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Swimming Pools

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to come into compliance with the new Federal regulation requiring entrapment-proof suction outlets?

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act promotes the safe use of pools, spas and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and by establishing a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act. Effective December 19, 2007, the Act is being administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Mandatory Federal Requirements for Entrapment Avoidance. By December 19, 2008 the Act requires:

  • Safety Drain Covers. Each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the American National Standard ASME A112.19.8 - 2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Compliance with this Standard will be enforced by the CPSC as a consumer product safety rule.
  • Public Pool Drain Covers. Each public pool and spa (as defined), both new and existing, shall be equipped with drain covers conforming to the ASME/ANSI
    A112.19.8 - 2007 Standard described above.
  • Public Pool Drain Systems. Each public pool and spa (pump) with a single main drain, other than an unblockable drain, shall be equipped with one or more additional devices or systems designed to prevent suction entrapment that meet the requirements of any applicable ASME/ANSI Standard or applicable consumer product safety rule. In addition to a compliant drain cover, such additional devices or systems include a safety vacuum release system (SVRS), or suction limiting vent system, or gravity drainage system, or automatic pump shutoff system, or drain disablement, or other system determined by the CPSC to be equally effective in preventing suction entrapment.

ANSI/APSP-7 Standard Exceeds Federal Requirements. All pools and spas configured to comply with ANSI/APSP–7 American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins will comply with each of these mandatory requirements. Consult your pool service company who can help you come into compliance with this very important legislation.

What are these safety vacuum release switches and will that get me into compliance with the new Federal entrapment act?

Safety vacuum release systems (SVRS) are devices placed on the suction side of the pump which will shut off the circulation system in the event an object or person covers a suction outlet causing an increase in suction pressure. These can be used in conjunction with an anti-entrapment drain cover which meets the requirements of ASME A112.19.8 - 2007 but which isn't large enough to provide an unblockable drain.

While this system can be a less costly alternative to installing dual drains, they have to be tested regularly for proper functioning and should have an alarm installed to warn operators of a shut down of the circulation system. Consult your pool service company to determine if this alternative is appropriate for your pool.

Why have I been charged a follow up fee of $100?

If you have been charged a $100 follow up fee on your swimming pool, you may have had the pool closed recently due to a critical violation as determined by the respective Health Department Inspector. The fee covers our costs for sending an Inspector out to check the pool for re-opening.

Keep in mind that, if the pool is still out of compliance during the follow up re-inspection, you may be assessed another follow up fee. If you feel the fee has been charged in error, please contact us at (385) 468-3862. 

Has there been a crypto outbreak this summer?

There was not an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis during the 2008 season. In fact, there were fewer cases than in a normal year in Salt Lake County. As of Sept 6, 2008, there were 4 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis traced back to recreational water venues in Salt Lake County.

We attribute this success to increased awareness on the part of parents and swimmers due, in part, to the very effective media campaign conducted prior to and during the pool season, to better surveillance by pool operators in monitoring water quality and the use of pools by infants and ensuring that proper swim diapers are being worn and to the installation of UV, ozone and other systems in most of the major community pools in the county.

What are the health departments’ requirements for a private pool?

Private swimming pools must have a four foot high fence surrounding the pool area with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

What do my lab results mean after my pool has been tested by the samplers?

SLVHD tests samples of swimming pool water a minimum of once per month per swimming pool (this includes kiddie pools, whirlpools, water slides, etc.). SLVHD tests for the total coliform count and the heterotrophic plate count. Coliforms are bacteria that are very commonly found in the human or animal gut.

If detected, total coliforms indicate the presence of sewage. Total coliform count is used because even when a person is infected with a pathogenic bacterium, they will still be excreting many millions times more coliforms than pathogens. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that if coliform levels are low, then pathogen levels will be very much lower or absent.

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) is also tested by SLVHD. HPC is a procedure that indicates the number of live bacteria there are in the water. If the HPC is high it could mean that there is a problem with the water treatment process in your pool.

What happens when I fail a sample?

When your pool fails a bacteriological sample it means that the HPC was at or above 200 cfu/100 mL or the T. Coli. was at or above 2 cfu/100 mL. If this happens the results are given to our pool sampler so they can take a second sample of your pool for that month. If your second sample fails, a complaint is written up about your pool and given to a health inspector.

The inspector will visit your facility and review and educate your CPO of how to care for your pool. They will also analyze the pool to determine if it is an imminent health hazard and may close the pool temporarily if it is deemed so.

How much are pool permits?

Our pool permits are $208 for seasonal (May through September) and $495 for year-round. Every pool/spa must acquire a new permit every year.

Our office can accept payments from 8 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We accept cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard.

Why does my CPO have to be registered through the health department as an RPO?

Every Certified Pool Operator must be registered (RPO) through the Salt Lake Valley Health Department if they are an active CPO in Salt Lake County. In Salt Lake County CPOs can only manage up to ten bodies of water, and if they exceed this limit they will be contacted by the health department.

We require CPO’s to be registered through us so we can assure they are not exceeding their management limit for bodies of water. Our registration fee is $15 and is good for five years. The public can acquire the RPO permit by coming into our office during operational hours.

Is my CPO registered?

To see if your CPO is registered with SLVHD please call the Water Quality and Hazardous Waste Bureau at (385) 468-3862.

What is the difference between a private residential swimming pool and public pool?

A “private residential swimming pool” shall mean a man-made basin, chamber, receptacle, tank or tub which when filled with water creates an artificial body of water whose use is restricted to an individual, a family, or no more than three living units’ residents and guests; and does not serve four or more living units.

A “pool” shall mean a man-made basin, chamber, receptacle, tank, or tub which is not a private residential swimming pool. Pool includes interactive water features. Salt Lake Valley Health Department does not regulate private residential swimming pools.

APSP FAQs about the Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act (7.6 MB)