Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS › Subject 511-3-5 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER PARKS › Rule 511-3-5-.17 - Chemical Operational Parameters

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The chemical operational parameters in swimming pool or spa
				 water shall not exceed the maximum level or be lower than the minimum level
				 given in the following parameters. Where no minimum or maximum is given,
				 additional information is within this Chapter to assist the pool
				 operator.
Minimum
Ideal
Maximum
Comments
(
1) Disinfectant Levels
(a) Free chlorine, ppm in pools not using cyanuric
								acid or a stabilized chlorine compound use (b),1.-5.
In a pool, hot weather/heavy use may require
								operation at or near maximum levels. Regular superchlorination is recommended
(see Remedial Practices below).
(b) All public pools except as listed below:
1.0
1.0-3.0
10.0
1. Spas
3.0
3.0-5.0
10.0
2. Activity/interactive/
Wading Pools
2.0
2.0-5.0
10.0
3. Interactive Water Play Pool(Spray Pad)
2.0
2.0-5.0
10.0
4. Wading Pools
2.0
2.0-5.0
10.0
5. Water Attraction
Pump Reservoirs
2.0
2.0-5.0
10.0
(c) Free Chlorine level in pools using cyanuric
								acid or a stabilized chlorine product
2.0
2.0-5.0
10.0
Combined chlorine, ppm
None
None
0.4
High combined chlorine results in chloramine
								formation and reduced chemical efficacy. Take remedial action to establish
								break point chlorination (See Remedial Practices below). Other signs of
								combined chlorine: -Sharp chlorine odor -Eye irritation -Algae growth
Bromine, ppm
Pool 3.0
Spa 4.0
Pool 3.0-5.0
Spa 4.0-6.0
Pool 8.0
Spa 8.0
(2) Chemical Values
pH
7.2
7.4-7.6
7.8
If pH is:
Too High:
- Low chlorine efficiency
- Scale formation Cloudy Water
Too Low:
- Rapid dissipation of disinfectant
- Eye discomfort
- Plaster and concrete etching
- Corrosion of metals and vinyl liner damage
Alkalinity (buffering), ppm as
								CaC03
60 ppm
80-100 for halogen compounds with a high pH
100-120 for halogen compounds with a low pH
180
If total alkalinity:
Too Low:
- pH bounce
- corrosion tendency
Too High:
- Cloudy water
- Increased scaling potential
- pH tends to be too high
Total dissolved solids (TDS), ppm
These values are offered as guidelines rather than
								absolute values to indicate concern for accumulation of impurities in the
								course of operation. Excessive high TDS may lead to hazy water or corrosion of
								fixtures, and can be reduced by partial draining with addition of fresh
								water.
High initial TDS may indicate poor water quality
								due to corrosive mineral salts, humus or organic matter. Consult local water
								authority.
Increasing TDS indicates build-up of impurities to
								be controlled by partial drain/refill with fresh water.
Calcium hardness, ppm, as
								CaCo3
150
200-400 to balance water
1000
Operations of pools, spas and hot tubs at maximum
								hardness will depend on alkalinity (buffering) requirements of the disinfectant
								used. Maximum alkalinity and lower pH must be used with maximum hardness (over
								500 ppm)
Heavy metals, ppm
None
None
If heavy metals, such as copper,
iron, manganese, silver are present:
-Staining may occur
-Water may discolor
-Chlorine dissipates rapidly
-Filter may plug
-May indicate pH too low or corrosion.
(3) Biological Values
Algae
None
None
None
If algae are observed:
-Shock treat pool (See Remedial Practices, Shock
								treatment)
-Supplement with brushing and vacuuming.
-Use approved algaecide according to label
								directions (See Remedial Practices below)
Bacteria
None
Recognized Water quality Standard
If bacteria count exceeds maximum allowed:
-Superchlorinate and follow proper maintenance
								procedures
-Maintain proper disinfectant residual.
(4) Stabilizer (if used)
Cyanuric acid, ppm
-
30-50
90
If stabilizer is:
Too High:
- May reduce chlorine efficacy
Too Low:
- Chlorine Residual rapidly destroyed by
								sunlight
Note: Stabilizer is not needed in indoor or
								brominated pools and spas.
(5) Remedial Practices
Break point chlorination dosage in ppm.
Superchlorination
When combined chlorine is over 0.4 ppm,
								superchlorinate by adding ten times the combined chlorine in ppm and subtract
								the current disinfectant level. (e.g. combined chlorine is 0.5 ppm,
								superchlorinate by adding 4 ppm. (5 ppm -1 ppm current chlorine level = 4
								ppm)
Applied at the end of daily usage, hold this level
								for 1-4 hours to clarify the water, remove ammonia (combined chlorine), and to
								kill any algae present.
Can also be applied when no bathers are present and
								as required to maintain clear water and the required halogen residual.
Superchlorination frequency
Pool- monthly
Pool- Every other week
Spa- Daily
Pool- Weekly when the temperature is over 85 °F
Note: Some high use pools may need
								superchlorination three times a week or more as a preventative measure or when
								combined chlorine is over 0.4
Shock treatment, dosage in ppm
10.0
--------
---------
Nonchlorine oxidizers are not considered biocidal,
								but may reduce organic contaminants.
Clarifying/Flocculating frequency
------
When needed
---------
Use all clarifiers following manufacturer's
								directions.
Algaecides
Follow manufacturer's directions. Use E.P.A.
								registered products.
Water replacement
Water in spas that have high bather use may require
								partial or complete replacement of water periodically to dilute dissolved
								solids, to maintain water clarity and to do necessary routine
								maintenance.
Foam
None
None
None
Foam may harbor persistent microorganisms. If
								foaming is not adequately controlled, consider daily shock treatment, water
								replacement or an appropriate antifoam agent. Follow manufacturer's
								directions.
(6) Temperature
°F
--
78 -82 °F or Bather preference
104 °F
If temperature is:
Too High:
- Health hazard
- Bather discomfort
- Excessive fuel requirement
- Increased evaporation
- Increased scaling potential
- Increased use of disinfectants
- Increase potential for corrosion
Too Low:
- Bather discomfort
- Increase chance of hyperthermia
(7) Water Clarity
Water turbidity
Must be able to see main drain covers or marker
								tile on the bottom of the deepest portion of the pool.
--
--
If water is turbid:
- Disinfectant level may be low
- Filtration system may be inoperative
- Improper chemical balance
- Bottom should be clearly visible at the deepest
								part of the pool or spa.
- Consult remedial practices
(8) Oxidizers
Ozone, low output generators
Contact concentration mg/L when ozone is injected
								and not removed prior to entry into pool.
Above pool and spa levels
--
0
--
0
0.1
0.05
Serves as oxidizer of water contaminants.
Indoor installations should have adequate
								ventilation.
(9) Oxidizer Reduction
								Potential
ORP
750 MV
--
--
When chlorine or bromine is used as the primary
								disinfectant, ORP can be used as a supplemental measurement of proper
								disinfectant activity. The use of ORP testing does not eliminate or supersede
								the need for testing the disinfectant level with standard test kits and ORP
								reading may be affected by a number of factors including (1) pH, (2) probe film
								and (3) cyanuric acid. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
O.C.G.A. §§
										31-2A-6,  31-12-8,  31-45-10.