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 DeKalb County
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 13. HEALTH REGULATIONS
 Article VIII. SWIMMING POOLS

  § 13-189. Water quality and sanitation.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    Water source. Water supplied to the pool, bathhouse, drinking fountain, hose bibs, or any other water supply or outlet shall be supplied from a community water supply regulated under the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977 (Act 231 O.C.G.A. section 12-5-170 (Federal Safe Drinking Water Act PL 93-523). Water supplied to the pool must be delivered through a fill spout with a minimum three (3) inch air gap, installed at least two (2) pipe diameters above the rim of the pool or surge chamber, and located so as not to create an obstruction on the deck or through an approved make-up water system that is installed in a location which is readily accessible for inspection, repair or testing.

    (b)

    Backflow prevention. Approved backflow prevention must be provided on all potable water lines.

    (c)

    Pool water. A sufficient number of samples may be taken, whenever the department deems necessary, to affirm, via bacteriological analysis, that the pool water meets the requirements in this article. Samples shall be taken while the pool is in use during the peak bathing load. All samples shall be collected, de-chlorinated, and examined in accordance with the procedures outlined in the latest edition of "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" (American Public Health Association) and/or approved equivalent by the department.

    (1)

    Chemical quality. The pool shall be maintained in an alkaline condition at all times with the pH between seven and two-tenths (7.2) and seven and eight-tenths (7.8). Chlorine disinfection shall be provided on all pools except when other approved disinfection methods are utilized. The free-chlorine residual in all parts of the pool shall be maintained at a concentration of no less than one and one-half parts per million (1.5ppm) at all times. Where stabilizing agents are used, a free-chlorine residual shall be maintained at a concentration of no less than three parts per million (3ppm) at all times. The maximum stabilized or unstabilized free chlorine residual shall not exceed ten parts per million (10ppm) except when super-chlorinating or shocking the pool. A N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (D.P.D) test kit, or other approved method by the department to measure the free chlorine residual shall be provided and used. When bromine is utilized, the residual in all parts of the pool shall be maintained at a concentration of no less than three parts per million (3.0p.p.m.) and no greater than eight parts per million (8.0p.p.m.). A D.P.D. test kit or other approved method by the department to measure the bromine residual shall be provided and used. If Ultra-Violet (UV), ozone generating or ionization equipment is used, it is only recognized as a supplementary disinfection to the minimum requirements for chlorine or bromine disinfectants.

    (2)

    Stabilizing chemicals. No stabilizing chemicals shall be utilized in any indoor pool. When cyanuric acid is used as a stabilizing agent, the maximum concentration shall not exceed one hundred parts per million (100 p.p.m.). At pools using cyanurates, a DPD test kit with cyanuric acid test reagents to measure the cyanurate concentration shall be provided and used. The cyanurate test kit must register readings in excess of the maximum permissible concentration.

    (3)

    Pool chemicals. Only chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and by the department shall be used.

    (4)

    Testing frequency. The pool water shall be tested for the disinfectant level and pH at least two (2) times each day or as often as necessary if circumstances warrant, including prior to opening and during peak bathing loads. If applicable, the cyanurate level shall be tested at least once a week. Test results shall be entered on a log that shall be maintained in the pool area for ready access whenever the pool is open.

    (5)

    Cleanliness. All pools shall be kept free from sediment, dirt or debris by frequent brushing and vacuuming of the bottom and sidewalls. Visible scum shall be removed immediately.

    (6)

    Clarity. At all times when a pool is in use, the water shall be of such clarity that the main drains on the bottom of the pool at the deepest point are clearly visible from the deck. The viewer shall be able to clearly distinguish the type, shape and number of openings of the main drain grates or covers.