Public Swimming Pool Program
Response to a Fecal or Other Body Fluid Accident in a Pool/Spa
Body Fluid Spill | Formed Stool (solid) | Diarrhea (liquid stool) | Vomit or Blood
Formed Stool (solid) in Pool/Spa
- Direct everyone to leave all pools into which water containing the feces is circulated. Do not allow anyone to enter the contaminated pool(s) until all decontamination procedures are completed.
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Remove as much of the fecal material as possible using a net or scoop and dispose of it in a sanitary manner. Clean and disinfect the net or scoop (e.g., after cleaning, leave the net or scoop immersed in the pool during disinfection). Vacuuming stool from the pool is not recommended *.
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Raise the free available chlorine concentration to 3.0 mg/L, pH 7.2--7.5, if it is <3.0 mg/L. Ensure this concentration is found throughout all co-circulating pools by sampling at least three widely spaced locations away from return water outlets. This free available chlorine concentration was selected to keep the pool closure time to approximately thirty (30) minutes.
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Maintain the free available chlorine concentration at 3.0 mg/L, pH 7.2--7.5, for at least thirty (30) minutes before reopening the pool. State or local regulators may require higher free available chlorine levels in the presence of chlorine stabilizers such as chlorinated isocyanurates §. Ensure that the filtration system is operating while the pool reaches and maintains the proper free available chlorine concentration during the disinfection process.
- Establish a fecal accident log. Document each fecal accident by recording date and time of the event, formed stool or diarrhea, free available chlorine concentration at the time or observation of the event and before opening the pool, the pH, the procedures followed to respond to the fecal accident (including the process used to increase free chlorine residual if necessary), and the contact time.
* No uniform recommendations for disinfection of vacuum systems are available. However, if a vacuum system is accidentally used, the waste should be discharged directly to a sewer or other approved waste disposal system and not through the filtration system. The dilution effect of the pool water going through the hose may reduce the risk for high-level contamination of the vacuum system.
§ The impact of chlorine stabilizers (e.g., chlorinated isocyanurates) on pathogen inactivation and disinfectant measurement is unclear and requires further investigation. State or local regulations on chlorinated isocyanurates use should be consulted.
This information is based on the most current information provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC provides pamphlet called Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff (pdf) which outlines the above along with other helpful information.
Clayton County Board of Health
Environmental Health
1117 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (678) 610-7199
Fax: (770) 603-4874