PUBLIC HEALTH
In the Swim Newsletter
August 16, 2021 Special Issue
Information for commercial pool operators and owners
Updates to Masking Guidance FAQ
Face Mask 2
Washington State Department of Health has created an FAQ document that clarifies the Health Secretary’s mask order for permitted pools, spas, splashpads, and other water recreation facilities. When the order was issued, it was not clear as to when masks had to be worn by whom and where, especially for those pools that are in school, health care settings, or pools that are used by children. This new FAQ document provides clarity to those questions. Below is an excerpt from this document as it relates to water recreation facilities. 

If you are fully vaccinated:
  • You are generally not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors at water recreation facilities.
  • If you’re fully vaccinated, but at a water recreation facility that is youth-centered and children are present or expected to be present, you are required to wear a face mask when indoors or in indoor areas, except when in the water or on the deck preparing to be in the water. See Youth Settings section for more information.
  • If you’re fully vaccinated, but at a water recreation facility within a health care setting, you are required to wear a face mask when indoors or in indoor areas, except when in the water or on the deck preparing to be in the water. See Health Care Settings section for more information.

If you are not yet fully vaccinated:
  • You are required to wear a mask when indoors at any water recreation facility, except when in the water or on the deck preparing to be in the water.
  • You are not required to wear a mask at most outdoor water recreation facilities.

Please note, employees must follow L&I requirements, regardless of setting or vaccination status.
ALERT: Chlorine Shortage
Last summer, a Trichlor production facility burned to the ground. Supplies of Trichlor are projected to run out soon. This will cause safety issues and other challenges this pool season. You must maintain minimum disinfection levels at all times.

If you are considering on changing your disinfection system, you must obtain approval by Public Health prior to any changes, email DLCntyHealthWaterRec@clark.wa.gov for more information.
Minimum Disinfectant Levels

Pools
Chlorine 1.5 ppm
Stabilized Chlorine 2.0 ppm
Bromine 2.5 ppm

Spas
Chlorine 3.0 ppm
Stabilized Chlorine 3.5 ppm
Bromine 4.0 ppm
Remember to check expiration dates of reagents to ensure that they are current!
Have you checked your test kit recently?
The most frequent violation we have seen this summer is inadequate test kits for water quality checks. Operators must use the appropriate reagents to measure residual disinfectant levels. A titration test kit meeting NSF/ANSI Standard 50 with DPD powder is required.

For more information on pool test kits and virtual trainings, click the button below.
Talking
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\For more pool operator resources, previous newsletters, and other information about the services we provide, visit our website.
Clark County Public Health | clark.wa.gov/public-health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Building 17
Vancouver, WA 98661