Section II. SWIMMING POOLS
Part 1. Sanitation Standards for Swimming Pools.
1-5.
TYPES OF SWIMMING POOLS
a. Recirculation with Filter. In this type of pool, water is withdrawn from the
pool, filtered, disinfected, and returned to the pool. This is the only type approved for
new construction.
b. Flow-through Pools. In this pool a continuous supply of fresh water enters
at one end of the pool and an equal amount of dirty water flows out of the other end.
Sanitation is maintained by regulating the number of bathers using the pool and by the
quantity and quality of water flowing through the pool.
c. Fill and Draw Pools. These pools are filled, used until the water is dirty, then
emptied and refilled with clean water. It is difficult to maintain fill and draw pools in good
sanitary condition. Therefore, these pools are not recommended for Army use.
d. Wading Pools. These are artificial pools with a maximum depth of 36
inches, for use by children. Infections are more easily transmitted in wading pools than
in larger pools. This is because young children are more likely than adults to urinate or
defecate in the water and to drink or get the contaminated water into their mouths.
These pools should be small and have a continuous flow of treated water that gives a
complete change of water every 2 hours. Overflows should be of the open type, extend
completely around the pool, and return to the filtration system. Treatment may be
separate or in conjunction with the main pool.
e. Spray Pools. These are also artificial pools for children; treated water is
sprayed into these pools but is not allowed to pond. Used water is either discharged or
is returned to the filtration system. These pools are without the sanitary defects or
hazards of wading pools and are quite safe when operated in a sanitary manner.
Conversion of wading pools to spray pools is easy and highly recommended. When
done, the spray pipe should rise vertically for a distance of 3 to 5 feet and be capped
with a spray nozzle.
1-6.
THE SWIMMING POOL ENVIRONMENT
The pool location and surroundings should not increase pollution. Any material
entering a pool can pollute the water. In particular, materials that carry contaminants or
that are contaminants raise the chlorine demand and dosage; if the dosage is not
increased, the chlorine residual will be reduced and the bacteria count will rise. An
inspector should observe the pool site and surroundings when conducting an
inspection.
MD0166
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