinity can result in highly corrosive water that will damage metal surfaces. Total alkalinity must be at least 80 parts per million (ppm). It is generally accepted that pool water should be maintained between 100 and 150 ppm of total alkalinity. How often should I check the chemicals in the pool? 1. pH and disinfectant residuals daily before the pool is open for use and at least one other time during the hours of pool use. 2. Combined chlorine at least twice a week when chlorine is used. 3. Total alkalinity at least once a week. 4. Cyanuric acid, when it is used, at least once a week. Yes. 410 IAC 6-2.1-17 defines a "Semi-public pool" as "any pool that is intended to be used for swimming or bathing and is operated solely for and in conjunction with: 1. schools, universities, and colleges; 2. hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, bed and breakfasts, or similar lodgings; 3. camps or mobile home parks; or 4. membership clubs or associations." How can I help keep pools clean and safe? Three "PLEAs" for All Swimmers
Three "PLEAs" for Parents of Young Kids Follow these three "PLEAs" to keep germs out of the pool and your community:
How do I clean up spills of body fluids on a pool deck? Body fluids, including blood, feces, and vomit are all considered potentially contaminated with bloodborne or other germs. Therefore, spills of these fluids on the pool deck should be cleaned up and the contaminated surfaces disinfected immediately. Appropriate Disinfectants
Bleach One of the most commonly used chemicals for disinfection is a homemade solution of household bleach and water. Since a solution of bleach and water loses its strength quickly, it should be mixed fresh before each clean-up to make sure it is effective. For more information, contact Chris Menze at 317) 346-4375 or cmenze@co.johnson.in.us also,Bob Smith at 317) 346-4372 or rsmith@co.johnson.in.us .
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Contact InformationOffice hours: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4:30pm 86 West Court St. Franklin, IN 46131 Phone: (317) 346-4365 Fax: (317) 736-5264 For after - hour emergencies, dial 911 & explain that you have a Public Health emergency. If you are calling out of the local calling area, dial (317) 736-5155 for after - hour emergencies. Postal Address: 86 W Court St., Franklin, IN 46131 Electronic mail health@co.johnson.in.us Information included in this website is subject to change without notice. Send mail to
eschultz@co.johnson.in.us with questions or comments about this web
site.
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