Del. Admin. Code tit. 16, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Health Systems Protection (HSP), 4464, app C
Qualifications: A qualified operator shall have completed an operator training course that is recognized by the Division.
Training Documentation: A qualified operator shall have a current certificate or written documentation acceptable to the Division showing completion of an approved operator training course.
Certificate Available: Originals or copies of such certificate or documentation shall be available on site for inspection by the Division for each qualified operator employed at or contracted by the site, as specified in this Regulation.
Essential Topics in Qualified Operator Training Courses
Course Content
All operator training courses recognized by the Division shall include, at a minimum, the following teaching elements:
1. Water disinfection,
2. Water chemistry,
3. Mechanical systems,
4. Health and safety, and
5. Operations.
1. Water Disinfection
1.1Disinfectants types including
1.1.1 Descriptions of different types of disinfectants,
1.1.2 Their unique physical(e.g., shape or state [solid, liquid, or gas]) and chemical properties (e.g., how it reacts with acids or bases)
1.1.3 How they disinfect and impact water chemistry and monitoring systems,
1.1.4 How to calculate dosing,
1.1.5 How they are used safely, and
1.1.6 The advantages or disadvantages of using each disinfectant.
1.2 CT Values or Concentration x Time values including:
1.2.1 How to calculate the amount of time needed to inactivate pathogens at a given concentration of a disinfectant, and
1.2.2 The importance and reasons for maintaining appropriate water pH and temperature.
1.3 Bromine including:
1.3.1 Definition of bromine as an element,
1.3.2 Its use as a residual disinfectant and oxidizer in water,
1.3.3 Bromine chemistry,
1.3.4 The disinfection role of hypobromous acid,
1.3.5 On site generation,
1.3.6 pH meter requirements to prevent false readings, and
1.3.7 Bromine reuse.
1.4Chlorine including:
1.4.1 Definition of chlorine as an element,
1.4.2 Its use as a residual disinfectant and oxidizer in water,
1.4.3 Chlorine chemistry and the role of PH,
1.4.4 The Disinfection role of hypochlorous acid,
1.4.5 Unstabilized products(sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, and chlorine gas)
1.4.6 Stabilized products (sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and trichloro-s-triazinetrione),
1.4.7 Safe chemical handling, and
1.4.8 On-site Chlorine generation.
1.5Cyanuric Acid(CYA) and stabilized chlorine product use including:
1.5.1 Description of CYA and how chlorine is bound to it;
1.5.2 Description of CYA use via addition of stabilized chlorine compounds or addition of cyanuric acid alone;
1.5.3 Response curves showing the impact of CYA on stabilization of chlorine residuals in the presence of UV;
1.5.4 Dose response curves showing the impact of CYA on chlorine kill rates including the impact of CYA concentrations on diarrheal fecal incident remediation procedures;
1.5.5 Strategies for controlling the concentration of CYA; and
1.5.6 Strategies for reducing the concentration of CYA when it exceeds the maximum allowable level.
1.6Breakpoint/ Super-Chlorination including how to achieve it through calculation of chemical dosing to reach the desired free chlorine level and its relationship to reducing and controlling formation of combined chlorine including guidance for how to perform breakpoint chlorination in indoor aquatic settings.
1.7Hyperchlorinationincluding procedures for implementation of fecal/vomit/blood contamination response.
1.8Combined Chlorine including:
1.8.1 How different combined chlorine and disinfection by-products are formed in the water and air;
1.8.2 The maximum acceptable level of combined chlorine;
1.8.3 How methods such as water replacement, breakpoint chlorination, ultraviolet light, ozone, ventilation, and use of other oxidizers can reduce combined chlorine level;
1.8.4 The advantages and disadvantages of each; and 5) Possible health effects of combined chlorine products in the air, particularly in indoor aquatic facilities.
1.9Secondary Disinfection Systems including:
1.9.1 How ozone and ultraviolet disinfectants are used in conjunction with residual disinfectants to inactivate pathogens, and
1.9.2 Sizing guidelines/dosing calculations, safe use, and advantages and disadvantages of each method.
1.10Supplemental Disinfection including other disinfection chemicals or systems on the market and their effectiveness in water treatment.
2.Water Chemistry Course work for water chemistry shall include:
2.1Source Water including requirements for supply and pre-treatment.
2.2Water Balance including:
2.2.1 Effect of unbalanced water on disinfection, pool feature surfaces, mechanical equipment, and fixtures; and
2.2.2 Details of water balance including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and TDS.
2.3Saturation Index including calculations, ideal values, and effects of values which are too low or too high.
2.4Water Clarity including:
2.4.1 Reasons why water quality is so important;
2.4.2 Causes of poor water clarity;
2.4.3 Maintenance of good water clarity; and
2.4.4 Closure requirements when water clarity is poor.
2.5pH including:
2.5.1 How pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in water;
2.5.2 Effects of high and low pH on bathers and equipment;
2.5.3 Ideal pH range for bather and equipment;
2.5.4 Factors that affect pH;
2.5.5 How pH affects disinfectant efficacy; and
2.5.6 How to decrease and increase pH.
2.6Total Alkalinity including:
2.6.1 How total alkalinity relates to pH;
2.6.2 Effects of low and high total alkalinity;
2.6.3 Factors that affect total alkalinity;
2.6.4 Ideal total alkalinity range, and
2.6.5 How to increase or decrease total alkalinity.
2.7Calcium Hardness including:
2.7.1 Why water naturally contains calcium;
2.7.2 How calcium hardness relates to total hardness and temperature;
2.7.3 Effects of low and high calcium hardness;
2.7.4 Factors that affect calcium hardness;
2.7.5 Ideal calcium hardness range; and
2.7.6 How to increase or decrease calcium hardness.
2.8 Temperature including:
2.8.1 How low and high water temperatures increase the likelihood of corrosion and scaling, respectively;
2.8.2 Effect on disinfection, its health effects, and other operational considerations;
2.8.3 Health effects; and
2.8.4 Other operational considerations.
2.9Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) including:
2.9.1 Why the concentration of TDS increases over time;
2.9.2 Association with conductivity and organic contaminants; and
2.9.3 Key TDS levels as they relate to starting up a pool and galvanic corrosion.
2.10Water Treatment Systems including:
2.10.1 Descriptions of system use, monitoring, calibration, and maintenance of automatic controllers;
2.10.2 Descriptions of common types of liquid, dry chemical, and gas mechanical feeders;
2.10.3 CHLORINE, bromine, and ozone generators;
2.10.4 Ultraviolet light systems;
2.10.5 Unique features of feeders, generators, and systems;
2.10.6 How to generally operate and maintain them;
2.10.7 Advantages and disadvantages of different feeders, ultraviolet light systems, and ozonator types; and
2.10.8 Alternate treatment methods.
2.11Water Testing including:
2.11.1 How different methods(including but not limited to colorimetric, titrimetric, turbidimetric, and electronic) test water to determine the following levels:
2.11.1.1 Free available and total chlorine,
2.11.1.2 Total bromine,
2.11.1.3 pH,
2.11.1.4 Total alkalinity,
2.11.1.5 Calcium hardness,
2.11.1.6 Temperature,
2.11.1.7 TDS,
2.11.1.8 CYA,
2.11.1.9 Metals, and
2.11.1.10 Any other tests(including but not limited to salt concentrations, phosphates, nitrates, potassium monopersulfate, copper, iron, and bacterial testing);
2.11.2 The advantages and disadvantages of each method;
2.11.3 How to maintain testing equipment;
2.11.4 How to collect water samples;
2.11.5 How to perform and interpret tests;
2.11.6 How frequently to test;
2.11.7 The steps of the dilution method; and
2.11.8 How to calculate combined chlorine levels.
3. Mechanical SystemsCourse work for mechanical systems shall include:
3.1Maintenance Calculations including:
3.1.1 Explanations of why particular calculations are important;
3.1.2 How to convert units of measurement within and between the English and metric systems;
3.1.3 How to determine the surface area of regularly and irregularly shape aquatic venues
3.1.4 How to determine the water volume of regularly and irregularly shaped aquatic venues; and
3.1.5 Why proper sizing of filters, pumps, pipes, and feeders is important
3.2 Circulation including:
3.2.1 Why circulation is needed;
3.2.2 Factors that affect water flow;
3.2.3 How direct suction and overflow systems work;
3.2.4 How to calculate turnover and flow rates;
3.2.5 How the following components of the circulation system relate to each other:
3.2.5.1 Main drains,
3.2.5.2 Gutters and surface skimmers,
3.2.5.3 Circulation pump and motor,
3.2.5.4 Surge tanks,
3.2.5.5 Vacuum ports,
3.2.5.6 Valves, and
3.2.5.7 Return inlets;
3.2.6 How to read flow meters;
3.2.7 How to safely operate pressurized systems after the pump;
3.2.8 Information on dye testing; 9) An understanding of total dynamic head(TDH);
3.2.9 How it TDH calculated;
3.2.10 How TDH is field-determined using vacuum and pressure gauges;
3.2.11 TDH effect on pump flow; and
3.2.12 Cross connections
3.3Main Drains including:
3.3.1 A description of the role of main drains;
3.3.2 Why they should not be resized without engineering and public health consultation;
3.3.3 The importance of daily inspection of structural integrity; and
3.3.4 Discussion on balancing the need to maximize surface water flow while minimizing the likelihood of entrapment.
3.4Gutters & Surface Skimmers including:
3.4.1 Why it is important to collect surface water;
3.4.2 A description of different gutter types(at a minimum: scum, surge, and rim-flow);
3.4.3 How each type generally works;
3.4.4 The advantages and disadvantages of each; and
3.4.5 Description of the components of SKIMMERS(e.g., weir, basket, and equalizer assembly) and their respective roles.
3.5Mechanical System Balance including:
3.5.1 An understanding of mechanical system balancing;
3.5.2 Methodology for setting proper operational water levels;
3.5.3 Basic hydraulics which affect proper functioning of the balance tank and aquatic venues;
3.5.4 Methods of setting and adjusting modulation valves;
3.5.5 Balance lines;
3.5.6 Skimmers;
3.5.7 Main drains;
3.5.8 The operation of the water make-up system;
3.5.9 Collector tanks/gravity drainage systems; and
3.5.10 Automatic controllers.
3.6Circulation Pump & Motor including:
3.6.1 Descriptions of the role of the pump and motor;
3.6.2 Self-priming and flooded suction pumps;
3.6.3 Key components of a pump and how they work together;
3.6.4 Cavitation;
3.6.5 Possible causes of cavitation; and
3.6.6 Troubleshooting problems with the pump and motor.
3.7Valves includingmodulating/ automatic, and check) and their safe operation.
3.8Return Inlets including a description of the role of return inlets and the importance of replacing fittings with those that meet original specifications.
3.9Filtration including
3.9.1 Why filtration is needed;
3.9.2 A description of pressure and vacuum filters and different types of filter media;
3.9.3 How to calculate filter surface area;
3.9.4 How to read pressure gauges;
3.9.5 A general description of sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth filters and alternative filter media types to include, at a minimum, perlite, zeolite, and crushed glass;
3.9.6 The characteristic flow rates and particle size entrapment of each filter type;
3.9.7 How to generally operate and maintain each filter type;
3.9.8 Troubleshooting problems with the filter; and
3.9.9 The advantages and disadvantages of different filters and filter media.
3.10Filter Backwashing/Cleaning including:
3.10.1 Determining and setting proper backwash flow rates;
3.10.2 When backwashing/cleaning should be done and the steps needed for clearing a filter of fine particles and other contaminants;
3.10.3 Proper disposal of waste water from backwash; and
3.10.4 What additional fixtures/equipment may be needed(i.e., sump, separation tank).
4. Health and Safety Course work for health and safety shall include:
4.1Recreational Water Illness(RWI) including:
4.1.1 How water can contain or become contaminated with parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi, disinfection by-products, or unsafe levels of chemicals; and
4.1.2 The role of the operator in reducing risk.
4.2Causes of RWIs
4.2.1 Common infectious and chemical causes of RWIs, including but not limited to:
4.2.1.1 Diarrheal illness(Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus);
4.2.1.2 Skin rashes(Pseudomonas aeruginosa, molluscum contagiosum);
4.2.1.3 Respiratory illness(Legionella);
4.2.1.4 Neurologic infections(echovirus, Naegleria);
4.2.1.5 Eye/ear illness(Pseudomonas aeruginosa, adenovirus, Acanthamoeba);
4.2.1.6 Hypersensitivity reactions(Mycobacterium avium complex, Pontiac fever, endotoxins); and
4.2.1.7 Health effects of chloramines and disinfection by-products.
4.3RWI Prevention including:
4.3.1 Methods of prevention of RWIs, including but not limited to chemical level control;
4.3.2 Why public health, operators, and patrons need to be educated about RWIs and collaborate on RWI prevention;
4.3.3 The role of showering;
4.3.4 The efficacy of swim diapers;
4.3.5 Formed-stool and diarrheal fecal incident response; and
4.3.6 Developing a plan to minimize pathogens and other biological(e.g., blood, vomit, sweat, urine, and skin and hair care products) contamination of the water.
4.4Risk Management including techniques that identify hazards and risks and that prevent illness and injuries associated with aquatic facilities open to the public.
4.5Record Keeping including the need to keep accurate and timely records of the following areas:
4.5.1 Operational conditions(e.g., water chemistry, water temperature, filter pressure differential, flow meter reading, and water clarity);
4.5.2 Maintenance performed(e.g., backwashing, change of equipment);
4.5.3 Incidents and response(e.g., fecal incidents in the water and injuries); and
4.5.4 Staff training and attendance.
4.6Chemical Safety including steps to safely store and handle chemicals including:
4.6.1 How to read labels and material safety data sheets;
4.6.2 How to prevent individual chemicals and inorganic and organic chlorine products from mixing together or with other substances(including water) or in chemical feeders; and
4.6.3 Use of PPE.
4.7Entrapment Prevention including:
4.7.1 Different types of entrapment(e.g., hair, limb, body, evisceration/disembowelment, and mechanical);
4.7.2 How to prevent and/or decrease likelihood of entrapment; and
4.7.3 Requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
4.8Electrical Safety including possible causes of electrical shock and steps that can be taken to prevent electrical shock (e.g., bonding, grounding, ground fault interrupters, and prevention of accidental immersion of electrical devices).
4.9Rescue Equipment including a description and rationale for the most commonly found rescue equipment including:
4.9.1 Rescue tubes,
4.9.2 Reaching poles,
4.9.3 Ring buoys and throwing lines,
4.9.4 Backboards,
4.9.5 First aid kits,
4.9.6 Emergency alert systems,
4.9.7 Emergency phones with current numbers posted, and
4.9.8 Resuscitation equipment.
4.10Injury Prevention including basic steps known to decrease the likelihood of injury, at a minimum:
4.10.1 Banning glass containers at aquatic facilities,
4.10.2 Patron education, and
4.10.3 Daily visual inspection for hazards.
4.11Drowning Prevention including causes and prevention of drowning.
4.12Barriers including descriptions of how fences, gates, doors, and safety covers can be used to prevent access to water; and basics of design that effectively prevent access to water.
4.13Signage & Depth Markers including the importance of maintaining signage and depth markers.
4.14Facility Sanitation including:
4.14.1 Steps to clean and disinfect all surfaces that patrons would commonly come in contact with(e.g., deck, restrooms, and diaper-changing areas), and
4.14.2 Procedures for implementation of Section 9.28Fecal-Vomit-Blood Contamination Response, in relation to responding to a body fluid spill on these surfaces.
4.15Emergency Response Plan including:
4.15.1 Steps to respond to emergencies(at a minimum, severe weather events, drowning or injury, contamination of the water, chemical incidents); and
4.15.2 Communication and coordination with emergency responders and local health department notification as part of an Emergency Action Plan.
5.Operations Course work for operations shall include:
5.1Regulations including the application of local, regional, state, and federal regulations and standards relating to the operation of aquatic facilities.
5.2Immediate Closure - Course work shall also highlight reasons why an inspector or operator would immediately close an aquatic facilities.
5.3Local & State Health Departments including stressing the importance of a good working relationship with the local and state health department.
5.4Aquatic Facility Types including common aquatic venue types and settings and a discussion of features and play equipment that require specific operation and maintenance steps.
5.5Daily/Routine Operations including listing and describing the daily inspection and maintenance requirements of an aquatic facility including, but not limited items listed:
5.5.1 Walkways/deck and exits are clear, clean, free of debris;
5.5.2 Drain covers, vacuum fitting covers, skimmer equalizer covers, and any other suction outlet covers are in place, secure, and unbroken;
5.5.3 Skimmer baskets, weirs, lids, flow adjusters, and suction outlets are free of any blockage;
5.5.4 Inlet and return covers and any other fittings are in place, secure, and unbroken;
5.5.5 Safety warning signs and other signage are in place and in good repair;
5.5.6 Entrapment prevention systems are operational;
5.5.7 Recirculation, disinfection systems, controller(s), and probes are operating as required;
5.5.8 Secondary and/or supplemental disinfection systems are operating as required;
5.5.9 Underwater lights and other lighting are intact with no exposed wires or water in lights;
5.5.10 Slime and biofilm has been removed from accessible surfaces of aquatic venue, slides, and other aquatic features;
5.5.11 Doors to nonpublic areas(chemical storage spaces, offices, etc.) are locked;
5.5.12 First aid supplies are stocked;
5.5.13 Emergency communication equipment and systems are operational;
5.5.14 Fecal/vomit/blood incident contamination response protocols, materials, and equipment are available;
5.5.15 Aquatic features and amenities are functioning in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
5.5.16 Fencing/barriers, gates, and self-latching or other locks are tested and are intact and functioning properly, and barriers do not have nearby furniture to encourage climbing;
5.5.17 Drinking fountains are clean and in functional condition;
5.5.18 Electrical devices are in good working condition and meet the requirements specified by Code;
5.5.19 Alarms, if required, are tested and functioning properly;
5.5.20 Assessing glare conditions throughout operating hours to assess whether the bottom and objects in the pool are clearly visible;
5.5.21 Play structures and diving boards are in good condition;
5.5.22 Safety equipment is in good condition, properly secured, accessible for intended use, and shall include at a minimum:
5.5.22.1 Rescue tubes,
5.5.22.2 Resuscitation masks with one-way valve,
5.5.22.3 First aid kits,
5.5.22.4 AED's,
5.5.22.5 Emergency oxygen,
5.5.22.6 Backboard, head immobilizer, straps, and
5.5.22.7 Lifeguard stands;
5.5.23 Emergency shut-off systems(slides, water features, pumps, etc.) function properly;
5.5.24 Depth markings are clearly visible;
5.5.25 Lifelines and buoys are in place and in good working order;
5.5.26 Ladders are non-slip and rungs secured tightly;
5.5.27 Waterslides are in functional, safe condition;
5.5.28 Moveable fulcrum is adjusted properly to control spring in the board as necessary;
5.5.29 Moveable starting blocks are properly stored;
5.5.30 Access to permanent starting blocks is restricted or controlled when not in use by swim teams and prohibited when not in use by competitive swimming or swimming practice that is under direct supervision of an instructor or coach;
5.5.31 Railings are secure;
5.5.32 SVRS is functioning according to manufacturer's guidelines;
5.5.33 Skimmers baskets and covers are clean and in place;
5.5.34 Water quality and clarity is Regulation compliant;
5.5.35 Water level is at an appropriate level;
5.5.36 Pumps retain the appropriate pressure;
5.5.37 Play structures are secure(consider water velocity and reference manufacturers recommended levels); and
5.5.38 Verify required documentation and records are in place and signed by the appropriate personnel.
5.6Preventive Maintenance including how to develop:
5.6.1 A preventive maintenance plan,
5.6.2 Routine maintenance procedures, and
5.6.3 Record keeping system needed to track maintenance performed.
5.7Weatherizing including the importance of weatherizing and the steps to prevent damage to aquatic facilities and their mechanical systems due to very low temperatures or extreme weather conditions (e.g., flooding).
5.8Facility Renovation & Design - Aquatic facility renovation and design including:
5.8.1 Definitions of aquatic facility renovation, remodeling, and substantial alternation;
5.8.2 When it is necessary to renovate;
5.8.3 When it is necessary to notify the Division of planned renovations and remodeling; and
5.8.4 Current trends in facility renovation and design.
5.9Heating issues including:
5.9.1 Recommended water temperatures and limits,
5.9.2 Factors that contribute to the water's heat loss and gain,
5.9.3 Heating equipment options,
5.9.4 Sizing gas heaters, and
5.9.5 How to troubleshoot problems with heaters.
5.10Air Circulation including:
5.10.1 Air handling system considerations for an indoor aquatic facility,
5.10.2 The importance of regulating humidity,
5.10.3 The need to maintain negative pressure,
5.10.4 How poor indoor air quality can affect patrons and staff, and
5.10.5 How to balance air change and energy efficiency.
5.11Spa & Therapy Pool Issues including:
5.11.1 Operational implications of smaller volumes of water and hot water,
5.11.2 How to maintain water chemistry,
5.11.3 Typical water temperature ranges highlighting maximum temperatures,
5.11.4 Risks of hyperthermia and hypothermia,
5.11.5 Need for emergency shut-off switches, and
5.11.6 Frequency of cleaning, draining, and disinfection.
Del. Admin. Code tit. 16, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Health Systems Protection (HSP), 4464, app C