New Federal Model for Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

New Federal Model for Aquatic Health Code to Launch 2014

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

Community Spa May Spread Disease in Winter

Most people are familiar with the spread of water borne illnesses during the summer months, but even in the dead of winter, diseases can be lurking in your hot tub or community spa.  

In fact, during the winter months, homeowners are more likely to frequent the community spa and avoid the pool all together unless its heated.  Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) are caused due to an inadequate chemical monitoring, and your members are more likely to contract an RWI when they take a soak in the spa to unwind or soothe sore muscles after a long day on the slopes in winter. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns winter spa users to beware of Hot Tub Rash also known as Pseudomonas Dermatitis/Foliculitis. The rash is often caused by infection with the germ Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and may cause skin or ear infections.  The CDC lists symptoms of hot tub rash to include:

·        Itchy spots on the skin that becomes a bumpy red rash.

·        The rash is worse in areas that were previously covered by a swimsuit.

·        Pus-filled blisters around hair follicles.

The CDC reports that "Hot tub rash can occur if contaminated water comes in contact with skin for a long period of time.  The rash usually appears within a few days of being in a poorly maintained hot tub (or spa).  Most rashes clear up in a few days without medical treatment. However, if your rash lasts longer than a few days, consult your health care provider."

According to a Fox News Report, "Between 2009 and 2010, there were 81 outbreaks and 1,326 cases of illness in the United States linked to recreational water exposure (in pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc.), according to information reported from 28 states and Puerto Rico. (An outbreak is defined as two or more people who visited the same location, around the same time, getting sick.) Eighteen of these outbreaks (22 percent) were linked with hot tubs or spas, and about 40 percent of the outbreaks occurred in February or March, according to the report. Many of the winter outbreaks occurred in hotels."  

"One of the most common illnesses linked with hot tub/spa outbreaks is infection with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Healthy people can develop Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, including ear infections or skin rashes, after exposure to hot tubs that have not been properly chlorinated, according to the CDC. Called "hot-tub rash," the infection often appears in the shape of the bathing suit a person is wearing, because the suit holds the contaminated water, said Michele Hlavsa, an epidemiologist at the CDC's Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch.  Because of the high temperature in hot tubs, it can be hard to keep the level of disinfectant as high as it needs to be, Hlavsa told LiveScience."

"Preventing people from getting sick due to contact with or ingestion of water is the primary reason pools are constantly treated with disinfectant.  The most common disinfectants used to treat pools or spas are Hypochlorous Acid or Chlorine.  Hypochlorous Acid is stable enough to maintain a residual concentration in the water over hours or even days.  It also quickly inactivates almost all pathogens", said Lori Cline of HOA Pool Services based in Placer County.  

"Our crew of Certified Pool Operators service the spas regularly, paying particular attention to the importance of water chemistry and maintaining chlorine readings between 1-5 parts per million, which is recommended by the Environmental Management Department and local County Health Inspectors." said Cline.

To read the full Fox News Report: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/10/hot-tubs-spas-can-spread-illness-in-winter/

To read the full CDC Report: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/illnesses/hot-tub-rash.html

To request a Spa Inspection: http://hoapoolservices.com/