Key Updates to Pool Safety: The 2024 MAHC
.png)
The 5th edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) has been released by the CDC, featuring critical updates to safety guidance for aquatic facilities.
This latest edition reflects the most up-to-date research and practices to support public health and safety in aquatic environments. Some key changes include:
Key Changes Found in the 2024 MAHC (this short list is a high-level summary only)
Chapters 1–3
Established definition for single pass splash pads, eliminated references to foreign standards, removed references to outdated CPSC standard.
Established definition for single pass splash pads, eliminated references to foreign standards, removed references to outdated CPSC standard.
Chapter 4
Portable slides are prohibited, as their location is not fixed and the water depth, landing area, and clear spaces are not ensured (MAHC Section, 4.12.2.9.1). A clock must now be visible to all spa bathers (4.12.1.12). Single pass splash pads included as an interactive water play aquatic venue and subject to applicable MAHC design standards and construction (4.12.8), and facility operation and maintenance requirements (5.12.8).
Portable slides are prohibited, as their location is not fixed and the water depth, landing area, and clear spaces are not ensured (MAHC Section, 4.12.2.9.1). A clock must now be visible to all spa bathers (4.12.1.12). Single pass splash pads included as an interactive water play aquatic venue and subject to applicable MAHC design standards and construction (4.12.8), and facility operation and maintenance requirements (5.12.8).
Chapter 5
CDC accepted a CMAHC rejected change request that specified the upper operating range for chlorine products is dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions for use, in compliance with the EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (5.7.3.1.1.5). Cyanuric acid (CYA) at 300 ppm or higher now requires immediate remediation (5.7.3.1.3.3).
CDC accepted a CMAHC rejected change request that specified the upper operating range for chlorine products is dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions for use, in compliance with the EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (5.7.3.1.1.5). Cyanuric acid (CYA) at 300 ppm or higher now requires immediate remediation (5.7.3.1.3.3).
Chapter 6
The aquatic venue diarrheal-stool contamination response in the presence of CYA was modified to add dilution credits when draining and refilling to lower the CYA concentration (6.5.3.2.1). A table was also added to display log reductions based on the initial CYA concentration and the percentage of the aquatic venue drained and refilled. Three additional health hazards were added requiring immediate closure (6.6.3.1). Failure to provide interlock controls and flow meters/flow switches/pressure switches in accordance with section 4.7.3.2.1.3, or they are not operating properly, or have been disabled or bypassed. Failure to prevent unauthorized access to pool chemical storage spaces. Free chlorine greater than 10 ppm while bathers are present. Two qualified lifeguards are required to be present and available to respond to aquatic emergencies in aquatic facilities that have a single zone of patron surveillance (6.3.4.3.1).
The aquatic venue diarrheal-stool contamination response in the presence of CYA was modified to add dilution credits when draining and refilling to lower the CYA concentration (6.5.3.2.1). A table was also added to display log reductions based on the initial CYA concentration and the percentage of the aquatic venue drained and refilled. Three additional health hazards were added requiring immediate closure (6.6.3.1). Failure to provide interlock controls and flow meters/flow switches/pressure switches in accordance with section 4.7.3.2.1.3, or they are not operating properly, or have been disabled or bypassed. Failure to prevent unauthorized access to pool chemical storage spaces. Free chlorine greater than 10 ppm while bathers are present. Two qualified lifeguards are required to be present and available to respond to aquatic emergencies in aquatic facilities that have a single zone of patron surveillance (6.3.4.3.1).
Chapter 7
Artificial swimming lagoons (ASLs) design standards and construction, and operation and maintenance requirements now included as a special venue (7.3 & 7.4).
Artificial swimming lagoons (ASLs) design standards and construction, and operation and maintenance requirements now included as a special venue (7.3 & 7.4).
The MAHC continues to provide comprehensive guidance for facility operators, health officials, and stakeholders.
Review the 2024 MAHC Here: https://www.cdc.gov/model-aquatic-health-code/php/our-work/index.html
Review the 2024 MAHC Here: https://www.cdc.gov/model-aquatic-health-code/php/our-work/index.html
Filed under: Announcements