Certified Pool Operator Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the event of a diarrheal discharge in a pool, it is crucial to raise the free available chlorine to a high level in order to effectively eliminate pathogens that may be present. The proper concentration of free chlorine recommended for responding to fecal incidents is typically 20 to 30 parts per million (ppm) for a minimum of 12.75 hours.

Selecting 30 ppm as the target level is appropriate because this higher concentration is recognized as a best practice to ensure that any chlorine-resistant pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, are adequately treated. Achieving this level ensures that the pool water is sanitized thoroughly, minimizing the risk of illness transmission to pool users.

This approach helps maintain a safe swimming environment post-incident, as chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that plays a crucial role in breaking down and inactivating pathogens in the water. After achieving the designated chlorine level, it is also important to monitor the water to ensure it returns to safe operational levels before allowing swimmers back into the pool.