What is the minimum duration the pool must remain closed following a liquid stool fouling incident?

The minimum duration the pool must remain closed following a liquid stool fouling incident is 12 hours. This guideline is established to ensure that appropriate sanitation measures can be implemented effectively. Following a fecal incident involving liquid stool, chlorine levels must be maintained at a higher concentration for a prolonged period to effectively kill harmful pathogens that may be present.

The closure allows for adequate time to ensure that all bacteria and viruses are neutralized, safeguarding the health of all swimmers. After this duration, pool operators can conduct proper cleaning and disinfection procedures, including super-chlorination, and check the water quality to confirm that it is safe to reopen the pool to the public. The guidelines are in place to minimize health risks and ensure a safe swimming environment for all users.