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Surviving Your EHO Pool Inspection

Surviving Your EHO Pool Inspection

As the summer months come back around once again, swimming pools become a more popular destination for many in the UK – whether to pick up an old skill or simply to cool off. Managing a pool can be rewarding in the warmer seasons, but managing the health and safety aspects is another matter entirely.

There are no health and safety laws that directly concern the safe management of a swimming pool. However, pools are still beholden to general health and safety regulations, and party to regular inspections by environmental health officers (EHOs).

Without the guiding framework of specific pool-related health and safety legislation, it can be difficult to track exactly what you need to monitor and mitigate in order to pass your inspection. The penalties for a poor inspection can include the complete closure of your pool facility, so it is of particular importance to your pool – as well as the safety of everyone using it – to consider the following elements before your next EHO pool inspection.

Water Balance

Balancing the water in your pool with the right ratio of chemicals is a vital and ongoing requirement for safe pool water. Pool chemicals ensure the water is sanitary and free from bacterial growth, while also protecting the pool’s equipment and materials. Pool chlorine granules are essential for managing organic contaminants in the water, while pH levels and alkalinity can affect the surfaces and installations through corrosion or scale deposits.

Pool water should be measured and monitored regularly, to ensure that chemical levels are within the acceptable range; without proper management, particularly of chlorine levels, pool users could suffer. Too little chlorine and contaminants can propagate; too much, and chemical irritation is risked.

Safety Equipment

It is incumbent on you to provide safety equipment for your pool to more effectively look after your guests and staff alike. Life rings and jackets are a must, in the event that someone begins to struggle in the water; spine boards should also be kept on-premises if someone collides with the bottom of the pool – something which can lead to life-changing injury. First-aid kits should also be kept, for general injury treatment.

Pool Equipment Maintenance

Pool chemicals can only circulate safely if your pool pump is working and well-maintained – but the chemicals do not work alone to keep your pool sanitary. The pump introduces your water to a filtration system, which also needs to be maintained to preserve your pool’s sanitation. If either the pump or filter fails at any point, you could be putting guests at risk. For an EHO inspection, you should be able to provide evidence of regular pool checks and maintenance.

General Health and Safety

There are some general health and safety approaches you should have adopted ahead of any EHO inspection. For one, you should have lifeguards on staff who are fully trained in first aid and any health and safety procedures. For guests, there should also be adequate signage indicating slip risks and other hazards.

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