.JPG)
The federal government is creating the first ever Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) in response to the increased reporting of recreational water-borne illnesses. The new model will create standardized guidelines which when finalized will be required in all states.
Currently, each state and county create, implement and regulate their own standards of pool industry codes and regulations. This has created inconsistencies in the regulating of public and community pools and spas. For example, the Disinfection and Water Quality Module proposed free available chlorine levels of at least 1 part per million (ppm) which is also the code requirement under Tittle 22 for California; however, in states like Pennsylvania, you can have 0.4 ppm chlorine; or in Delaware, you could have 0.5 ppm.
The new model (MAHC) is being coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in response to an increase in recreational water illness that has occurred int he past decade. The federal model code will include "facility design and construction; re-circulation systems and filtration; disinfection and water quality risk management and safety; facility maintenance and operation; monitoring and testing; contamination burden; hygiene facilities; fecal/vomit/blood contamination response; operator training; life guarding and bather supervision; regulatory program administration; and, ventilation and air quality"
The MAHC will not be a federal law like the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, but a guideline that can be adopted by states and municipalities at their own discretion, in the same way as model codes generated by the International Code Council and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. Local governments can adopt the MAHC in full, modify it or just incorporate parts of it into existing codes.
Lori Cline of HOA Pool Services, Inc said, " I believe the model will bring consistency to the industry and improve the commercial pool standards ensuring the safety of users of public pools and spas throughout the country."
The finished code is expected to be published in late 2014.
For more information visit HOA Pool Services
Resource: Pool Spa News
