More information on hazard ratings.
Inspection Information:
| Facility Type: | Hot Tub/Therapeutic Pool (<19 sq.m) |
| Inspection type: | Routine |
| Inspection date: | May 01, 2023 |
| Follow-up Required: | Yes |
This facility was given a high hazard rating.
More information on hazard ratings.
| Chlorine (Total) 4.33 ppm |
Chlorine (Free Available) 0.81 ppm |
Chlorine (Combined) |
Bromine (Free Available) |
| pH 7.01 |
Total Alkalinity 24 ppm |
Total Hardness |
Temperature 38.9 °C |
| Clarity |
Cyanuric Acid |
Violations:
A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below.
| Code | Description / Observation / Corrective Action |
| 101 | Critical Improper Water Chemistry/Water Clarity Observation: The water chemistry of the whirlpool (hot tub) was tested using two different pool test kits (Palintest kit and Taylor kit). The chemical parameters of free available chlorine (FAC) combined available chlorine (CAC), pH, and total alkalinity were measured and found to be out of their legally required range as per the BC Pool Regulation, pursuant to the BC Public Health Act. The legislative requirement for FAC is no less than 1.5 ppm for hot tubs. Public health significance: FAC levels below the requirement do not allow adequate disinfection of the pool water against disease causing waterborne microorganisms. Additionally, a pH value below 7.2 significantly reduces the effectiveness of chlorine disinfectants (FAC). Furthermore, a low total alkalinity leads to instability with maintaining an appropriate pH range of 7.2 to 7.8. These conditions significantly elevate the risks of growth and reproduction of waterborne pathogens. Pool bathers' exposure to pathogens via direct contact and ingestion of contaminated pool water, or the inhalation of its aerosols, may lead to infections and illnesses. Lastly, the CAC was measured to be too high. CAC is a disinfection by-product of FAC; high levels of CAC may lead to acute eye, skin, and/or respiratory irritation, and may lead to chronic adverse health effects over time. Corrective Action: Operator must remove all pool bathers from the hot tub and close the pool. The pool water is to be fully drained, refilled with potable water (i.e., municipal water supply), and treated to achieve the required water chemistry and water clarity. All chemical parameters stated in the observations (FAC, CAC, pH, and total alkalinity) must be corrected, tested, documented, and regularly monitored. The chemical concentrations must be no less than 1.5 ppm for FAC, less than 1.0 ppm for CAC, between 80 to 120 ppm for total alkalinity, and pH value must be between 7.2 to 7.8. |
| 205 | Improper Monitoring of Chemical Paramaters or Safety Tests Observation: Records of the daily tested pool chemical parameters indicated that the operator was only testing once per day. The minimum requirement of chemical testing, as recorded in the records/logs, is twice per day for disinfectants used measured in ppm (i.e., free available chlorine), combined chlorine measured in ppm, and pH. Public health significance: the appropriate level of free available chlorine and pH are essential to the adequate disinfection of pathogens in the pool water. Elevated combine chlorine levels may lead to acute health effects and discomfort, and the long-term exposure to high levels of combined chlorine can lead to chronic health effects. Corrective Action: Operator is to test and record the free available chlorine (ppm), combined chlorine (ppm), and pH, at least twice a day during the hours of the pool's operation and use. |
| 305 | Improper Maintenance of Pool Surface, Walkways, Floors and/or Construction Observation: The hot tub enclosure did not have a functioning clock prominently displaying the time in easy view of all users of the hot tub. This is a legal requirement as per section 16 (a)(i) of the BC Pool Regulation. Public health significance: the absence of a working clock in the hot tub enclosure may result in bathers' to be unaware about their time spent in the hot tub. This poses a safety risk as spending excessive time in a hot tub may lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or fainting, all of which increase the risk of drowning and death. Corrective Action: A functioning clock must be purchased and placed in a conspicuous location in the hot tub enclosure. |
| 305 | Improper Maintenance of Pool Surface, Walkways, Floors and/or Construction Observation: No functioning flow rate meter was installed for the hot tub. Public health significance: proper flow rate is essential to ensure that pool water is sufficiently treated, disinfected, and filtered. Corrective Action: A flow rate meter must be installed for the hot tub to ensure an adequate turnover rate is being met. |
| 305 | Improper Maintenance of Pool Surface, Walkways, Floors and/or Construction Observation: Drinking water was not reasonably accessible by pool bathers/patrons in the recreational water facility. Access to potable drinking water is required as per section 15 of the BC Pool Regulation. Public health significance: lack of reasonable access to potable drinking water in the pool facility increase the risk of dehydration among pool bathers. Dehydration can lead to adverse health effects and may be lethal. Corrective Action: Operator must purchase and place a drinking water dispenser within the pool facility to ensure potable drinking water is reasonably accessible by pool bathers. Alternatively, bottled water can be offered if an adequate supply is always maintained during pool operation hours. |