Swimming Pools & Spas

To maintain a safe swimming environment:

• Keep water free of debris and scum
• Ensure pool surfaces are clean and free of algae or sediment
• Maintain continuous water circulation (24/7)
• Ensure the main drain is visible from the deck

DAILY MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Water quality must be tested at least once daily, including:

• Disinfectant level
• pH
• Total alkalinity
• Temperature

A daily log must be maintained and archived for reference and audits.

Spa temperature must not exceed 104°F.

• Use an automatic chlorinator connected to the recirculation system
• Do not use floating chlorinators or place tablets in skimmers

Acceptable Chlorine Levels

• Pools: 1.0–3.0 ppm
• Spas: 3.0–5.0 ppm

If levels fall outside this range, the pool or spa must be closed until corrected.

Testing Tips

• Sample water 12–18 inches below the surface
• Avoid sampling near inlets
• Use a DPD test kit only (not OTO kits)

pH Requirements

• Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.8
• Outside this range, the pool or spa must be closed

Indicators of Imbalance

• Yellow: very low pH (corrosive, irritates skin/eyes)
• Purple: high chlorine levels
• Dark brown: extreme chlorine levels

Total Alkalinity

• Maintain between 60–100 ppm
• Helps stabilize pH and prevent fluctuations (“pH bounce”)

Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

• Must not exceed 150 ppm
• High levels can reduce sanitizer effectiveness and cause cloudy water
• Can only be reduced by dilution with fresh water

Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP)

• Must be 650 mV or higher
• Indicates how effectively bacteria are destroyed

Shock Treatment

Shock treatment raises chlorine levels to 20 ppm to eliminate contaminants.

• Post a notice when shocking

Do not reopen until water meets all required standards

Solid Contamination

• Close pool/spa immediately
• Remove contamination
• Test water and reopen only when standards are met

Liquid Contamination

• Close for at least 24 hours
• Remove as much contamination as possible
• Apply shock treatment
• Test water before reopening

Additional Requirements

• Backwash filter after treatment
• Maintain a fecal incident log
• Notify Environmental Health as needed

Pools:

• Shallow area ÷ 10 sq ft
• Deep area ÷ 24 sq ft

Spas: Total area ÷ 9 sq ft

The following must be posted:

• Proper use instructions
• No diving sign
• Maximum bathing load

• Ring buoy with 50 ft. rope
• Shepherd’s crook (16 ft. pole)

A follow-up inspection may be required if:

• Water chemistry is out of range
• Required safety equipment is missing
• Main drain is not visible
• Required signage is missing
• Pump or filtration system is not functioning
• Fencing or gates are not compliant
• Any condition presents a public health risk

Certain violations may result in immediate closure and additional fees.

Recreational health facilities operating under an annual license issued by the Mohave County Environmental Health Department are subject to follow-up inspections when certain conditions are identified during a routine inspection.

A follow-up inspection is required if any of the following conditions are observed:

• Disinfectant, pH, , or cyanuric acid* levels are outside the required range established by the Arizona Department of Health Services
• Main drain cover is missing
• Main drain is not visible from the deck
• One or more required pieces of safety equipment are missing or not up to code (shepherd’s crook or life ring with a minimum 50-foot rope)
• Pool gates are not self-closing and/or self-latching
• Fence openings exceed 4 inches
• Pool surfaces (bottom and sides) are not free of algae growth*
• Filter and/or pump is not functioning properly
• Two or more required signs are missing or not clearly visible, including:
• Maximum bathing load
• Proper use instructions (posted within 50 feet)
• No diving sign
• Spa temperature exceeds 104°F
• Any condition identified by the inspector as an imminent public health hazard

CLOSURE AND REINSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

If any of the above conditions are identified, the facility must remain closed until:

• A follow-up inspection is completed, and
• Approval is granted to reopen

A reinspection fee will be assessed and billed to the establishment.

EXCEPTIONS

Items marked with an asterisk (*) do not require immediate closure. However, they must be corrected and will still require a follow-up inspection. A reinspection fee will apply.