The Northern Kentucky Health Department has performed over 350 inspections on various facilities related to public pools ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, when many public pools open, according to a recent press release from the department.
“All pools and spas are permitted annually, and are required to be inspected and approved before they can open for use,” said Steve Divine, director of the Division of Environmental Health and Safety for the Northern Kentucky Health Department in the release. “This means that roughly 360 initial opening inspections are performed beginning in mid-May, with many needing follow-up inspections before they can open due to not meeting all requirements during the first visit. Once open, public pools and spas are visited monthly for water quality monitoring, receive a second full inspection during the operating season, and can also be visited as a result of a complaint or operating issue.”
The department considers “any pool or hot tub that is not located at a private single-family residence used by the owner and guests” to be part of a public pool facility.
Most of the facilities they inspect are seasonal outdoor pools, according to the press release. Including HOA and apartment pools, swim clubs, recreational centers and splash pads. There are also indoor pools and spas that operate year-round at such places as recreational clubs, hotels, residential common areas, and similar facilities.
Inspections focus on water quality to ensure safety for pool-goers. This includes tests on pH levels, alkaline levels and other chemical tests. Poorly maintained pools can become breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and other pathogens, such as E. coli, norovirus (more commonly known as the stomach bug) as well as pathogens associated with various rashes.
Learn more about the health department’s services at nkyhealth.org.