Effective Date
First things first, mark your calendars! The Florida Department of Health has made revisions to Rule 64E-9.004, and they're kicking in on June 11, 2023. Read the full rule here.
What's Changing?
The Department has updated guidelines on disinfectant levels and test kits for public pools and spas. If you're a pool owner or operator, this is a heads-up you can't afford to ignore.
Immediate Action
If your pool or spa doesn't meet the new disinfectant levels, you'll have to close it down until it does. Yeah, you read that right—immediate closure. So, let's avoid that, shall we?
Test Kits: The Nitty-Gritty
You'll need a test kit that meets the NSF Standard 50-2020 Level 1 accuracy certification for disinfectant and pH levels.
Good news for Taylor test kit users: if you're using reagents 1 and 2 or reagents 0870 powder and 0871 drops, you're in the clear. Just make sure your reagents aren't expired.
The New Disinfectant Levels: A Detailed Table
Pool Type | Chlorine Levels (mg/L) | Bromine Levels (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
Conventional Pools (Outdoor) | 1 to 10 | 1.5 to 6 |
Spa-Type Pools | 2 to 5 | 1.5 to 6 |
Swim-Up Bars | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Wading Pools | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Special Purpose Pools | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Water Recreation Attraction | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Interactive Water Fountains (IWF) | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Splashpads (IWF) | 2 to 10 | 3 to 6 |
Indoor Conventional Pools | 1 to 5 | 6 (max) |
Final Thoughts
These changes are more than just a drop in the bucket. They could affect your operations, your patrons, and your bottom line. So dive into the new rules and make sure you're swimming, not sinking.
