Updated Montgomery County Public Pool Guidelines as of 5/12

Updated Montgomery County Public Pool Guidelines as of 5/12

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

How to determine occupancy

• Pools may currently open at 50% total pool capacity.
• When the Health Officer determines that 60% of County residents have received their first dose of a vaccine, total capacity may increase to 75%.
• When the Health Officer determines that 50% of the general population has been fully vaccinated, pools may return to total capacity under COMCOR.

Determine pool occupancy by

1. calculating the pool capacity under COMCOR 51.00.01.04 ( see COMCOR calculation details) and
2. applying the correct percentage based upon vaccination status as determined by the Health Officer.

Example

If the water surface in the shallow area is 1000 sq ft:

• divide 1000 by 12 to get 83.
• reduce 83 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:

• divide 1000 by 20 to get 50
• reduce 50 by 50% to get an occupancy of 25 persons.

The combined total occupancy of the pool and enclosed area would then be 67 persons.

Facilities must also:

• track pool capacity using a sign in/out sheet or another appropriate method.
• change deck layouts to ensure social distancingbetween patrons or household groups at the facility.
• ensure social distancing in spray pools, lazy rivers, dives, slides, falls, other water features, and anywhere patrons may form a line.
• ensure there is adequate equipment for patrons and swimmers (e.g., kickboards and pool noodles) to minimize sharing, or limiting the use of equipment by one group of users at a time and cleaning and disinfecting between use.
• follow mask guidance as required by the County’s Board of Health.
• 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.

Lap lanes

More than one patron per lane is allowed with applicable social distancing.

Indoor pools

Indoor pools should open windows and doors, or use fans or other methods, to increase the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible.  Windows and doors should not be open if doing so poses a safety risk to staff or patrons.

Prepare your Patrons

Face coverings

• At indoor pools, patrons should wear face coverings, 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 items

• Discourage patrons from 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).
• Also discourage them from sharing items such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies with those they don’t live with.

Post signs

• 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.

Clean and Disinfect

• Maintain daily cleaning of the facility (floors, toilets, etc.) with soap and water.
• Maintain daily cleaning log.
• 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.
• Clean/brush pool tile and wall at the water line to reduce slime and biofilm once a week or more if needed.

Facility 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.

For more information

For more information, submit questions or requests for Letters of Approval to the Board of Health Regulation Portal.

Resources

• Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19), US EPA
• Guidance for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Coronavirus Resources, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

COMCOR pool capacity calculation

COMCOR 51.00.01.04 calculates pool capacity like this:

• Public Pools – After deduction of the 300 square feet for each diving board or platform, one person is allotted for every 20 square feet of Deep Area and one person for every 12 square feet of shallow area.  One additional person is allotted for each diving board or platform.
• Public Spas – One person is allotted for every 9 square feet of total water area.

COMCOR 51.00.01.04 requires that all pool and enclosure capacities “be conspicuously posted by the owner at the pool.”