Swimming Pool Codes - City of Fargo

2.1 BACTERIAL TESTINGCHAPTER 2 - OPERATIONAL PRACTICESAll public and semi-public pool facilities must meet microbiological water qualityrequirements. To meet these requirements, a microbiological water sample must be collectedonce weekly from public and once monthly from semipublic pool facilities during theirperiod of operation. A satisfactory sample is one that does not show greater than 200bacterial colonies per one milliliter of sample and does not show the presence of the coliformgroup in a fermentation tube or membrane filter test. All samples must be submitted to alaboratory which has been certified by this department.2.2 KEEPING RECORDSFargo Cass Public Health requires that a daily operational log of the pool is kept. Resultsmust be recorded twice a day for public pools and once a day for semi-public pools. This isof great value as a source of information for the pool operator, as an assurance to responsibleofficials and the public that proper health and safety standards are being followed, and as areference for future operation of the pool facilities.2.3 PERSONNELSufficiently trained personnel should be available to accomplish effective pool management,bathhouse supervision, lifeguarding, and maintenance of filtration and re-circulation systems.We recommend that a permanent employee of the City or Park Board be assigned to maintainthe mechanical equipment.An adequate number of lifeguards are essential. Many authorities feel that at least onelifeguard should be provided for every 75 swimmers. Roving lifeguards, in addition to thoseon duty in the lifeguard chairs are desirable.The use of water safety aides to assist lifeguards in controlling patrons during periods ofheavy loading could markedly increase in efficiency. These aides are generally responsiblehigh school students who show an interest in pool activities. Pools operating on limitedbudgets may use aides and compensate the aides with free swimming. There is no substitutefor qualified lifeguards but, under certain circumstances, water safety aides may help preventa dangerous situation.The manager’s responsibility does not cease when the swimming period is over. Theswimming pool is an attractive nuisance and may be very dangerous if accessible when notofficially in use. Using the pool facilities without supervision must not be permitted.4