REGULATION ON AMENDING THE REGULATION ON HEALTH PRINCIPLES AND CONDITIONS TO WHICH SWIMMING POOLS SHALL BE SUBJECT, PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 15, 2011
-Conditions to be complied with in the operation of swimming pools
-Obligations regarding manager responsibility and pool water operator roles
-Physical spaces
-Security measures
-Daily and monthly analyses to be performed
-Use of the pool logbook
-Analysis frequency
-Audit
-Monitoring of pool waters that do not meet standards
- Use of disinfection and pool chemicals
-Pool water operator training
-How pool water analyses are conducted
-Information was provided regarding how coordination is maintained with the Provincial Directorate of Health.
-Problems encountered in businesses were mentioned, and what kind of measures could be taken were discussed.
-Facilities that do not have a pool logbook must obtain one from the Provincial Directorate of Health as soon as possible, and facilities will be held responsible for these logbooks during inspections,
-The content of the pool water operator training and what can be done regarding contradictory situations related to the training were discussed.
Published on March 6, 2011;
‘REGULATION ON THE HEALTH PRINCIPLES AND CONDITIONS TO WHICH SWIMMING POOLS SHALL BE SUBJECT’
And
Dated December 15, 2011;
‘REGULATION ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE REGULATION ON HEALTH PRINCIPLES AND CONDITIONS TO WHICH SWIMMING POOLS SHALL BE SUBJECT’
in accordance with:
Article 8: The following conditions shall be complied with in the operation of the swimming pool:
The swimming pool operator must employ a responsible manager, a pool water operator, and a certified lifeguard. The responsible manager and the pool water operator may be the same person, provided they jointly meet the following requirements.
Responsible manager: A person who has received training in chemistry or health, is at least a high school graduate, and is responsible for technical matters and the proper operation of the pool,
Swimming pool operator: The person who has received training in this field and is at least a high school graduate, who prepares the water used in swimming pools for use in chemical, physical, and microbiological aspects.
Ropes, lifebuoys, swim rings, and other life-saving equipment, along with first aid supplies, are kept ready for use in the swimming pool.
ü Users are ensured to enter the swimming pool wearing swimwear. Arrangements are made in the facilities to ensure that all users can take a shower and perform foot disinfection before entering the swimming pool.
Transitional provisions regarding pool water operators and responsible managers
Provisional Article 2:
1) Those who document that they have received training organized for pool water operator roles prior to the publication date of this article and have already worked as a pool water operator for at least 1 year may continue as pool water operators.
2) Pools that meet the conditions but do not have a pool water operator and a responsible manager shall make the necessary arrangements by 31.05.2012, starting from the date this article enters into force.
Animals are not permitted to be in the swimming pool with humans in any way.
Warning signs, prepared for the purpose of warning individuals against potential dangers and the rules to be observed within the facility, shall be placed in appropriate locations where they can be easily seen and read.
Swimming pool water is drained at least once a year for general cleaning.
Physical areas are always kept clean and dry, and general cleaning, including pool bottom cleaning, is performed after closing hours.
Swimming pools and physical spaces must be sufficiently illuminated and ventilated.
The indoor swimming pool, including the changing and dressing areas, is heated during the winter months.
OPERATION OF THE CHILDREN'S SWIMMING POOL?
The depth of the children's swimming pool cannot be more than 50 cm.
Ø Children's pools must have an independent water preparation facility, must be cleaned by being drained once a month, and after being disinfected, must be put back into operation by being filled with clean water.
Ø The children's swimming pool shall be separate from the adult swimming pool.
Article 10: PHYSICAL SPACES
Ø Shower areas, toilets, and changing rooms shall be arranged separately for women and men.
Ø Shower areas shall be arranged such that the temperature of the shower water can be adjusted and at a rate of at least one shower per 20 people.
Toilets are located near changing rooms and shower areas, arranged such that there is at least one toilet for every 20 people. Abundant and clean water, liquid soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and trash cans are provided in the toilets and washrooms.
Spectator areas, which are kept completely separate in terms of entrances and paths, are arranged in a manner that prevents spectators from entering the pool section. The spectator section shall contain a sufficient number of toilets, washbasins, and urinals to meet the needs of the spectators.
Article 11: SECURITY MEASURES
To prevent accidents and ensure safety in swimming pools:
Ø The swimming pool is planned in a way that will not cause accidents and will have sufficient area for safe walking around its edge. The water depth required for diving is provided. Otherwise, all types of diving are not permitted.
Ø The swimming area around the swimming pool, the shower area, and the surrounding ground shall be made of smooth and non-slip material.
Ø The drain grate in the swimming pool shall be kept in the closed position.
Ø Pool depths are written on the pool edge in at least 4 directions in a way that users can see them.
Ø A telephone is kept by the swimming pool for use in emergencies.
Article 12: AUDIT
The swimming pool, pool water, and pool chemicals are inspected every month by the directorate. In these inspections;
whether the chemicals used in the preparation and disinfection of pool water are licensed by the Ministry,
whether there is a warehouse for swimming pool chemicals and whether sufficient personal protective equipment is available,
Analysis logbooks and the analysis results performed or caused to be performed according to these regulation annexes are checked.
In an evaluation conducted at the end of a calendar year, if the pool and pool water quality comply with the conditions specified in this regulation, the ‘CLEAN POOL CERTIFICATE’ set out in Annex 5 shall be issued by the directorate. In the event that the pool and pool water quality do not comply with the conditions specified in this regulation during inspections, this certificate shall be canceled by the directorate.
Article 13: MONITORING OF NON-COMPLIANT POOL WATER
Ø If the microbiological analysis result of the sample taken from the swimming pool water is found not to comply with the qualities specified in Annex 3, the operation of the pool shall be suspended. If the analysis results of a new sample taken after the swimming pool operator has met the necessary requirements are found to comply with the qualities specified in Annex 3, the operation of the pool shall be permitted.
Ø In the event that the chemical analysis results of the sample taken from the swimming pool water do not comply with the qualities specified in Annex 1 and Annex 2, the operator shall be warned in writing to rectify the non-compliance and to take corrective measures. No action shall be taken against the enterprise if the analysis results of the sample taken again, after the swimming pool operator has met the necessary requirements, comply with the qualities specified in Annex 1 and Annex 2. However, if the analysis results do not comply, the operation of the pool shall be suspended until the analysis results meet the qualities specified above.
Article 14: DISINFECTION AND POOL CHEMICALS
Ø The swimming pool and the disinfection of its water are performed or caused to be performed by the operator.
Ø Disinfectants or pool water chemicals licensed by the Ministry are used in the pool water.
Ø Stabilized chlorine compounds can only be used in outdoor swimming pools.
Article 15: TRAINING OF POOL WATER OPERATORS
Ø Trainings for pool water operators, who work in swimming pools and are responsible for the preparation of swimming water, are organized by Public Education Directorates and/or the Turkish Employment Agency (İşkur).
The trainings cover the topics of pool water preparation, maintenance and operation, general hygiene, waterborne diseases, the effects of chemicals used in pool water on human and environmental health, and first aid.
Provisional Article 1: PROVISIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING EXISTING POOLS
Swimming pools that have applied for permission before the publication date of this regulation, as well as swimming pools currently in operation, shall bring their physical conditions into compliance with subparagraph c of Article 8 and Articles 9 and 10 within 1 year from the publication date of this regulation.
ANNEX 1: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Parameter
Analysis Range
Unit
At least
Most
Cyanuric acid (1)
Once a month
mg/L
-
100
Biguanid2
2
30
Hydrogen Peroxide (2)
40
80
pH (2)
6.5
7.8
Ammonium (2)
0.5
Nitrite
0.5
Nitrate
50
Copper
1
Aluminum
0.2
Total alkalinity (2) (CaCO3)
30
180
Combined chlorine (3)
0.2
Indoor swimming pool water free chlorine (3)
1
1.5
Outdoor swimming pool water free chlorine3
1
3
Free chlorine (4)
0.3
0.6
Annex
Parameter
Analysis Range
Desired Value
Color
Once a month
10 units as Pt/Co
Blurring
Once a month
5 units as SiO2 or Jackson units, or 0.5 units as NTU or FNU
Temperature (1)
Once a month
At least
Most
Indoor pool
26 °C
28 °C
Outdoor pool
26 °C
38 °C
ANNEX.
Parameter
Analysis Range
Unit
Threshold Values
At least
Most
Temperature
Indoor Swimming Pool
At least 3 times a day, the first being before the use of the pool and then at 4-hour intervals thereafter
o C
26
28
Outdoor Swimming Pool
26
38
Biguanid1
mg/L
2
30
Hydrogen Peroxide (1)
mg/L
40
80
pH (1)
Sweet and
Seawater
6.5
7.8
Outdoor and indoor swimming pools
Free chlorine (2)
Indoor swimming pool
mg/L
1
1.5
Outdoor swimming pool
mg/L
1
3
Free chlorine (3)
Outdoor and indoor swimming pools
mg/L
0.3
0.6
Cyanuric acid (4)
Every day
mg/L
--
100
Total alkalinity (1) (CaCO3)
Once a week
mg/L
30
180
Color
Every day
10 units as Pt/Co
Blurring
Every day
5 units as SiO2 or Jackson units, or 0.5 units as NTU or FNU
ANNEX 4: ANALYSES TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE OPERATOR
Parameter
Analysis Range
Unit
Threshold Values
At least
Most
Temperature
Indoor Swimming Pool
At least 3 times a day, the first being before the use of the pool and then at 4-hour intervals thereafter
o C
26
28
Outdoor Swimming Pool
26
38
Biguanid1
mg/L
2
30
Hydrogen Peroxide (1)
mg/L
40
80
pH (1)
Sweet and
Seawater
6.5
7.8
Outdoor and indoor swimming pools
Free chlorine (2)
Indoor swimming pool
mg/L
1
1.5
Outdoor swimming pool
mg/L
1
3
Free chlorine (3)
Outdoor and indoor swimming pools
mg/L
0.3
0.6
Cyanuric acid (4)
Every day
mg/L
--
100
Total alkalinity (1) (CaCO3)
Once a week
mg/L
30
180
Color
Every day
10 units as Pt/Co
Blurring
Every day
5 units as SiO2 or Jackson units, or 0.5 units as NTU or FNU