MoCo

Montgomery County Public Pools Update 5/3/21

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Public Pools Update (5/3/21)

All spas / hot tubs, spray pools, lazy rivers, and wading pools may open May 29, 2021 at the designated occupancy level.

Per Montgomery County:

Prepare the Facility/Grounds

  • Number of patrons will be determined according to user load as established under Code of Montgomery County Regulations 51.00.01.04 reduced by 50%. All licensed pools must post user load in a conspicuous area.  Total occupancy under COVID-19 restrictions is calculated by reducing this number by 50%.
  • The maximum occupancy of the enclosed pool area, including deck and surrounding areas is one individual for:
    • Every 12 square feet of water surface in shallow areas,
    • Every 20 square feet of water surface in areas exceeding 5 feet of water depth, excluding a diving area, and
    • The 300 square-foot diving area required for each diving board or diving platform; and
    • Every 9 square feet of water surface in spas/hot tubs.
    • Then reduce the number by 50%.
      Example:
      If the water surface in the shallow area is 1000 sq ft, then divide by 12 to get 83, then reduce by 50%, to get an occupancy of 42 persons.
      If the water surface area in the areas exceeding 5 feet of water depth is 1000 sq ft, then divide by 20 to get 50, then reduce by 50% to get 25 persons.
      The combined total occupancy of the pool and enclosed area would then be 67 persons.  This includes all persons present (patrons, guards, staff, coaches, parents).  The number may be exceeded during certain events to allow one parent/guardian per minor child.  For more information submit questions or requests for Letters of Approval to the Board of Health Regulation Portal
  • Facility will track pool capacity using a sign in/out sheet or another appropriate method.
  • Implement physical distancing requirements between patrons or household groups at the facility, change deck layout to ensure that in the standing or seating areas, individuals or household groups can remain at least 6 feet apart.  No gatherings or events. Monitoring and controls must be in place to ensure applicable social distancing in spray pools, lazy rivers, dives, slides, falls and other water features.
  • Implement physical distancing where patrons form a line waiting for the pool to open or for someone to leave so they can enter.
  • For indoor pools, meet current standards for ventilation and dehumidification. Increase introduction and circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans or other methods. Do not open windows or doors if doing so poses a safety risk to staff or patrons.
  • Maintain supply of hand sanitizer and also soap for hand washing and showers.
  • Ensure that all water systems (e.g., decorative fountains, heated pools) are safe to use after prolonged facility shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.
  • Ensure there is adequate equipment for patrons and swimmers (e.g., kickboards and pool noodles) to minimize sharing to the extent possible, or limiting the use of equipment by one group of users at a time and cleaning and disinfecting between use.
  • More than one patron per lap lane is permissible with applicable social distancing.

Prepare the Employees

  • Staff who interact with patrons or other staff must wear face coverings.
  • Provide and use one-way valve masks for CPR.
  • Monitor staff absenteeism. Require staff to stay home if sick. Have a plan to ensure required staffing. If possible, vulnerable staff should be allowed to telework.

Prepare your Patrons

  • Patrons should be alone or with members of their household.
  • Patrons should stay at least 6 feet apart (both in and out of the water) from other individuals not from their household.
  • At indoor pools, patrons should wear face coverings per the Governor’s Executive Order, unless swimming or showering.
  • At outdoor pools, patrons not using the pools or water features should wear face coverings per CDC guidance.
  • Patrons should not wear face coverings in the water.
  • Shared objects: patrons should be discouraged from sharing objects that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect or that are meant to come in contact with the face (for example, goggles, nose clips, and snorkels). Patrons should also be discouraged from sharing items such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies with those they don’t live with.

Signage/Communication

  • Post signs telling patrons not to enter if sick.
  • Post hand washing reminders and cover your cough reminders.
  • Post reminders to shower before entering the pool.
  • MDH-prepared signs are available here.

Cleaning and Disinfection

  • Maintain daily cleaning of the facility (floors, toilets, etc.) with soap and water.
  • Train staff on guidelines and product instructions for cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Follow instructions for use and storage on the product label.
  • Disinfection products must be appropriate for the intended use.
  • The pool may need to temporarily close if the CPO on duty must clean and disinfect the pool area.
  • Facility will clean/brush pool tile/wall at the water line to reduce slime and biofilm once a week or more if needed.
  • Maintain daily cleaning log

Operation

  • Maintain chlorine and pH levels per current regulation, including shock or super chlorination as needed.
  • Notify the local health department that the pool will open. Annual operation license is required per current regulation.