News
Avoiding Suction Entrapment
05.15.2024
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | April 2024
Last month, an eight-year-old girl died in a suction-entrapment incident at a hotel in Houston. As reported earlier, the child disappeared while swimming in the hotel’s lazy river. She eventually was found in a pipe. The cause is yet to be determined, but it is worthwhile to review the issue of entrapment, how it happens, ways to avoid it, and the requirements in the Virginia Graeme Bake…
How Music Almost Cost Me My Aquatics Staff
05.15.2024
Aquatics International | Paul Macias | April 2019
In just three days, I nearly lost my entire staff. Let me explain. As all pool operators know, preparing for the summer season is a challenging, stressful process that takes many hours of planning. But once you have your water balanced, your facility cleaned, your programs in place and your lifeguards hired and trained, there’s nothing more satisfying. In preparation for the season, I w…
Lifeguards: Training to Work as a Team
05.15.2024
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | April 2024
When it comes to performing rescues, your lifeguards should be moving quickly, with an emphasis on, “doing whatever it takes to stop the drowning process, and when necessary, avoiding delay in patient care.” New lifeguards will be easily drawn to demonstrating proficiency in solo skills — solo water rescues, both active and passive, and water extrication from the rescue point…
A Spa Is Not A Small Pool
09.20.2023
Taylor Technologies
Spas and pools are both filled with water and need to be tested and treated regularly, but that's where the similarities end. Understanding the uniqueness of a spa (some people call it a hot tub)—its higher temperature, smaller volume, jetted water, and likelihood of high bather load—is important to establish a proper testing and treatment regime. While pools are generally in the 7…
Leadership by Walking Around
09.20.2023
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | August 2023
It’s that time of season. Lifeguards and swim instructors are beginning to prepare for the next stage: returning to high school or college, entering college for the first time, taking a gap year, or beginning life after college. For some it’s easy. For others, it can be paralyzing. So what should I do? Immediately, I think of, “Whatever it takes to finish the season strong, …
A five-step process for better behavior at your community pool
06.28.2023
HOA Resources | Laura Otto
Q: We keep getting complaints about neighbor behavior at our community pool. It’s driving us crazy — the pool is supposed to be fun, but it’s become a sore spot at meetings. What can the board do to reign in some of the offenders? Who doesn’t love a community pool? I love this question, first because it reminds me of summer, but second because it reminds me that the bes…
Fecal Matter in Your Pool Stinks!
06.28.2023
Pool Newsletter - Washington County Public Health & Environment. June 5, 2023.
Following the CDC guidelines for a fecal accident is important to help reduce the risk of a Recreational Waterborne Illness (RWI). As indicated in the guidelines, there is a difference in bacterial contents of formed stool vs diarrhea, which determines the action required by staff. A Formed stool may contain no germs, a few, or many that can cause illness. The germs that may be present are les…
A Critical Refresher on Ventilations
05.03.2023
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | April 2023
Effective ventilations should be a priority for in-service training of staff. Providing ventilations is difficult and must be practiced frequently to maintain a high level of proficiency and readiness. Provide clear messaging about why staff must train on this skill: “Doctors, nurses, paramedics, fire and first responder personnel must train routinely on ventilations. Lifeguards are firs…
Best Practices When Testing Water
05.03.2023
Taylor Technologies | Wayne Ivusich
Start the swim season with fresh reagents, and replace missing instructions and any broken, faded, or stained equipment. Reagents are perishables. Just like a head of lettuce or the pills in your medicine cabinet, the chemicals in a test kit (or on a test strip pad) will degrade over time, even under optimum conditions. The process of deterioration speeds up though when storage conditions are …
Developing and Enforcing the Rules in Multi-Use Aquatics Venues
05.03.2023
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | April 2023
It’s no wonder that leisure pools are becoming more popular around the country. As aquatics facilities need to attract more and different audiences, it only makes sense to offer features that will appeal to all ages, interests and energy levels. But as leisure pools are becoming the norm, so is the need to stave off chaos. Considering all the different types of programming that can take…
How To Take A Pool or Spa Water Sample
05.03.2023
Taylor Technologies
First, find a location away from return lines. If the pool has a shallow and a deep end, take the sample near the point where the bottom of the pool starts to slope toward the deep end. If the water is of uniform depth, positioning is not as important as long as you are not near any return lines or dead zones like a corner or steps. If testing a spa, make sure the jets and blowers are turned of…
Busting Water Maintenance Myths
02.14.2023
Pool& Spa Marketing | Patricia Fitzgerald | April 2012
There are plenty of misconceptions about water chemistry and testing floating around. Aside from the one about a dye that will detect people peeing in the pool, which can be helpful if swimmers believe it, they all impede our ability to manage water quality. So let’s do some myth busting. Myth 1: Experienced pool/spa operators can tell if there are issues with water quality by simply loo…
Lifeguard Trainers: Now's the Time to Develop Your In-Service Plan
02.14.2023
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | January 2023
Welcome to 2023. Now is a great time to draft an in-service training plan for this summer. For new leaders and trainers, let’s define in-service and several of its categories; lay out a timeline for a swim season that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day; and, within the Readiness category, do a walk-through of how the rescue skills should be broken down within a week and a month. For th…
Lifeguard Training: Getting in the Mix
02.14.2023
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | December 2022
When was the last time you trained with your staff — not led in-service training, but got in the water to perform rescues or take part in a multi-rescuer response team providing CPR? I think it is imperative that leaders participate with staff when it comes to training. Whether it is swim conditioning, water rescues, or land-based activities, you should be in the mix just as much as any …
Pete DeQuincy's Lessons on Mental Health and Why We Should Look Out for Each Other and Talk
12.06.2022
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | November 2022
It’s been two years since I wrote about my struggles with mental health, in response to the escalating mental-health issues occurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. I was surprised that so many readers reached out to tell me that I wasn’t alone, and that they appreciated I was willing to be vulnerable and share my journey. Some explained to me their personal ex…
Retention Ponds: Drowning Hazards Hidden in Full View
12.06.2022
Aquatics International | John Fletemeyer | October 2022
The objective of this article is to call attention to a danger that often goes unrecognized, and to urge involvement by aquatics professionals to support safeguards against this hazard. Among the types of aquatic environments, it can be argued that retention ponds are the most dangerous. Retention ponds are manmade water bodies engineered and permitted to manage storm drainage. There are two t…
An Argument for Higher-Strength Concrete
07.05.2022
Pool & Spa News | Jonathan Dongell | January 2022
Surprisingly, there are no stipulated minimum acceptable requirements in any standards or codes within the pool/spa industry to regulate the design, materials, strength, durability or method of placement to construct a watertight and durable swimming pool structure. To ensure the promised life span of pools and spas, codes and standards coming from the industry should address these issues. PRO…
Industry Adapts to Changes in National Pool Drain Cover Standard
07.05.2022
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | June 2021
The pool/spa industry is experiencing yet another byproduct of the historic pool and spa demand brought on by the pandemic, this one having to do with standards. In 2017, the code governing drain covers — ANSI/APSP/ICC 16-2017 — was updated. The new edition adds extra steps for drain-cover manufacturers, as well as the contractors who apply them in commercial installations. And, b…
Tracking the Data: How to Tell an Aquatic Facility's Story
07.05.2022
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | May 2022
For more than a decade, I’ve written about in-service training drills and how to motivate staff in their frontline leadership role. I was driven to do this, in part, because I had personally responded to drowning incidents in both guarded and unguarded water. I witnessed the effect that drownings had on my staff and me. These incidents are traumatic. They significantly impact your psyche…
Avoiding Pool Chemical-Associated Health Events
05.10.2022
Aquatics International Intel by Solenis
Pool chemicals treat recreational water to prevent illnesses and outbreaks. These same chemicals, however, can also cause injuries if mishandled or used in an improperly configured commercial sanitization system. Having a well-configured sanitation system with fail-safe mechanisms can greatly reduce the potential for illness or injury, and these incidents can often be severe. For example, a fl…
Born of Necessity: New Practices from the COVID-19 Pandemic
05.10.2022
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | April 2022
The COVID pandemic forced all kinds of changes to how aquatics professionals operated. Though most of these changes were temporary to meet restrictions, some facilities have found unexpected benefits, such as greater customer satisfaction and better staff communication, so they've chosen to keep a measure or two even after restrictions lifted. Here, two aquatics veterans explain some of these…
Developing a Common Language About Swimming Pool Color
05.10.2022
Aquatics International | Jonathan Dongell | April 2022
Understanding the lightness of a commercial pool’s interior finish is critical to bather safety. While many contributing factors exist, requiring a white or light-colored interior finish is the primary and long-established method of ensuring the visibility of a swimmer or bather in distress. This provides the contrast necessary to more easily see a person who needs help. This principle …
Devising Layers of Safety at Aquatics Facilities
05.10.2022
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | April 2022
As summer approaches, it’s good to review your drowning-prevention measures. The four here are just a handful to include in a comprehensive drowning-prevention plan. A child-supervision policy is a fantastic practice to adopt if you have patrons with infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-age children. A child-supervision policy serves as a mechanism for lifeguards and staff to educate…
National Water Safety Plan Underway
05.10.2022
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | April 2022
A comprehensive national plan to curb drowning in the U.S. is underway. The U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan comes in response to a recommendation from the World Health Organization that all countries figure out the best way to curb drowning in their area. So far a handful of countries have done so, including Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa. A plan in the U.S…
Swim Lessons in a Post-Pandemic World
05.10.2022
Aquatics International | Joanne McClain | April 2022
Now that COVID has eased up, things seem almost normal again. Mask mandates have been lifted, rush hour traffic is back to being maddening, and people are, for the most part, back to living their lives without being ruled by COVID fear. I'm so happy to be out and about, too, and have been spending some time at my local pool. In California, where I live, the swim season has started in earnest. …
Addressing the Lifeguard Shortage: Recruitment, Training and Retention
01.05.2022
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | October 2021
I wish I could say, “We’re done with this COVID thing.” Or, “COVID-19 has left the building,” followed with a mic drop. But that’s not the case. Summer came and went. We did open on Memorial Day weekend; my agency prioritized recreational swimming for the public. Patron numbers initially were limited but, as summer continued, we expanded capacity numbers at …
NSF Standard Now Covers Safety Flooring
01.05.2022
Aquatics International | November 2019
NSF International is taking steps to make recreational splash parks and water venues safer. A new section of NSF/ANSI 50: Equipment and Chemicals for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Other Recreational Water Facilities establishes minimum criteria for safety flooring at interactive water play venues. Considered the premier pool and spa safety standard, NSF/ANSI 50 is required by most commerci…
Why We Need to Change the Language Around Aquatic Fitness
01.05.2022
Aquatics International | Sue Nelson | October 2021
Asking a question is much better than assuming you know the answer. This is especially applicable in any aquatics business. Many times, we assume we know what is happening, but we may only know bits and pieces. An example: Let’s take aquatic exercise and how the average person views it. Even though aquatic exercise has evolved through the years, many people still assume it is not as bene…
How Splash Pad Design Can Encourage and Promote Inclusive Play
10.20.2021
Aquatics International | Chris Thomas | June 2021
In recent years, our industry has placed a premium on creating inclusive play areas not only in parks but also for aquatics facilities. We now are seeing many recreation departments, homeowner’s associations and community centers installing splash pads designed to welcome users with a wide range of developmental, cognitive and physical abilities. This also is meant to accommodate differe…
Keep Power in Check: How to Perform Electrical Inspections
10.20.2021
Pool & Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | July 2021
Electrical safety never stops being a concern. However, some believe the industry should pay more attention to it. Whether you want to perform a dedicated electrical inspection, or just continuously stay on the lookout for red flags, follow these tips for assessing projects for electrical safety. Of course, when examining a system, don’t operate outside your qualifications. If your loca…
Learn About Solutions to This Sand Filter Issue
10.20.2021
Aquatics International | John Watt | September 2021
To help ensure the best water quality in a commercial swimming pool, aquatics facility managers need to ensure that the filters are operating in their peak condition. Many facilities utilize sand filters because they are highly effective when they are backwashed properly and the flow rate is kept on target. Unfortunately, improper backwashing and flow can lead to poor water quality or worse, a…
Making the Most of Filters
10.20.2021
Pool & Spa News | John Watt | June 2021
When it comes to keeping pool water cleaner and clearer, the filter is key. Even chemical manufacturers agree that chemicals can’t provide cleaner and clearer water without a properly functioning filter. In fact, with sanitizers in high demand and low supply this season, it has become more important than ever to maximize the abilities of filters, whether sand, DE or cartridge. Understand…
About Using Pool Water to Disinfect Objects and Surfaces Against COVID-19
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | May 2020
While it is believed that properly treated water is safe from coronavirus transmission, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is suitable to disinfect other things. In a series of webinars featuring representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they were asked if, in public settings, pool water was enough to disinfect shared items such as toys and equipment. The officia…
Anti-Carbon Movement Spreads, Sees Backlash
06.29.2021
Pool and Spa Newsl | Rebecca Robledo | May 2021
As certain states increase the pressure to impose laws meant to help reduce carbon emissions, others are taking note — but taking their efforts in a different direction. California, in particular, has seen a number of counties and cities pass regulations banning the use of natural gas and propane in favor of electrically powered appliances or alternative energy sources. So far, 30 to 40 …
The Clean Solution
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Sigura – Pulsar Systems
Efficiency, cost, effectiveness and safety top the list of considerations for keeping pools sanitized. And calcium hypochlorite and liquid bleach rank as the most popular options to reach sanitation goals. But while some people perceive liquid bleach to be simpler and more cost-effective, in reality, calcium hypochlorite provides a number of key advantages. Liquid beach is the familiar househo…
Why Swim Coaches and Instructors Should Never Also Serve Simultaneously as Lifeguards
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Jeff Fryer | April 2021
On February 18, 2014, a 19-year-old North Dakota student in a required “Fit for Life” physical education class was found unresponsive in the deep end of the school pool. He died eighteen days later. On November 14, 2018, a 14-year-old high-school competitive swimmer was found unresponsive during an “open gym” swim practice. He was pronounced dead two days later. On Nov…
Corrosion Mitigation and Control in Swimming Pools
04.20.2021
Aquatics International | By Ray Engelhardt | March 2021
This is the third installment of a three-part series on corrosion. In the first part, I presented a basic overview of the corrosion process from a physics viewpoint. The second column defined the specific types of corrosion attack. In this article, I will provide some insight into how to prevent or slow down the corrosion process. But, before we discuss how pool technicians and builders can m…
How to Get the Most from Your Chlorine
04.20.2021
Pool and Spa News | Emily Johnson | February 2021
In order to protect customers from harmful microorganisms, pool-care experts and pool owners alike should have an understanding of sanitization. Sanitizers protect swimmers by killing pathogens introduced from sources such as rain, source water, swimmers, and nearby vegetation. Chlorine is the most commonly preferred among these products. Demand for granular and tableted types will likely rema…
Pool Start-Up Guidelines
04.20.2021
Horizon Pool Supply
The following procedure should be used whenever a pool is being filled for the first time, refilled following maintenance or other major repair, or when restarting the pool for the swimming season. 1. Before first filling a pool or adding substantial amounts of fresh water to the pool, either test the water using a good quality test kit or have it tested for pH, total alkalinity, calcium har…
Recognizing a Compromised Reagent
04.20.2021
Taylor Technologies
A reagent's suitability for testing is suspect if it is over one year old. Considering the active ingredients need to be just that, active, then any reduction in a reagent’s concentration or effectiveness will compromise test results. How can you tell if the concentration or effectiveness is not what it should be? If the reagent is not the color you are used to seeing (or has changed colo…
The Many Ways of Corrosion
04.20.2021
Aquatics International | January 2021
Corrosion remains a pervasive problem in the industry. However, understanding how this happens can help pool and spa professionals to diagnose and fix the issues while on the site. Last month, we had a very basic overview of the physics and chemistry involved in the corrosion process. In this second installment of a three part series on corrosion, we discuss the various forms of corrosion and …
A Closer Look at Corrosion in Swimming Pools & Spas
01.12.2021
Pool & Spa News | Ray Engelhardt | December 2020
Corrosion is a serious and expensive problem not only for the pool industry but for mankind as a whole. Per the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, the estimated total cost for corrosion damage in the USA for 2016 was 1.1 trillion dollars. In the pool industry, corrosion destroys heat exchangers, pool lights, niches, ladders and even the rebar that supports the shell. Anyone who has b…
Avoiding Pump Room Hazards
01.12.2021
PoolPro | David Conrads
Numerous hazards lurk within the walls of the swimming pool pump room, toxic chemical fumes and carbon monoxide chief among them. In some commercial properties — apartment complexes, condominiums, hotels, country clubs and the like — the pump rooms are properly ventilated, but in far too many, this is not the case. The result is an unsafe work environment for pool maintenance techni…
Find Out What That Blinking Light Means On Your Controller
01.12.2021
Aquatics International | Dustin Kauffman | May 2020
Who among you has ever noticed that blinking red alarm light on your controller? When this happens, do you simply clear it and continue with your day? Or do you stop, learn as many details as you can, and figure out how to prevent it from occurring again? For context, let’s look at the situation from a different perspective. Pretend you’re driving down the road, and your check engi…
Heading Outside
01.12.2021
Aquatics International | Fortress
As families are spending nearly all their time at home, more apartment complexes and condominiums are increasing their shared outdoor spaces—particularly around the swimming pool and the rooftop decks. Not only are existing developments adding more outside amenities, new construction of multifamily buildings are adding more outdoor spaces--individual balconies and terraces, private parks…
Non-Chlorine Shock: What It Is, What It Does
01.12.2021
Aqua | Ed Lightcap | October 2020
Throughout the history of the pool industry, chlorine has been the dominant oxidizer, and because of that position, many people in the industry remain unaware of the role non-chlorine shock can play in swimming pool water care. As part of a series of articles this year explaining major components of pool water care, this month AQUA takes a look at non-chlorine shock. Pool chemistry expert Ed L…
Three Ways to Reduce Liability at Your Pool
01.12.2021
Aquatics International | Fortress
Swimming pools in multifamily complexes, neighborhood HOAs and hotels are a prized amenity. But because many of these pools are smaller than a municipal pool and are on private property, they often fall into different categories of local safety requirements. In many instances, these regulations are less strict than at public municipalities. Owners and management companies need to ensure these p…
Aquatics Pros Share Lessons They've Learned from the Pandemic
11.17.2020
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | October 2020
This year, COVID-19 has required aquatics managers to use their creative muscles in ways they never had to before. While we originally hoped the pandemic would be contained in 2020, it appears we will be living with the coronavirus well into 2021, probably requiring aquatics facilities to continue employing many of the procedures that were developed, and draw from the lessons learned. Here, a…
Drain Cover Standard Sees Implementation Delay
11.17.2020
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | October 2020
The newest version of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16, the standard governing drain covers, will not be enforced for another six months, in light of production challenges caused by the pandemic. Overseen by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, the standard now requires manufacturers to test their drain covers with all compatible p…
Find Out About State Legislation to Protect Companies from COVID Liability
11.17.2020
Pool & Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | August 2020
In addition to the highly reported efforts by Republicans in congress, several states are also seeking to pass legislation that would shield companies from COVID-19-related liability. So far, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is tracking eight states that have introduced or passed such legislation. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper have already signe…
Preventing Unintended Chemical Injection
11.17.2020
Aquatics International | American Chemistry Council Video |September 2019
This video explains the causes and prevention of the accidental chlorine gas exposures that have made headlines. Watch the video here!
The Potential for Bacteria Testing in Commercial Swimming Pools
11.17.2020
Aquatics International | Kevin Post | June 2020
Ever since I was a teenage lifeguard, I’ve been taught that we need to test the chlorine and pH of the pool, to make sure the health department doesn’t shut us down. It wasn’t until I started my professional career and became a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) that I started to understand why these two parameters matter. During my first CPO course, I learned about recreational w…
Comparing the Operating Costs of Calcium Hypochlorite and Trichlor
07.28.2020
Aquatics International | By Karllee Barton | September 2019
The choice of sanitizer can significantly impact the costs of operating a large aquatics facility. This article addresses potential costs associated with two commonly used sanitizers: calcium hypochlorite (or cal hypo) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (or trichlor). When these chemicals are added to pool water, they clearly increase available chlorine, however they also affect pH, alkalinity and …
How to Prevent Chlorine Gas Incidents in Automatically Fed Swimming Pools
07.28.2020
Pool & Spa News | By Rebecca Robledo | December 2019
When you see the term “chemical gas incident,” do you immediately assume this doesn’t apply to the commercial pools you design, build, maintain or operate? If so, read on. Chemical gas incidents can be difficult to describe and understand. For this reason, people misconstrue how these incidents occur. Here, learn about what causes them and how they can be avoided. Not what…
How to Understand the Latest CDC Warnings About Waterborne Illnesses
07.28.2020
Pool & Spa News | Brought to you by CMP
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) released a statement with some alarming statistics about cryptosporidium. There’s been an average 13% annual increase in crypto outbreaks from 2009-2017. Crypto is a resilient parasite found in swimming pools that causes severe intestinal problems. The effects can be even worse for the very young, old or anyone with a compromised immu…
MAHC Committee Recommends New CYA Approach
07.28.2020
Pool & Spa News | By Rebecca Robledo | August 2019
After exploring the matter for four years, a committee of the organization that writes the Model Aquatic Health Code has established a new position on appropriate levels of cyanuric acid (CYA) in pools. As with the industry in general, the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code has wrestled with the double-edged sword of CYA: Long considered invaluable for its ability to prolong the availab…
The Finer Points of Water Treatment
07.28.2020
Pool & Spa News | Eric Knight | June 2019
Like most industries, we’re built on habits. Some habits serve us well but, where pool and spa chemistry is concerned, some habits and beliefs have become outdated. Just because the professional who trained you has been doing it a certain way, doesn’t mean that was a good habit in the first place. I would argue that water and what we know about it are changing. And our knowledge o…
Championing Your Facility as We Come Out of the Crisis
05.13.2020
Aquatics International | George Deines | April 2020
If you’re like me, you’ve been closely following the news related to the effects of Covid-19 on the aquatics industry. With the majority of year-round swimming pools around the country closed right now due to stay-at-home orders, two main questions have come to the forefront of aquatics operators’ minds: - When will my existing year-round swimming pool reopen? - Will the su…
How Should Aquatics Professionals Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
05.13.2020
Aquatics International | Joanne McClain | April 2020
Unprecedented. For me, this word will now forever be associated with the coronavirus pandemic. And calling it unprecedented is true — none of us has experienced a public safety crisis of this magnitude in our lifetime. To make matters worse, our anxiety is doubled because of the resulting economic crash. Not only are our lives at stake, our livelihoods are in danger as well. But as aquat…
How to Prevent Chlorine Gas Incidents in Automatically Fed Swimming Pools
05.13.2020
Pool and Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | December 2019
When you see the term “chemical gas incident,” do you immediately assume this doesn’t apply to the commercial pools you design, build, maintain or operate? If so, read on. Chemical gas incidents can be difficult to describe and understand. For this reason, people misconstrue how these incidents occur. Here, learn about what causes them and how they can be avoided. Not what…
Making Your Case to Local Government
05.13.2020
Pool and Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | May 2020
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, everybody has had to respond faster than they ever have. That includes government entities, which had to impose shelter-in-place restrictions in quick order. This has resulted in considerable gaps or inconsistencies in information and enforcement of the requirements, as well as understanding of the pool/spa industry’s work. For this reason, you m…
Midwest Industry Sees Covid Restrictions Loosened
05.13.2020
Pool and Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | May 2020
The Midwestern industry saw two significant victories in the efforts to categorize its services as essential during shelter-in-place orders resulting from the coronavirus. In Wisconsin, pool and spa companies were shocked when state orders even ruled out service and maintenance work. The language of the executive was broad enough that some believed construction and retail operations could cont…
Readiness Response Drills for Pairs
05.13.2020
Aquatics International | Pete DeQuincy | February 2020
When it comes to readiness in the water, a quick response to a drowning patron is fundamental. Once the situation elevates to where the lifeguard must enter the water, risking their own life, everything becomes heightened. The lifeguard response must be quicker, due to the victim’s fatigue, fear, and a greater chance of submersion and drowning. The drowning process must be stopped by any …
Seasonal Pools & COVID-19 Closures
04.09.2020
Horizon Pool Supply
It seems as though spring is finally upon us and given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, many are wondering what to do with their outdoor pools this summer. As of right now, many states have ordered all of their public pools be closed to bathers through early May. We are hoping those closure orders are not extended, but if they are, we have recommendations for keeping your pools safe and cl…
COVID-19 Public Pool Closure Guidance
03.18.2020
Horizon Commercial Pool Supply
With the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we at Horizon Commercial Pools are continuing to monitor developments and the guidance of many state and local public health authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO). As a response to COVID-19, many states and local governments have issued orders to close a wide range of publi…
CDC Guidance on COVID-19 and Water Transmission
03.12.2020
Horizon Commercial Pool Supply
For the past few weeks, the aquatics industry has been keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 outbreak and how it's impacting public facilities. Many of you have had questions about how this virus might affect your own operations, especially in relation to treated pool water. Information has been released from our partners with the CDC's Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch advising there is no ev…
A Team Approach to Maintaining Swimming Pools
10.07.2019
Aquatics International | Kevin Post | January 2019
Do you feel like you have no time because it’s all spent handling daily maintenance? Have you increased lifeguard pay in order to keep qualified candidates? Modern pools with new types of amenities call for more specialized maintenance, training and supervision. Additionally, today’s lifeguards are demanding higher pay, so it makes sense to utilize them in more ways. With proper tr…
Another Perspective on the Debate About PPM vs. ORP in Swimming Pools
10.07.2019
Aquatics International | Rich Young | April 2019
Over the last couple years, there has been much talk about the need for parts-per-million (ppm) chlorine monitoring, with several chemical controller companies developing ppm technology. Some have even suggested the new California Title 22 mandates ppm monitoring and recording. But there is good reason why the industry has and probably will continue to use Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) a…
On the High Rise: The Special Challenges of Podium Swimming Pools
10.07.2019
Aquatics International | Bryan Ziegler | April 2019
Over the past couple decades, advances in construction technologies along with the ability of designers to push the envelope have opened doors to unique opportunities in the aquatics industry. One such advancement has been the recent popularity of podium pools, also known as high-rise pools. These vessels are built on the second floor of a building or higher. Beyond the obvious difference that…
The Increasing Role of UV in Swimming Pools and Spas
10.07.2019
Aquatics International | Ismael Martinez | November 2018
Most experts would agree that ultraviolet (UV) technology can play an important role in any commercial pool or spa. UV has proven itself as an effective tool for sanitization when properly sized, operated and maintained. Specifically, the technology has demonstrated efficacy for inactivation of cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that is resistant to chlorine disinfection. This has increas…
3 Ways to Maximize the Benefits of a Variable-Speed Pump
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Rena Goldman | October 24, 2018
Variable-speed pumps have set the new industry standard for efficiency, and many customers already know the energy-saving potential of these products. What they don’t know is how to calculate that savings and get the most out of the pump they purchase. In order to maximize the energy savings from each pump, you’ll need to consider other variables. For this reason, Michael Orr, dire…
A Team Approach to Maintaining Swimming Pools
01.16.2019
Aquatics International | Kevin Post | January 2, 2018
Do you feel like you have no time because it’s all spent handling daily maintenance? Have you increased lifeguard pay in order to keep qualified candidates? Modern pools with new types of amenities call for more specialized maintenance, training and supervision. Additionally, today’s lifeguards are demanding higher pay, so it makes sense to utilize them in more ways. With proper tr…
Before You Backwash a DE Filter, Consider This ...
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Niels Mastrup | July 16, 2018
Over the past several years, as parts of the nation grappled with a severe drought, the industry has developed a more water-sensitive approach to the way it maintains pools. We’ve seen numerous examples of this, such as advocating for evaporation covers, limiting the use of waterfeatures, and being more conscientious about our drain-and-refill practices. But there is another water-conser…
Here’s What the Future Holds for Energy Efficiency in Swimming Pools and Spas
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | November 20, 2018
The future of energy efficiency in the pool and spa industry is unfolding, thanks largely to a ruling by the Department of Energy. The DOE’s Energy Conservation Standards for Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps sets July 19, 2021 as the deadline by which variable-speed pumps will become mandatory for powering pool and spa filtration systems. As the deadline gets closer, the industry is working…
The Increasing Role of UV in Swimming Pools and Spas
01.16.2019
Aquatics International | Ismael Martinez | November 1, 2018
Most experts would agree that ultraviolet (UV) technology can play an important role in any commercial pool or spa. UV has proven itself as an effective tool for sanitization when properly sized, operated and maintained. Specifically, the technology has demonstrated efficacy for inactivation of cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that is resistant to chlorine disinfection. This has increas…
Third Edition of New Model Aquatic Health Code Released
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | August 22, 2018
After two years of revision work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the third edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code. It includes fine-tuning of issues such as water quality, design and lifeguarding. The MAHC is a model code for commercial pools, meaning that it only takes effect in states and municipal jurisdictions that adopt it. So far, four states, one Canadian …
Fiber Replacement Media for Swimming Pool and Spa Filters: Does It Hold Up?
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Scott Randall | October 17, 2018
NSF International has developed a new reliability and performance test for sand-replacement media. This media is composed of a polymer fiber ball that ranges from 2 to 4 inches in diameter and replaces the sand filtration media in sand filters. These products are often touted as easier to use and less expensive because they are lightweight and composed of plastic polymers. But do they work? …
Overcoming Interferences in Water Tests
10.31.2018
Pool and Spa News | Wayne Ivusich | September 26, 2018
How confident are you in the accuracy of your water tests? An overdose of chlorine or bromine can produce readings that are at times wildly off the charts. Such errors not only foul up sanitation tests, but also make it difficult to gauge levels of pH and total alkalinity — and they affect both the drop-test and color-matching methods. Of course, excessively high sanitation isn’t …
Swimming Pool and Spa Suction Fittings: A Crucial Standard Revised
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Kevin Schaefer | October 17, 2018
After years of development, a revision has been released of ANSI/APSP 16-2011: American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs. The update of this crucial standard, meant to aid in suction entrapment prevention, was conducted through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) review process and consensus balloting of the Associ…
Water Conditioning Devices for Swimming Pools and Spas
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Megan Pattison | October 17, 2014
The Water Conditioning Device Task Group for NSF/ANSI 50 has worked hard over the last year to design, refine and implement a testing protocol to eventually be used for the certification of water conditioning devices. What is a water conditioning device? A water conditioning device (WCD) is any technology or device that, without the use of chemicals, can improve the water quality in a pool o…
What to Know About Cyanuric Acid
04.30.2018
Pool and Spa News | By Nick Rancis | May 2016
Let’s take the confusion out of this water treatment product once and for all. A common household name, cyanuric acid now is in the toolbox of most residential and commercial service professionals who maintain outdoor pools. Since its invention in 1829, CYA has been revered as invaluable and essential to keeping chlorinated pools clean and sanitary. At the same time, scientists and lawm…
Why Swimming Is So Good For You
04.24.2018
Time | Markham Heid | March 2017
Every type of exercise has its selling points. But swimming is unlike any other aerobic workout in a few important ways. First, the fact that you’re submerged in water means your bones and muscles are somewhat unshackled from the constraints of gravity, says Hirofumi Tanaka, a professor of kinesiology and director of the Cardiovascular Aging Research Lab at the University of Texas. This…
A Public Waterpark Inside a Mall? It Could Happen
04.18.2018
Star Tribune | March 2018
As Aquatics International has reported, there is some overlap between waterparks and the great American institution of shopping malls. And it seems the two industries are getting cozier. In the latest possible marriage between shopping and splashing, the owners of the Mall of America are proposing to lease space to the City of Bloomington to own and operate a massive indoor waterpark. The pro…
Expect These Changes in Swimming Pool and Spa Drain Covers
04.18.2018
Pool and Spa News | Steve Barnes | December 2017
Ten years ago this month, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was signed into federal law. At the time, it plunged the pool, spa and hot tub world into turmoil. Public facilities were hit especially hard, as they had one year to outfit pools with compliant drain covers. Some were forced to close when these products were nowhere to be found. Head’s up! The drain cover stan…
From Pool Schlub to Protected Pro
04.18.2018
Aquatics International | Sandy Kellogg | February 2018
Six years ago, I started out as a pool operator. I took over an outdoor, seasonal community pool, and spent several summers running chemicals around and fighting to keep chlorine in a pool in 100-degree weather. I wore the stains and holes in my clothing with pride. The way I saw it, only real career professionals have chlorine stains, which quickly develop into holes, in all their pants legs.…
Save the Date: The 2018 World's Largest Swimming Lesson
04.18.2018
Aquatics International | Nate Traylor | February 2018
The 9th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is set for June 21. The event will take place at aquatics facilities in more than 20 countries on five continents over the course of 24 hours. The goal is to expose both kids and adults to life-saving water safety skills and build awareness about drowning prevention. Register now to receive curriculum so that all facilities are teaching the …
The Five Most Important Tips for Positioning Lifeguards
04.18.2018
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | March 2018
More and more facilities are adopting leisure pools, or multi-purpose pools, whether through new construction or conversion of existing pools. It’s hard to resist such people magnets. But the very features and crowds that make them so appealing also can complicate lifeguards’ ability to meet benchmarks for scanning, zone coverage, victim recognition and rescue times. Determining th…
New Thinking: Chlorine/Cyanuric Acid in Balance
04.17.2018
Aqua Magazine | Eric Herman | October 2015
The swimming pool industry has long embraced the recommended standard for chlorine concentrations of 1 to 3 ppm or 2 to 4 ppm, depending on who's doing the recommending. The industry has also observed a recommended cyanuric acid range of 10 to 100 ppm, a range that is viewed as necessary to adequately prevent degradation of chlorine residuals by sunlight. There are, however, those who now chal…
How a Lazy River Works
01.24.2018
Aquatics International | By Rebecca Robledo | October 2017
Lazy rivers are gaining popularity among both residential and commercial clients. Over the past several years, they’ve become the norm, not only in waterparks, but also in resort and community pools across the country as aquatics directors look for ways to increase attendance. Now they’re popping up in backyards, thanks in part to a manufactured system reported to simplify design a…
Survey Finds 1 in 4 Adults Would Swim With Diarrhea
01.24.2018
Aquatics International | By Rena Goldman | May 2017
In preparation for this year’s swim season, the Water Quality & Health Council commissioned a survey to find out just how much adults in the United States know about swimming hygiene. Sachs Media Group, an independent research firm based in Tallahassee, Fla., interviewed 3,114 adults ages 18 and up. Questions were designed to measure perceptions and misconceptions related to pools an…
Want to Find a Good Pool Manager? Go to School
01.24.2018
Aquatics International | By Nate Traylor | October 2017
They have skills in leadership and management. They’re big on curriculum and standards. And they usually have the summers off. It’s no wonder the aquatics industry wants to recruit more school teachers to work as managers — a desire that’s growing as employers try to staff pools amid a challenging labor market. “We’re looking for somebody who has the maturi…