Regulation on Health Principles Applicable to Swimming Pools
Institution: Ministry of Health
Date of Approval: 06.03.2011
Official Gazette Date: 06.03.2011
Official Gazette No: 27866
Amended Official Gazette Date: 15.12.2011
Amended Official Gazette No: 28143
CHAPTER ONE: Purpose, Scope, Basis and Definitions
Purpose
Article 1 - (1) The purpose of this Regulation is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding the hygienic conditions of open and closed swimming pools used for swimming purposes and their waters, determination, inspection and monitoring of the quality standards of swimming pool water.
Scope
Article 2 - (1) This Regulation covers the procedures and principles related to the qualities of open and closed swimming pools used for swimming purposes and their waters.
(2) Thermal and mineral water pools used for health purposes and pools not used for commercial purposes are excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
Basis
Article 3 - (1) This Regulation has been prepared based on Articles 1 and 2 of the Public Health Law No. 1593 dated 24/4/1930 and Article 43 of the Decree Law No. 181 on the Organization and Duties of the Ministry of Health dated 13/12/1983.
Definitions
Article 4 - (1) In this Regulation, the following terms mean;
- a) Alkalinity: The measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water,
- b) Combined chlorine: Chlorine that has reacted with organic and inorganic substances in the water forming compounds,
- c) Ministry: Ministry of Health,
- ç) Circulation time: The time required for the total pool volume to pass once through the filtration system,
- d) Disinfectant: Organic and inorganic solid, liquid and gaseous substances used to remove or destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause diseases in humans from water,
- e) Pool water operator: A person who prepares the water used in swimming pools chemically, physically and microbiologically for use, has received training on this subject and is at least a high school graduate,
- f) Pool water chemicals: Substances used to adjust the pH of pool water, precipitate suspended solids, prevent the formation of organisms such as mold, yeast and algae, and balance some chemical parameters,
- g) Code number: The number to be used for each sample taken from the pool water,
- ğ) Directorate: Provincial Health Directorate,
- h) pH: The unit of measurement describing the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water,
- ı) Free chlorine: Chlorine used to disinfect water that has not formed compounds,
- i) Swimming pool: Structures open to the public, used for swimming, cooling, entertainment or sports purposes; with a bottom, walls, overflow channels, reservoir that do not affect water quality, coated with appropriate materials meeting safety requirements, filled with water meeting the qualities specified in this Regulation, and having continuous circulation flow,
- j) Swimming pool operator: Those who operate swimming pools used for swimming, cooling, entertainment or sports purposes,
- k) Responsible manager: A person who has received education in chemistry or health, is at least a high school graduate, and is responsible for technical affairs and proper operation of the pool.
CHAPTER TWO: Qualities of Pool Water, Sampling and Analysis Frequency
Chemical, physical and microbiological qualities and analysis frequency
Article 5 - (1) The chemical qualities of swimming pool water shall comply with the values specified in Annex-1, physical qualities in Annex-2, and microbiological qualities in Annex-3.
(2) The qualities of pool water are monitored by the Directorate at the time intervals specified in Annex-1, Annex-2, Annex-3, and by swimming pool operators at the intervals specified in Annex-4.
(3) Analysis results shall be presented to inspectors by the swimming pool operator during inspections conducted by the Directorate.
(4) During the period the swimming pool is open, the latest analysis results of temperature, pH, free chlorine values and microbiological characteristics of the pool water shall be announced in writing or electronically on a board visible to users.
Sampling, transportation and analysis laboratories
Article 6 - (1) Samples are taken from about 50 cm away from the edge of the swimming pool in the area where water flow is lowest or where users are most concentrated, and 20 cm below the water surface.
(2) Samples are taken by filling out a sampling form, each sample is given a code number, and the code number is written on both the sampling form and the sample bottle.
(3) For each sample taken from pool water, two copies of the "Pool Water Sampling Form" in Annex-6 are prepared; one copy is given to the laboratory with the sample, and the other remains with the institution or organization taking the sample.
(4) For microbiological analyses, at least 500 milliliters of water sample is taken into sterile glass or plastic bottles that do not alter the water quality. If chlorine or chlorinated compounds are used for pool water disinfection, bottles containing sodium thiosulfate are used. Samples for microbiological analyses are transported to the laboratory as soon as possible in containers that protect from sunlight and maintain temperature at (5±3) °C. The time between sampling and delivery to the laboratory shall not exceed twelve hours.
(5) For chemical analyses, at least 1000 ml of water sample is taken into clean glass or plastic bottles that do not affect water quality. Samples for chemical analyses are transported to the laboratory as soon as possible in containers maintaining temperature at (5±3) °C. The time between sampling and delivery to the laboratory shall not exceed 24 hours.
(6) Sampling from pool water is performed by the Directorate or public institutions or organizations accredited and authorized by the Ministry for sampling, as well as private laboratories. However, this does not remove the Ministry's and Directorate's authority for inspection, monitoring and sampling. Analyses are performed within the framework of the provisions below, in Ministry laboratories or other public, institutional and private laboratories authorized by the Ministry that meet the conditions specified in Article 7.
a) All sampling and analysis fees are paid by the swimming pool operator.
b) Laboratories send the analysis results of water samples taken by the Directorate to the Directorate and the swimming pool operator on the same day by e-mail, fax or mail. Reports sent to the swimming pool operator are kept by the operator for one year to be shown to inspectors during inspections.
Authorization
Article 7 - (1) Laboratories are authorized by the Ministry after on-site inspection if they;
a) Have obtained the Testing and Calibration Laboratory Accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) certificate,
b) Have method accreditation certificates for the parameters specified in Annex-1, Annex-2 and Annex-3,
c) Employ at least two full-time chemists, environmental, fisheries engineers or chemists and two biologists or microbiology specialists,
ç) Ensure that microbiological samples are transported to the laboratory within a maximum of twelve hours in containers protecting from sunlight and maintaining temperature at (5±3) °C,
d) Private laboratories have a workplace opening and operating license,
CHAPTER THREE: Provisions Regarding Swimming Pool Operation
Operation of the swimming pool
Article 8 - (1) It is essential that the technical features of the swimming pool and the swimming pool water comply with sanitary rules. The following conditions are observed in the operation of the swimming pool:
a) The swimming pool operator must employ a responsible manager, pool water operator and certified lifeguard. Provided that they meet the conditions in subparagraphs (e) and (k) of the first paragraph of Article 4, the responsible manager and pool water operator may be the same person.
b) Rescue equipment such as ropes, floating buoys, life rings and first aid materials are kept ready in the swimming pool.
c) Users are ensured to enter the swimming pool wearing swimsuits. Facilities are arranged so that all users can shower and disinfect their feet before entering the swimming pool.
ç) Animals are not allowed to be present with people in the swimming pool under any circumstances.
d) Warning signs prepared to inform people about the rules to be followed in the facility and possible dangers are placed in easily visible and readable locations.
e) The swimming pool water is completely emptied at least once a year and general cleaning is performed.
f) Physical spaces are always kept clean and dry, and general cleaning including pool bottom cleaning is done after closing hours.
g) The swimming pool and physical spaces are sufficiently illuminated and ventilated.
ğ) Closed swimming pools, including changing and dressing rooms, are heated during winter months.
Operation of children's swimming pools
Article 9 - (1) The depth of children's swimming pools shall not exceed 50 centimeters.
(2) Children's pools must have a separate water preparation system, be emptied and cleaned once a month, disinfected, and refilled with clean water before being put back into operation.
(3) Children's swimming pools are separate from swimming pools for adults.
CHAPTER FOUR: Miscellaneous Provisions
Physical spaces
Article 10 - (1) Shower areas, toilets and changing-dressing rooms are arranged separately for women and men.
(2) Shower areas are arranged so that the temperature of the shower water can be adjusted and there is at least one shower per twenty people.
(3) Toilets are located near changing and shower areas, arranged so that there is at least one toilet per twenty people. Toilets and washbasins are equipped with abundant clean water, liquid soap, toilet paper, paper towels and trash bins.
(4) Spectator areas with completely separate entrances and paths are arranged to prevent spectators from entering the pool area. The spectator section has enough toilets, washbasins and urinals to meet the needs of spectators.
Safety measures
Article 11 - (1) The following rules are observed to prevent accidents and ensure safety in the swimming pool:
a) The swimming pool is planned to prevent accidents and to have sufficient space at the edge for safe walking. The water depth necessary for diving is provided. Otherwise, all diving is prohibited.
b) The walking area around the swimming pool, shower area and surroundings have floors made of smooth and non-slip materials.
c) The pool drain grate is kept closed.
ç) Pool depths are written on the pool edge in at least four directions visible to users.
d) A telephone for emergency use is available at the swimming pool edge.
Inspection
Article 12 - (1) Swimming pools, pool water and pool chemicals are inspected monthly by the Directorate. During these inspections;
a) Whether chemicals used in pool water preparation and disinfection are licensed by the Ministry,
b) Whether there is a storage area and sufficient personal protective equipment for pool water chemicals,
c) Analysis record books and analysis results performed or commissioned according to the annexes of this Regulation are checked.
(2) At the end of a calendar year, if the pool and pool water quality comply with the conditions specified in this Regulation, the "Clean Pool Certificate" in Annex-5 is issued by the Directorate. If the pool and pool water quality do not comply during inspections, this certificate is revoked by the Directorate.
Follow-up of non-compliant pool water
Article 13 - (1) If the microbiological analysis result of a sample taken from the swimming pool water does not comply with the qualities specified in Annex-3, the pool operation is stopped. After the swimming pool operator meets the necessary conditions, if the analysis results of a newly taken sample comply with Annex-3, the pool operation is allowed.
(2) If the chemical analysis result of a sample taken from the swimming pool water does not comply with the qualities specified in Annex-1 and Annex-2, the operator is warned in writing to correct the non-compliance and take corrective measures. After the swimming pool operator meets the necessary conditions, if the analysis results of a newly taken sample comply with Annex-1 and Annex-2, no action is taken against the operation. However, if the analysis results remain non-compliant, the pool operation is stopped until the results meet the specified qualities.
Disinfection and pool chemicals
Article 14 - (1) Disinfection of the swimming pool and its water is performed or commissioned by the operator.
(2) Only disinfectants and pool water chemicals licensed by the Ministry are used in pool water.
(3) Stabilized chlorine compounds can only be used in open swimming pools.
Training of pool water operators
Article 15 - (1) Trainings for pool water operators working in swimming pools and responsible for preparing pool water are organized by Public Education Directorates and/or the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR).
(2) Trainings cover preparation, maintenance and operation of pool water, general hygiene, waterborne diseases, effects of chemicals used in pool water on human and environmental health, and first aid.
CHAPTER FIVE: Regulatory Authority and Sanctions
Regulatory authority
Article 16 - (1) The Ministry is authorized to make all kinds of sub-regulations to ensure the implementation of this Regulation.
Sanctions
Article 17 - (1) Operators and users who act contrary to the provisions of this Regulation are subject to action according to the nature of the act under the Public Health Law No. 1593 dated 24/4/1930.
CHAPTER SIX: Temporary and Final Provisions
Temporary provisions regarding existing pools
Temporary Article 1 - Swimming pools that applied for permission before the publication date of this Regulation and those currently in operation shall bring their physical conditions into compliance with subparagraph (c) of Article 8 and Articles 9 and 10 within one year from the publication date of this Regulation.
Transition provisions regarding pool water operators and responsible managers
Temporary Article 2 - (1) Those who document that they have received training for pool water operators before the publication date of this article and have been working as pool water operators for at least one year may continue as pool water operators.
(2) Pools that meet the conditions but do not have a pool water operator and responsible manager as of the date this article enters into force shall make the necessary arrangements by 31/5/2012.
Entry into force
Article 18 - (1) This Regulation enters into force one month after its publication date.
Execution
Article 19 - (1) The Minister of Health executes the provisions of this Regulation.
NOTE: FOR ANNEXES, PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE