Code
The manual shall at minimum include, but not be limited to the following items:
1) AQUATIC VENUE and AQUATIC FEATURE description(s) and locations,
2) Facility communication,
3) List of chemicals and system information,
4) Fecal/vomit and body fluid contamination response protocols,
5) Preventive maintenance plan, and
6) Any other standard operation and maintenance policies and instructions or applicable information for each AQUATIC VENUE and AQUATIC FEATURE at the facility.
Annex
A manual for the operation of AQUATIC FACILITIES should be kept at the facility, in both printed and digital formats. The manual should include basic information, chemical data, and operation and maintenance instructions about each POOL, SPA and spray ground feature at the facility. The manual should be updated on a regular basis to include added features, renovation work, and new code requirements.
Safety Related Info
PATRON and staff SAFETY are paramount to responsible operation of an AQUATIC FACILITY. Provide SAFETY related information in the operations manual including, but not limited to the following:
* Diving, drowning and electrocution hazards and risk reduction procedures;
* SAFETY signage locations and message information;
* Chemicals (type and quantity stored, SDS information, delivery procedures);
* Chemical SAFETY equipment and procedures;
* Emergency procedures for staff;
* Emergency procedures for PATRONS;
* Inventory of PATRON SAFETY equipment (first aid kit, back board, head restraints, rescue tubes, throw ropes, rescue pole, etc.);
* Fire SAFETY equipment locations, operation and Public Safety Department notification plan (fire extinguishers, hydrants, sprinkler system);
* Staff training and practice drill schedule and procedures;
* Electrical system, controls, and GFCI’s;
* Lighting and ventilation system description and controls;
* Vehicle and pedestrian accessibility;
* Lightning and storm evacuation plan;
* Emergency phone location and access;
* Emergency plan for evacuation and area notification; and
* Injury log
Aquatic Venue Info
Key criteria for each AQUATIC VENUE should be summarized including, but not necessarily limited to the following:
* Basin materials (wall and floor structures, gutter system);
* Coating materials;
* Flotation protection (underdrain system, sump pump, hydrostatic relief valves, etc.);
* Surface area (square feet of water or WET DECK for INTERACTIVE WATER AQUATIC VENUES);
* Volume (gallons);
* TURNOVER period (TURNOVERS per day);
* Recirculation rate (gallons per minute);
* Filter loading rate (gallons per minute per square foot of filter surface area); and
* Special features flow rates (gallons per minute for slides, sprays, LAZY RIVERS, current channels, vortex areas, surf features, play features, etc.).
Chemical Data
The operations manual should also provide chemical data for each chemical system in the facility. This includes but is not necessarily limited to the following:
* Description of chemicals provided for primary disinfectant, pH adjustment, alkalinity adjustment, stabilizer, SUPERCHLORINATION, coagulant, filter aid, etc.;
* SECONDARY DISINFECTION SYSTEM description, if provided (UV, ozone, other);
* Type of chemical feed equipment and rated capacities;
* Discussion of water treatment goals and range of chemical targets;
* Description of chemical testing equipment;
* Testing frequency and location for each test;
* Chemical controller information, probe cleaning, and calibration procedures;
* Water testing log forms for chemical results; and
* Chemical supplies (STORAGE quantity, providers, safety procedures).
Facility Operation Info
The operations manual should also provide instructions for AQUATIC FACILITY operations. These instructions should include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:
* Filter backwash or cleaning schedule and procedure;
* Periodic vacuuming and cleaning schedule and procedures;
* Seasonal cleaning procedures;
* SUPERCHLORINATION basis and procedure;
* Controller sensor maintenance (if applicable);
* Preventive maintenance tasks and schedule;
* Winterizing procedures; and
* Start-up and closing procedures.
Maintenance Instructions
The operations manual should provide instruction for proper maintenance for the facility. Both daily and seasonal or periodic maintenance will be required for the AQUATIC FACILITY. Available time and budget must always be balanced with the maintenance need. Regardless of whether the facility is large or small, frequent maintenance is more effective and more efficient than waiting until a larger problem occurs.
* Provide an inventory of available maintenance equipment and materials;
* Develop a daily maintenance schedule;
* Develop a schedule for periodic or seasonal maintenance; and
* Create a maintenance log with date and activity for future planning and budgeting.
Office Management
The operations manual also provides office management information for the facility. This manual should include, but not be limited to following:
* Active and inactive records and general file information;
* Forms for water test results and filter cleaning frequency;
* Forms for inventory of chemicals, equipment, cleaning supplies, etc.;
* Maintenance inspection forms for facility, equipment, and structures;
* Maintenance work forms;
* Requisition forms for purchasing based on facility policies;
* Staff evaluation forms log;
* POOL operation log (water quality, attendance, weather, open hours, injuries, complaints, equipment issues, etc.); and
* Security (opening and closing, underwater lighting, overhead lighting, doors, windows, alarms, bank deposits, etc.).
Personnel Records
Accurate records should be maintained for all personnel.
The options for this category are varied and numerous. The following list of personnel items is offered as an outline and a starting point for developing an operations manual including, but not limited to the following:
* Staff qualifications and job descriptions;
* Payroll procedures;
* Facility policies;
* Schedules and work attendance;
* Vacation and sick leave;
* Benefits;
* Conferences and education;
* Training programs;
* Termination basis, and
* Accident prevention.
Budget Considerations
An accurate and feasible budget is critical for ongoing AQUATIC FACILITY operation. Budget considerations should be included, but not limited to the following:
* Program fees and policies;
* Rental rates and policies;
* Staff wages and benefits;
* Facility expenditures for utilities, chemicals, concession supplies, equipment, training and program supplies, repairs and maintenance, insurance and office administration; and
* Financial report including monthly and annual summaries, projections and trends.