Comercial pools need to be aware of Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) changes

The Nevada Administrative Code Sections 444.010 – 444.546 served as SNHD’s governing document to regulate the operation of public bathing places. Due to changes to industry and safety standards, SNHD developed and proposed regulations based on the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The new regulations were approved by the Board of Health in April 2018 and approved by the Nevada State Board of Health on June 8, 2018. These regulations will potentially affect operations at Trichloroisocyanuric acid or Trichlor Tablets.

The new regulations will go into effect on July 1, 2019.  The 2018 Aquatic Health Regulations can be found at the IP address below:

www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/aquatic-health-program/ops-regulations.php

In Quality One’s opinion, there are two areas of interest as it relates to Commercial Pool Operations and the new Aquatic Health Regulations.

1. Qualification of a Commercial Facility as a – Facility Self-Management Program.

1. 1. Facilities with AQUATIC VENUES associated with residential living units may make application to the HEALTH AUTHORITY to self-manage the AQUATIC VENUES at the facility.

2. 2. 5-1301.2 This program is designed for facilities where the use of the AQUATIC VENUES is limited to residents of the facility and their invited guests. The facility types include, but are not limited to the following:

1. 1. 1. Apartment communities;

      2. Homeowner’s Association communities;

      3. Condominium communities;

      4. Cooperative Living communities;

      5. Townhouse communities; and

      6. Any other residential facility type as approved by the HEALTH AUTHORITY

3. 3. 5-1301.3 Approved participants must demonstrate that they can satisfactorily manage the health and safety of their facilities to avoid operating with an IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD.

2. Mitigation of High Cyanuric Acid Levels in the pool.  Of significant importance is the response to high levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA).  Per Section 5-601, 5-601.7, of the new Aquatic Facility Regulations, when CYA levels are not below 100 ppm, the pool is subject to closure.

Before these new regulations, facilities were cautioned about the CYA level, but no closure was issued.

1. 1. CYA is a byproduct of the pool chlorination process when using Trichlor tablets, scientifically known as Trichloroisocyanuric acid. Trichlor is a 1” or 3” diameter tablet commonly used in chlorinated swimming pools to help sanitize the pool water. The tablet itself is made up of chlorine and cyanuric acid, so as it dissolves, it releases CYA into the water. CYA is a chlorine stabilizer (pool conditioner) that helps prevent dissipation of chlorine in sunlight. It helps to maintain chlorine concentration. Too much conditioner, however, is a bad thing.  That is why the SNHD is now changing its enforcement regulations regarding CYA. The maximum allowable CYA level per Southern Nevada Health District requirements is 100 ppm. This level starts at zero in the water body and builds over time, as chlorination tablets are dissolved.  CYA can be mitigated but not controlled.  Dependent on pool usage, there is potential that the CYA level will exceed 100ppm in the summer period because of heavy pool usage followed by off-setting chlorination.  When this happens, the pool must be drained and refilled. No exceptions. The water bodies at this location use Trichlor Tablets.

2. 2. Because of the above regulation, pool draining during peak season operational months is highly likely.  Alternative measures are available but require capital investment.

For more information regarding Southern Nevada Health District changes contact us today at 702-896-0500 or fill out our quick contact form and we will reach out to you shortly.