Clear Waters, Clear Air: Using Log Books to Ensure Pool Safety
When managing a pool, it is important to remember that air quality and water quality are closely linked. Poor air quality in an indoor pool is often the result of chloramines, which form when chlorine binds with organic contaminants like sweat and urine. While it may be impossible to eliminate chloramines entirely in a heavily used pool, proper management can significantly reduce their production. A combination of preventive measures and accurate record-keeping ensures both water and air remain safe and comfortable for bathers.
The Role of Air Circulation and Ventilation
- Improving air movement over the pool and increasing the air turnover rate reduces airborne irritants.
- Increased ventilation is necessary when the pool experiences high bather loads.
- Additional ventilation should be activated during maintenance tasks such as superchlorination and breakpoint chlorination.
- For outdoor pools, natural air circulation helps disperse chloramines, but proper water treatment remains essential to prevent airborne irritants.
Maintaining Proper Disinfectant Levels
A well-maintained chemical balance prevents excessive chloramine formation. Ensuring that disinfectant levels remain adequate requires constant monitoring of water quality, which should be documented in a log book.
- Combined chlorine levels can be minimized with secondary disinfection systems such as ultraviolet (UV) light or ozone.
- Using an organic oxidizer like Potassium Monopersulfate can help break down organic contaminants without increasing combined chlorine levels, allowing chlorine to effectively disinfect the water.
- Outdoor pools benefit from sunlight, which naturally helps break down chloramines, but monitoring is still required to ensure disinfectant levels remain adequate.
Regulation 565 Compliance:
- The pool must be treated with chlorine, a chlorine compound, or a bromine compound via an adjustable dosing device.
- Total alkalinity must be at least 80 mg/L.
- The pH level must be between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Free available chlorine must be no less than 0.5 mg/L in all areas of the pool.
Encouraging Good Swimmer Hygiene
Swimmer hygiene plays a crucial role in reducing contaminants that contribute to poor air quality. Encouraging bathers to shower before entering the pool and use restrooms regularly helps prevent organic waste from accumulating in the water.
Regulation 565 Compliance:
- Every bather must take a cleansing shower with soap and warm water before entering the pool area.
Proper Filtration and Water Turnover
Skimming and filtering the correct amount of water, along with daily water replenishment, helps maintain clean and safe pool conditions. Pool operators should ensure that at least 15% of the total pool water volume is withdrawn and replaced daily.
Regulation 565 Compliance:
- Pool water must be free from contaminants harmful to bathers.
- At least 15% of the total water volume must be removed and replaced each day.
- A minimum of 20 litres per bather must be added to the pool daily.
The Importance of Log Book Record-Keeping
Maintaining accurate and detailed log books is essential for tracking chemical levels, bather load, and water replacement rates. Log books help operators detect trends that indicate potential air and water quality issues before they become hazardous.
Key mandatory log book entries include:
- Free available chlorine and total chlorine residuals to ensure proper disinfection.
- pH levels to maintain safe water conditions and prevent irritation.
- Total number of bathers per day to monitor water contamination risks.
- Make-up water meter readings to ensure fresh water is added as required.
- Ventilation checks (for indoor pools) to confirm proper airflow and air quality.
- Filtration system performance logs to track backwashing and maintenance schedules.
Additional Benefits of Log Books:
- Detecting patterns: Identifying recurring chemical imbalances helps in proactive maintenance.
- Compliance tracking: Ensures adherence to Regulation 565 and health codes.
- Emergency preparedness: Provides documented data to investigate and address water or air quality issues promptly.
Recommended Log Books for Pool Operations
To streamline record-keeping and stay compliant with provincial regulations, pool operators can rely on high-quality log books specifically designed for aquatic facilities.
Some helpful options include:
Swimming Pool Log Book 308
Ideal for daily record-keeping in large commercial or municipal swimming pools.
Features:
- Tracks free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, temperature, and more
- Space for bather load, weather conditions, and water clarity
- Logs daily maintenance tasks and chemical adjustments
- Durable coil binding for easy daily use
Swimming Pool Log Book 390
Suitable for medium-sized facilities needing a comprehensive yet compact log book.
Features:
- Records chemical levels, filtration checks, and equipment maintenance
- Includes space for regulatory notes and corrective actions
- Helps ensure compliance with Regulation 565
- Sleek, organized layout for streamlined tracking
Spa Log Book
Designed specifically for spa and hot tub operators, this book ensures thorough water quality monitoring.
Features:
- Tracks sanitizer levels, pH, total alkalinity, and water temperature
- Includes logging for cleaning schedules and water replacement
- Compact format for smaller spa settings
- Helps meet public health standards for spa operations
These log books not only promote consistency and accuracy but also provide a dependable reference during health inspections or in the event of a pool-related incident.
Conclusion
Proper pool management is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. Whether managing an indoor or outdoor pool, improving ventilation, maintaining correct chemical levels, enforcing hygiene practices, and keeping detailed log book records are crucial steps in reducing the risk of poor air and water quality. Log books serve as a critical tool in tracking pool health, maintaining compliance with Regulation 565, and providing clear waters and fresh air for all swimmers.
Have any questions? Get in touch or submit your request via email LBU@logbooks.com