Get Healthy: Public pools, spas monitored for safety, health

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: How safe is it to swim in public pools?

A: Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health Division inspects public pools and spas in Carson City for compliance to safety regulations. Public pools and spas must be maintained under the supervision of an on-site, qualified operator who is responsible for the daily sanitation and safety of the facility and for maintaining records and equipment.

"Our main goal is keeping these facilities under compliance," says Neil Fox, Environmental Health Specialist. "Education is a major component of our inspection."

On-site operators have a big responsibility. Well-maintained public pools and spas are clean, disinfected and free from any irritation or hazards to swimmers. Certain tasks are performed daily: Testing the pool water for proper disinfection, pH, alkalinity and other materials; checking temperature and water clarity; vacuuming debris if necessary; assuring that pool deck and lifesaving equipment are in good condition; and checking equipment such as filters, pumps, heaters, and chlorinators. Operators are required to have a daily logbook in which they keep records of their daily checks.

There are 54 public pools and spas in Carson City. Most visible are the Carson City Aquatic Facility and Carson Hot Springs. The rest are located in various apartment buildings, condominium complexes, hotels, motels, and a physical therapy center. The goal of CCHHS inspectors is to visit each of them monthly during the warm months, but at least twice a year providing the pool or spa is open for business. Inspections involve checking the records, testing the water for disinfectants and proper pH, checking equipment such as skimmers, pumps and filters, and inspecting lifesaving equipment, the pool deck and access barriers.

The inspector arrives unsolicited and unscheduled, and it takes 20 to 40 minutes to perform the inspection. During an inspection, there are certain violations that pose a serious enough threat to public health that the inspector can order, "Everybody, out of the pool!" on the spot. This is similar to restaurant inspections that uncover problems so serious they result in restaurant closures.

Examples of this are broken drain covers, lack of adequate disinfection or the water is too cloudy to see the bottom.

"These violations will result in someone getting sick or hurt," Neil says.

Other violations do not require closing the pool, but nevertheless require immediate correction. Examples are a broken or compromised fence or barrier; a damaged deck with areas that could injure or trip someone; a disinfectant level that is too high; or a pH level that needs to be adjusted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that swimming is the third most popular sports activity. The health benefits are abundant, and it also is great fun. Public pools in Carson City are well-monitored. CCHHS wishes all a Safe and Healthy Fourth of July Weekend.

It's all about Public Health.

PARENTS!

Don't wait till the last minute to get your children's immunizations. Schools require proof of vaccinations, which are offered at Carson City Health and Human Services every Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch.

WHOOPING

COUGH OUTBREAK

IN CALIFORNIA

In neighboring California, confirmed cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, is triple that of last year. The five infants who died from it caught it from adults. Infants are not adequately protected by their whooping cough immunizations until they are 6 months old. For this reason, local health officials encourage Tdap boosters for any adult that is in close contact with an infant, as well as regular immunizations for infants and children. Whooping cough boosters for adults and vaccine for infants is available at Carson City Health and Human Services.

Carson City Health and Human Services

Clinic Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment

900 East Long St., Carson City

CALL: 775-887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

No appointment needed

CALL: 775-887-2195

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• Pam Graber is the public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Services. She can be reached at pgraber@ci.carson-city.nv.us