Alert
Pool and Spa Safety
July 1, 2008

If you own a pool or spa, you need to take some important steps to make it healthy and safe to use. 

What is considered a private pool? 

According to Columbus City Health Code (Chapter 229) a private pool is any body of water that is:

• of artificial construction
• used by the owner and friends for recreational bathing and swimming
• over 30 inches deep

If you have a pool or spa like this at your home in the City of Columbus, you must follow the requirements in Columbus City Health Code.

1) Prevent Drowning

• Build and maintain barriers that keep young children from gaining access to pools. The City of Columbus requires that all residential pools are properly fenced.
• More about safe swimming.

Fencing Requirements

You must have a fence...

• If your pool is 30 inches or more deep
• That is at least 48 inches high
• With slats no more than 4 inches apart
• With no diamond-shaped openings larger than 1 3/4 inches.
• With at least 11 gauge wire (if fence is chain-link)
• That is built so that a 4 inch ball cannot pass through at any point in the fence

The entrance gate latch must:

• Be a self-closing catch or spring latching type lock
• Have a lock that needs a key or combination to open
• Be locked whenever pool is not in use

2) Health Concerns

Diarrhea can be spread by swallowing or having contact with contaminated water from pools. To help prevent the spread of illnesses, follow these guidelines:

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Practice good health habits. 
• Take a shower and wash babies before swimming.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet or after changing diapers.
• Take your kids on bathroom breaks and/or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom (not poolside).
• Use water-resistant diapers.

3) Water Quality

Your pool water must be of “safe and sanitary quality” according to Columbus City Health Code.  Chlorine and pH levels are important factors in helping you obtain safe and sanitary water.  Proper chlorine and pH levels can help stop the spread of germs in your pool. 

Below are recommended levels for chlorine and pH.  Be sure to check these often, because sunlight, dirt, debris, skin, and fecal matter can change levels.

4) Closing Your Pool

  When Not In Use

• Keep it covered
• Have NO standing water on the cover for more than 1 hour
• Have locked gates
• Drain it OR kept covered at all times (if not in use for 2 months or more) 

Draining A Pool

• Water must drain into a sanitary sewer or onto the pool owners property.
• Do NOT drain pool water onto someone else’s property. 
• Remove standing water on the cover.

Pool & Spa Safety Checklist 

Daily

• Test chlorine and pH levels
• Add chlorine to keep the level between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm
• Check water level
• Make sure there is enough water for the skimmer to work properly
• Clean skimmer basket
• Use a net to remove floating leaves or debris from bottom of the pool

Weekly

• Clean the pump basket
• Vacuum the pool
• Backwash the filter (if necessary)

Annually

• Ensure fencing is secure and follows requirements
• Close pool properly for the winter

More Information

• Water Protection Program at Columbus Public Health
• Healthy Swimming Index (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 
• Water safety basics