Pool Operator Information
A Licensed Pool Operator is any person who completes an application with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, passes an exam and pays the fee. Licensure is valid for three years. A nationally recognized swimming pool operations course may be accepted at the discretion of JCDHE.
Information Sheets:
- Bromine Log Sheet
- Chlorine Log Sheet
- Rules for Pools
- Basic Pool Calculations
- CDC Fecal Incident Response Recommendations
- CDC Healthy Swimming guidance
Environmental Sanitary Code and Model Health Code:
Water Quality
Pool operators are required to check the water quality of the pool at least once every day. Keep in mind that hot sunny days and/or many swimmers can have an effect on the water quality. In those instances, it may be a good idea to check the quality more often.
Guidelines to Follow
- Chlorine residual should be maintained between 1 part per million (ppm) and 5 ppm as free available chlorine for swimming pools and between 2 ppm and 5 ppm as free available chlorine for spas.
- Bromine residual should be maintained between 2 parts per million and 5 parts per million as free available bromine.
- JCDHE may allow the maintenance of a higher disinfectant residual in special cases.
- The pH of the pool water should be maintained in a range of 7.2 to 7.8.
- The pool water should be sufficiently clear so that the main drain is readily visible from the pool or a black disc 6 inches in diameter placed at the deepest point is clearly visible from the deck of the pool.
- When there is reason to believe that the pool water poses a potential health hazard, water samples for bacteriological analysis should be taken to ascertain the sanitary quality of the pool water and to aid in proper control.
Required Safety Equipment
Every pool covered by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code is required to have safety equipment that is accessible to bathers. The lifesaving equipment must be mounted in a conspicuous place and distributed around the pool deck where readily accessible. The function should be plainly marked. The equipment must be kept in good repair and ready for use. Bathers must not be allowed to use or tamper with the equipment except for emergency use.
The following is required safety equipment for every 2,000 square feet of water surface:
- A ring buoy, not more than 15 inches in interior diameter, to which is attached a 60 foot length of 3/16 inch rope.
- A life pole or shepherd's crook on a non-extendable pole, blunted at both ends, with a minimum length of 12 feet.
- 24 unit first aid kit kept filled and ready for use.
- Where no lifeguard is on duty a sign shall be placed in plain view and state, "WARNING, NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY." In addition, a sign stating, "CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL WITHOUT AN ADULT IN ATTENDANCE" shall be placed in plain view.
- Both signs must be printed in 4 inch high upper case lettering. Lettering may be as narrow as 1.5 inches wide to save space on the signs.
- Where lifeguard service is required, the pool shall have a readily accessible area designated and equipped for emergency care.