Pool Tip #42: Fecal Accidents, Vomit, Dead Animals Clean-Up Procedures

Feces – Formed Stool, or Vomitus Clean–Up

Have everyone exit the pool
Remove the fecal matter from the pool and dispose of matter in an approved manner –– do not use an in–line vacuum system
Disinfect the skimmer net or vacuum used to remove the fecal matter
Raise the free available chlorine level to 2.0 ppm and maintain for at least 25 minutes to inactivate the pathogen –– longer if the water is stabilized
Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.5
Continue filtration and uniform circulation
Log the incident and clean–up procedures

Diarrhea or Dead Animal Clean–Up

Have everyone exit the pool
Remove the fecal matter from the pool and dispose of matter in an approved manner –– do not use an in–line vacuum system
Disinfect the skimmer net or vacuum used to remove the fecal matter
Raise the free available chlorine level to 20 ppm FAC, and maintain for at least 12 hours and 45 minutes (765 minutes x 20 ppm = 15,300 CT) to inactivate the pathogen –– longer if water is stabilized
Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.5
Continue filtration and uniform circulation
Backwash the filters and/or replace filter media or elements prior to reopening the pool
Reduce the FAC level to less than 5 ppm
Log the incident and clean–up procedures