The Scoop on Poop

Due to the recent outbreaks of E.coli, our office has been inundated with calls asking for information as to what to do if fecal matter has been introduced into your swimming pool. The following procedures will offer proper sanitation if you experience this occurrence.

1. Evacuate and close the pool for a minimum of 24 hours or at least four turnovers
2. Remove as much of the fecal matter from the pool as possible and flush down a toilet.
3. Disinfect the skimmer net, vacuum, and/or any other equipment used for this purpose.
4. Raise the free chlorine residual to over 20 parts per million (ppm) by adding 2 ounces of calcium hypo chloride per 10,000 gallons of pool water for each ppm of increased desired. Maintain a 20 ppm residual for at least two complete turnovers.
5. Adjust and maintain pH at 7.2 to 7.4 for maximum sanitizer efficiently.
6. Backwash sand or diatomaceous earth filter thoroughly. If using cartridge filter remove and replace element.
7. Retest water and adjust all chemical parameters to proper range.

For wading pools and spas, follow above recommendations and then drain and refill pool.