ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
2120 Diamond Blvd., Suite 200
Concord, CA 94520
Phone: (925) 692-2500
Fax: (925) 692-2502
http://cchealth.org/eh/recreational-health/
CHLORINE OFF GASSING AT PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
Chemical reactions can cause various hazards, including poisonous fumes, caustic liquids and even
explosions. Chlorine and acid are incompatible chemicals necessary for proper pool disinfection.
Improper and uncontrolled mixing of the two can likely yield dangerous chlorine gas, yet pose minimal
risk when dosed separately and rendered comparatively harmless when diluted by the vast amounts of
pool water. Exposure to chlorine gas can result from manual or hand mixing of incompatible chemicals,
typically within the chemical room, and may result in vapors traveling into the pool as well as other
common areas. Exposure can also result from liquid chlorine and acid being inadvertently drawn, mixed,
and then accumulated within the pipework when circulation or flow has ceased from an inactive pump.
Therefore, when power to the pump is eventually restored, a release of the yellowish-green gas occurs
abruptly within seconds after flow is reinstated, with the chlorine gas entering the pool through the pool
return inlets. Any disruption to flow or pool circulation must likewise interrupt chemical feeding to
prevent a potential chemical build up within the pipework.
Cause and solution
Without power to the pump, there can be no flow through the pipes. The unwanted blend of chlorine and
acid starts with disruption to power, both deliberate (during routine equipment maintenance) and
unintended (during power outages). When power is restored, certain pumps (particularly those with
integrated starting features) will not automatically restart to safeguard against damaging the pump. On the
other hand, the chemical feed pumps and chemical control system are not always equipped with such
features, causing both chlorine and acid pumps to re-start – injecting acid and chlorine into the pipework
of stagnant water without flow. As such, the chemical feed pumps and the chemical control system must
be equipped with safeguards against indiscriminate feeding, which at a minimum should include an
electrical interlock between the chemical control system and the starting controls of the pump in addition
to establishing a link between chemical dosing and pump failure. However a pump running under
cavitation with loss of prime could stop or limit the circulation flow, yet fail to restrict the chemical pumps
from continual feeding. To overcome this complication, supplemental flow switches or sensors relayed to
the chemical dosing equipment should serve to disrupt chemical feeding upon loss of circulation flow.
This would require routine testing of flow switches to be performed since switches in general may not
always be reliable. The installation of two or more redundant switches can further reduce the possibility of
failure.
Rotary Flow Switch Paddle Flow Switch Bobbing Float or Magnetic
Flow Switch
Equipment safeguards
Equipment will vary and differ in features, capabilities, appearance, and repair. Operation and routine
testing in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications are critical to ensure adequate performance.
Malfunctions must be averted to prevent incompatible chemicals from mixing.
Chemical pumps and feeders are responsible for chlorine and acid delivery and can vary from
relatively simple with minimal parts and components, to more elaborate mechanisms. Peristaltic
pumps apply rollers that squeeze a feeding tube, grabbing the liquid chemical through the tube.
Erosion feeders can be used for feeding dry chemicals by applying the water stream through the
pipework to dissolve the dry chemical tablets or granules. A diaphragm or piston pump functions
with a motorized cam and series of check valves. One contributing factor to failure could result
from contaminants (sand or grit) lodged within a valve. To minimize the blending of chlorine and
acid, installing the chlorine injection line before (upstream) the filter, with the acid injection line
after (downstream) filter – is suggested to reduce the risk of merging both chemicals. If this isn’t
possible, the injection points should be at a minimum of 10 pipe diameters apart. Chemical tubing
is also subject to wear and deterioration and can only be replaced with an equivalent specifically
intended for the chemical feed pump. Given the variation in moving parts and components,
periodic testing and maintenance is highly recommended.
Anti-syphon valves in the chemical feeder pumps are highly recommended and may be required by
the chemical pump manufacturer. If chemical containment vessels, injection points, pipework, and
filtration are located above the pool, liquid contained within the system above the pool water level
may drain back into the pool and moreover syphon or draw both chlorine and acid into the system
pipework.
The installation of flow switches or any electrical component and corresponding relays require
methods approved and intended by the manufacturer. Repairs or alterations to electrical devices,
associated components, and equipment must sustain compliance with the National Electrical Code
(NEC), or with applicable local codes. The installation of such items or fail-proof features
including flow switches, may fall outside the scope of Environmental Health and may require
further consultation and approval from the local Building Authority.
The chemical control system dictates how much and when to feed chemicals to the pool. These
systems are typically equipped with a flow switch and an integrated alarm, intended to prevent
chemicals from feeding with interrupted flow and should operate continuously. However power
outages may cause disruption and possible malfunction of system parts and components.
Following a power outage, consult with a service professional with chemical control system
expertise for further evaluation of the chemical controller.
Procedural safeguards
Strategies beyond equipment design should be implemented to further reduce any likelihood of unwanted
chemical releases, and should include routine testing of the chemical control system. Manual water
sampling of the chlorine and pH levels using a separate test kit can be performed to compare chemical
reading accuracy with the chemical control system. The flow switch and alarm should also be tested
periodically according to the system manufacturer. When performing maintenance, service repairs, or any
work to the chlorination or chemical feeding system, isolation of the chemical feeders from the rest of the
water circulation system with closing block valves – should be fulfilled in conjunction with standard
procedures for lockout-tagout (LOTO). The locked unit is then tagged with an inscription identifying the
worker who has placed it. This prevents accidental startup and unintended chemical feeding from the unit.
Chemical containers and tubing should also be color coded and labeled accordingly to prevent accidental
mixing.
Contingency planning is strongly recommended with an emergency action plan that includes a protocol to
evacuate the pool after a pump failure, with safeguards against reentry – including safety signs displaying
warning announcements not to enter the pool with an inactive pump. Additional signs should be posted
announcing this requirement. The plan should have further measures against chemical off gassing
disasters and be site specific and customized to meet the needs of the facility.
Display next to Display on Display when
the pump control the deck making repairs
-WARNING- LOCK-OUT
TAG-OUT
DO NOT ENTER THE
POOL WITH THE
PUMP TURNED OFF
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
An effective emergency response plan begins and ends with good management and supervision. Planning
will include procedures for emergency situations, reporting requirements, restoration of facility
operations, implementing practice drills, and performing self-inspections; all of which should be
incorporated into a written emergency action plan. The written plan should be specifically developed and
tailored to characteristics unique to each facility. If your swimming pool has a permit from your local
Hazardous Materials Programs due to the quantities of hazardous material(s) stored at your facility, you
likely have already prepared an Emergency Action Plan.
Consult with service professionals with expertise in developing emergency action plans specific to public
pools. Local hazardous material and fire personnel should be consulted for issues pertaining to chemical
storage. Once complete, put the plan into action. Emergency drills should be practiced routinely.
Emergency Response
Dangerous situations can vary. Irrespective of risk level, any situation with imminent hazards jeopardizing
health and safety can be considered an emergency. Applying the following countermeasures in response to
emergencies is recommended:
1) Manage the emergency
Coordinate with staff and confirm your mode of communication. Effective communication
is essential.
Develop a chain of command as part of your emergency response plan. Phones must be
available and conveniently located. Emergency phone numbers must be prominently
posted. A method of communication between staff using whistles or hand signals should
also be established.
Develop a contact list prescribing assignments and responsibilities.
2) Assign Responsible Staffers
Designate staff members for emergency situations. Assignments should be relegated according to
skill. For instance, lifeguards are better qualified to perform emergency rescue than the facility
manager. Likewise, the facility manager may be better equipped to report incidents and supervise
exercise drills. Assign staffers for each of the following actions:
Emergency rescue and first aid to injured parties (typically performed by lifeguards).
Immediate contact of emergency personnel (local fire and rescue).
Search for lost patrons or pool users: Time can be crucial when searching for a lost
bather, particularly for large scale facilities with multiple patrons. Get a description
of the missing individual with last location seen and immediately search the water
and facility grounds. Lifeguards are trained on search methods which can vary and
should be site specific depending on facility characteristics. Establish lifeguard
search procedures specifically tailored for your site.
Initiate closure of the facility. Begin evacuation and clearing procedures and install
closure signs at all entrances.
Direct traffic
Crowd control: Usually a large number of people congregate at the scene of an
emergency. The emergency plan must include clearing the incident area and crowd
control with on-going supervision of the facility.
Meeting and guiding emergency personnel to the site and/or injured party. During an
emergency it’s extremely important to provide rescue personnel with detailed directions
to your bathing facility. Access for emergency personnel should be evaluated with
routes determined in advance.
Reporting Requirements
Any drowning, chemical injury, waterborne illness, and rescue requiring resuscitation or medical facility
attention will require reporting to Contra Costa Environmental Health as quickly as possible but within 24
hours.
Produce records indicating the number of pool users, all lifeguards on duty, water
characteristics, equipment maintenance including failures and malfunctions.
These records must be available for review by the Permit Issuing Official for at least 2
years.
Restoration of Facility Operations
Depending on the state and complexity of the operations, consultation from service professionals may be
necessary to evaluate all system operations prior to resuming reopening. Equipment function and water
characteristics must be restored. Regulation components and automation systems must be assessed and
adjusted accordingly. Keep inventory record and data of all incident situations including written
assessments with corrective measures taken by you and consultant or service professional.
Practice Drills
Practice makes perfect and training is essential for emergency response situations. Staffer members
assigned to emergency response must be trained. Provide training with frequent practice to reinforce the
principles and routinely rehearse the plan.
Practice emergency response drills including passage routes for directing emergency personnel.
Practice lifesaving skills to sustain proficiency in performing rescues.
Practice search procedures for lost bathers.
Practice flashlight distribution for staff, applicable to indoor pools or pools open at night, without
the presence of natural night.
Practice all other response protocols; site specific and tailored for your facility.
Self-Inspections
Ensuring good facility maintenance will minimize equipment failures, disruptions, and reduce delays
during emergencies. To help ease your response to emergency situations, perform compliance checks of
your own accord. Develop an inspection checklist or adapt the inspection report issued by Contra Costa
Environmental Health to identify the wide range of health hazards including unsafe water conditions,
broken equipment, inadequate safety signs, missing rescue devices, electrical equipment malfunctions,
broken/loose suction outlet covers, missing first aid kits, broken gates and fences, etc. Take action to
correct any deficiencies. Close the pool, restrict public access, and post closure signs when encountering
imminent health hazards that can’t be corrected.
After the emergency
Preparing for an emergency is extensive and includes many responsibilities. Proficiency in record keeping,
retaining reports, reassessing and replacing equipment are few of the multiple issues to deal with. Staff
debriefing should be implemented following the emergency. For further information on developing an
emergency response plan, consult with industry professionals and refer to the following online resources:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/ https://nspf.org/ https://apsp.org/
