Thank you to everyone who attended our in-person Annual Pool and Spa Operator Training this year! We had a lot of great discussions and participation from attendees. For those who missed it, check out our website for class materials and speaker presentations.
Here is some feedback we received from our class surveys:
- Attendees represented a diverse number of facilities: apartment complexes, condos, hotels, health departments, HOA's, community clubs, camp associations, RV parks and athletic facilities.
- Attendees found the most beneficial session this year was Understanding Chlorination by Terry Arko, though there was a lot of positive feedback about all the sessions.
- Everyone enjoyed the venue, free food and said their expectations were met.
- An idea for improvement that was shared with us was to include a dance session. …We'll see what we can do.
We hope to see you at next year's event!
 Most seasonal water recreation facilities will likely be opening for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. Before opening your facility, here’s some things to check:
- Main drain and/or suction outlet covers are secure. Replace covers per manufacturer's instructions (5 years is the average lifespan).
- The rope for the throw buoy is in good shape. Ring buoy and life hook must be available at pool side.
- Emergency shut-off systems for spas or single main drains have been tested. Shut-offs should disengage the pump and sound an audible alarm.
- The emergency phone is working and able to reach 911.
- Barriers/gates are self closing/self latching.
- First aid kit is stocked and unexpired. CPR mask must be included in your kit.
- Any chemicals, including test kit reagents, are not expired. Replace as needed.
- Handrails are secure and deck is free of trip hazards.
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If you are planning to replace any equipment in your facility, you might need to go through plan review with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself “is this routine maintenance? Is a replacement like-for-like?” If the change is not routine maintenance, or replacement is not like-for-like your change likely needs plan review and approval first.
Examples where plan review would not be required include:
- Replacing like-for-like on defective or missing pool equipment parts
- Replacing filter media and filter elements, and minor repair work
- Replastering a pool the same color as originally approved
- Replacement of parts with the same manufacturer and model number
- Repairing barriers with materials of the same specification
Examples where plan review would be required include:
- Replacing equipment with a different manufacturer or model number
- Changing the material, construction, or design of barriers
- Disabling suction outlets
- Changing pool shape/dimensional design and/or pool surface color
- Changing lighting, locker room/restroom/shower room
- Construction and installation of a new facility feature
Plan review permit applications can be found on the DOH website. If you have questions regarding plan review, you can contact DOH at waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov.
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How often should you be draining and refilling your spa?
E-mail the answer to LivingEnvironment@whatcomcounty.us and get a shout out in our next newsletter!
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