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There is a reasonable panic over the Cryptosporidium scare from Ft. Worth. Every night the TV news is showing pool closures for hyper-chlorination, and interviews with people afflicted with this horrible parasite. Here, at The Colony Aquatic Park, we are very concerned with public safety.
We have anticipated this issue, and been actively working for more than a year to prevent an outbreak.
Here’s what The Colony Aquatic Park has done to prevent a Cryptosporidium outbreak:
1.Last year, we were the first pool in the region to use a new chemical (SeaKlear PRS) to defeat Crypto. This product is designed to improve the filter’s ability to trap particles as small as .5 microns.The Crypto cysts are approximately 2 to 6 microns in size.
2.We keep the base level of chlorine at 2 or 3 parts per million, instead of the 1ppm that the state requires. That way, we don’t ever drop below the state standard.3.We hyper-chlorinate, per the CDC recommendation.4.Our staff actively works to enforce the “shower before swimming” rule.
5.Our policy response for Formed-Stool and Diarrheal Fecal Accidents follows the CDC Recommendations. We also do a gallon bleach drop in the immediate area (of a fecal release) to make sure that we have neutralized that target zone.6.We display signs and posters from the CDC warning people not to drink, spit or spout pool water. Our guards enforce the “no spitting or spouting” rule.
7.We have given visiting Day Cares plenty of the CDC brochures to inform parents why kids need to be kept out of the pool if they have diarrhea.
8.We have installed diaper changing stations in each restroom and stop adults from making changes on the deck and tables near the pools.
9.On weekdays (when children are most likely to come to the pool alone) we have a 3pm and 5pm restroom/hydration break.Every child, age seven through 17, is required to exit the pool water for 30 minutes.They are encouraged to go to the restroom and to stop at the water fountain for a drink.
The most important factor in our equation is YOU.The CDC outlines six “P-L-E-As” for Protection against Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)
1.PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea… this is especially important for kids in diapers.
2.PLEASE don’t swallow the pool water.
3.PLEASE practice good hygiene.
4.PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks often.
5.PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside.
6.PLEASE wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
These are the best and most reasonable methods to battle Recreational Water Illnesses that we know of today. As the science of the industry improves, we’re sure to have more breakthroughs like the SeaKlear PRS that will increase our ability to prevent problems.The CDC’s website has plenty of information about Cryptosporidium at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming
There is a special note if you have a weakened immune system from the CDC at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/cryptocifacts.htm
Here at The Colony Aquatic Park, we take every precaution we can to protect our guests, and staff has no hesitation or aversion to swimming in our waters. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Elise Knox, Aquatic Park Manager at (972) 624-2225 or email eknox@thecolonytx.gov .
