Physical Activity and Leisure Management Ltd

POOL TECHNICAL OPERATING PROCEDURE (PTOP)

SELF AUDIT CHECKLIST

The POOL WATER TREATMENT ADVISORY GROUP Code of Practice requires pool management
to define and document its policy and procedures for the general operation of the pool water treatment.
This is called the POOL TECHNICAL OPERATING PROCEDURE (PTOP).

The PTOP forms a part of the risk assessment process for the whole pool facility and the subsequent
formulation of pool safety operational procedures (PSOP).

It should take the form of a stand-alone document detailing a swimming pool’s technical operation,
which is part of the PSOP. The PTOP will be based on PWTAG published guidance, but more particularly
the requirements of the suppliers, manufacturers and installers of plant and equipment. It will set out
how the plant should function and be operated safely.

Just as significantly, the PTOP will sit alongside the PSOP, and will incorporate the technical
considerations that provide a healthy, enjoyable, satisfying and safe experience for users.

The following CHECKLIST should be completed to ascertain whether your facility complies with the
PWTAG Code of Practice, and if there are any weaknesses, how they could be strengthened. The
completed checklist can them be measured against the PWTAG recommended Code of Practice
(www.pwtag.org)

Contents:
Section 1: Statement of Policy.
Section 2: Documentation.
Section 3: Bather Hygiene Procedures.
Section 4: Cleanliness and Cleaning Regimes.
Section 5: Pool Water Quality.
Section 6: Monitoring Water Quality.
Section 7: Chemical Safety.
Section 8: Heating and Ventilation Plant.
Section 9: Records and Logs.
Section 10: Emergency Procedures for Pool Water, Heating and Ventilation
Plant.
 Facility Details

Required Example To be completed

information

Name and full

address of the
pool(s)

Telephone; e.mail; website;

Contact details social media
Leisure centre; swimming pool;
Type of premises fitness/sports club;
hotel/conference centre; spa
centre; holiday park; etc
Local authority; commercial
Ownership of enterprise; privately owned;
premises charitable trust; educational
organisation; HM Forces etc
Local authority, commercial
Management of management; charitable trust;
premises educational organisation; HM
Forces; etc

Facility Manager
Name

How many pools

are on this site?
Competition; teaching; general
What is the recreation; hydrotherapy;
principal function interactive water features;
of each pool? paddling pool; diving;
splash/catch pool; etc

Age of premises

Mains, private bore hole, etc

What is the water
supply at this site?

Water Authority
 Section Heading & Requisites Evidence Provided
Purpose
1. STATEMENT OF POLICY Management System How is current legislative, ACOP and industry best practice
To indicate that the operation information, regarding the operation of your pool,
is compliant with legal provided to yourself and employees.
requirements, and industry
best practice and guidance. How is that knowledge maintained as being current, in
order to comply with PWTAG Code of Practice.
In accordance with PWTAG
model Code of Practice: Is there a management flow chart to identify levels of
Sections 1; 2; 6.35 responsibility?

What are the training and qualification(s) requirements for

key staff at the pool, throughout the flow chart of
responsibilities.

Is there a competent person appointed to assess the risks

associated with hazardous substances in the workplace,
and to put in place procedures to eliminate or control
those risks.

Who carries out risk assessments and reviews?

What is the process for accepting risk assessments as

organisation policies?

What is the frequency of assessment reviews?

In accordance with PWTAG Staff structure and What are the minimum technical qualifications required ,
model Code of Practice: responsibilities for staff who are responsible for pool plant operations,
Section 3 To ensure that a and water quality management.
technically competent
person is always available. What are the minimum technical staff levels required,
during all times that the pool is available for use.
In accordance with PWTAG Description of pool(s) List and confirm the:-
model Code of Practice: and operation 2. pool dimensions
Section 4 To indicate that the use of
the pool, and the demands 3. volume
made upon the technical
operation are known and 4. normal hours of operation (weekend changes)
understood.
5. number of days per week/weeks per year.

6. type of use (competitive training; instructional;

general recreational; medical/therapeutic; etc)
In accordance with PWTAG Schematic of swimming 1. Is there a schematic of the pool’s circulation system?
model Code of Practice: pool system and key
Section 5. indicators 2. Is it current, relevant and accurate?
The ability of the technical
In accordance with NHS/PHE operation to circulate, 3. Is it sufficient to identify any possible dead-legs in the
swimming pool investigation; filter, and chemically treat circulation system?
generic check list for water at an appropriate
cryptosporidium outbreaks. rate.
Identification of circulation
dead-legs.
2. DOCUMENTATION Normal operational Is there a list of competent persons who can assess the
To indicate that the procedures for the risks associated with hazards and hazardous substances in
operation is compliant with pool water, heating the workplace?
legal requirements, and and ventilation plant.
industry best practice and Are there documented risk assessments and control
guidance, and that all procedures in place, for the technical operation of the
documentation is valid, pool, for:-
relevant and current. 1. Lone working
2. Noise
In accordance with the 3. COSHH
Management of Health & 4. Cryptosporidium outbreak
Safety at Work Regulations 5. Manual handling
1999 6. Working at heights
7. Confined spaces
8. Fire
9. Personal Protective Equipment
10. Pregnancy at Work

How are these risk assessments and control procedures

communicated to relevant staff?

In accordance with NHS/PHE Site Specific Operating 1. Is there an up-to-date and acknowledged PSOP for
swimming pool investigation; Procedure the pool(s)?
generic check list for
cryptosporidium outbreaks. 2. Is there an up-to-date, acknowledged Technical
Operating Procedure for the pool(s)?

In accordance with PWTAG Confined spaces 1. Is there a register (identification) of confined spaces
model Code of Practice: Control of hazards to staff
Section 6.34 2. What are the control methods for staff/contractors to
work in identified areas.
In accordance with NHS/PHE Water treatment 1. Does the site have a ‘chemical traffic light’ system?
swimming pool investigation;
generic check list for
cryptosporidium outbreaks.
2. Are up-to-date Safety Data Sheets held for all
In accordance with PWTAG chemicals used?
model Code of Practice:
Section 6.35
In accordance with PWTAG Public health hazards Do all risk assessments take into account:-
model Code of Practice: • Death through drowning, including hair and limb
Section 6.1; 6.2 entrapment
• Neck and head injuries from diving into shallow water
or hitting other swimmers
• Injuries from falls, slipping, etc.
• Ingestion of pool water containing pathogens
including the protozoal parasites that can cause
gastroenteritis
• Contact with contaminated water, especially in
contact with open wounds
• Inhalation of aerosols containing hazards e.g.
Legionella species in distributed water, such as when
using showers, etc.
• Skin infections of the feet, including warts, verruca’s
and athlete’s foot
• Possible exacerbation of asthma due to excessive
disinfection by-products in the air
• Illness from water contaminated by chemicals
• Potential drowning where cloudy water prevents
surveillance of swimmers under the water
• Cuts and abrasions from sharp edges, cracked tiles.
In accordance with PWTAG Mains water quality What is the frequency of testing and recording of the
model Code of Practice: mains supply water, to include:-
Section 6.3 1. pH
2. total alkalinity
3. calcium hardness
4. total dissolved solids
5. temperature.
3. BATHER HYGIENE Pre-swim hygiene What information is made available to users, and in what
PROCEDURES. format, related to pre-swim hygiene, and contra-
To show that the indicators, including suspected cryptosporidium, and
operation makes all restrictions on the use of a pool?
reasonable efforts to
reduce the level pf Toilet and shower 1. What is the pre-swim toilet and shower provision?
pollution in its pool(s), and provision
to remove that which 2. What is its location(s)?
cannot be prevented.
3. What methods are used to encourage use?

In accordance with PWTAG Babies and very young Are there specified periods of use?
model Code of Practice: children What is the appropriate swim wear and availability
Sections 6.19; 6.20; 6.21 specified for babies and young children?
What provision is available for baby/toddler changing
facilities?
4. CLEANLINESS AND Showers What are the:-
CLEANING REGIMES 1. cleaning protocols and frequencies
To show that the
operation makes all 2. cleaning products used
reasonable efforts to
remove that which cannot
be prevented.

In accordance with PWTAG

model Code of Practice:
Section 6.23

In accordance with PWTAG Pool covers What are the:-

model Code of Practice: 1. cleaning protocols and frequencies
Section 6.24
2. cleaning products used

In accordance with PWTAG Pool equipment With regard to pool hall surfaces and ancillary areas, pool-
model Code of Practice: use equipment, and swim aids, what is the:-
Section 6.25 1. frequency of cleaning

2. which cleaning products are used.

3. how are floor-cleaning chemicals prevented from

entering the pool.

Surface Bio-films What are the:-

1. cleaning protocols and frequencies

2. cleaning products used

In accordance with PWTAG Transfer channels What are the:-

model Code of Practice: 1. cleaning protocols and frequencies
Section 6.26
2. cleaning products used
In accordance with PWTAG Balance tanks What are the:-
model Code of Practice: 1. frequencies of inspection
Section 6.27
2. cleaning protocols and frequencies

3. cleaning products used

In accordance with PWTAG Pool bottom What are the:-

model Code of Practice: 1. cleaning protocols and frequencies
Section 6.28
2. cleaning products used
5. POOL WATER QUALITY How does the normal operating procedure specifically
How does the take into account:-
establishment confirm that 1. Public health hazards
the pool water treatment
process complies with 2. Mains water quality and storage,
current legislation and
industry best practice. 3. Dilution and drainage,

Normal operational 4. Coagulation,

procedures for the
management of pool 5. Filtration and
water.
In accordance with PWTAG 6. Disinfection.
model Code of Practice:
Section 6.1
5.a. Pool water clarity How is pool water clarity and turbidity measured and
In accordance with PWTAG monitored to ensure no danger to bathers.
model Code of Practice:
Section 6.4

5.b. Pool Water Circulation Bathing load. What is the maximum bathing load (number of bathers)
In accordance with PWTAG To ensure that the pool allowed:-
model Code of Practice: does not become 1. at any one time
Section 6.8 overloaded with pollution.
2. per activity

3. per operational day

In accordance with NHS/PHE Flow rate 1. Is a working flow meter installed.

swimming pool investigation; To confirm the rate of
generic check list for flow through the 2. Is the flow rate during normal operation, and
cryptosporidium outbreaks. circulation and filtration backwashing, measured and recorded?
system.
In accordance with PWTAG Turnover period How is the turnover period calculated, measured and
model Code of Practice: To identify how long it recorded.
Section 6.9 takes to circulate a body
of water equal to the
capacity of the pool

In accordance with PWTAG Water circulation 1. Does the water treatment system for this pool
model Code of Practice: To ensure that pollution is operate continuously, throughout all times that the
Section 6.11 not allowed to form and pool is available for use?
remain within the pool.
2. Is there an up-to-date, as installed, schematic of the
pool(s) water circulation system?

In accordance with PWTAG Surface water removal What is the type/design of surface water removal system
model Code of Practice: and bottom drains.
Section 6.12

In accordance with PWTAG Inlets and outlets 1. How many inlets and outlets does this pool have
model Code of Practice: To prevent the risk of
Section 6.13 entrapment, without 2. Are grilles and covers fitted in accordance with BS EN
reducing flow. 13451-3.

3. What is the method and frequency of inspection of

these fittings?

In accordance with PWTAG Dye testing Was the pool dye tested when first commissioned, and
model Code of Practice: To ensure that there are what is the frequency of further, regular dye testing.
Section 6.10 adequate hydraulic
movement within the pool
5.c. Coagulation Coagulation 1. Which coagulant is used.
In accordance with PWTAG To assist in the removal
model Code of Practice: of pollution, through 2. What is the method and rate of dosing
Section 6.18 filtration.
 5.d. Filtration Filters and filtration What is the:-
In accordance with PWTAG rate 1. Type and number of filters
model Code of Practice: To ensure that adequate
Section 6.14 filtration is provided, for 2. What is the total surface area and bed depth of filter
the type and use of the media?
pool.
3. What is the filter media, and frequency of media
change

In accordance with PWTAG Backwashing What are the:-

model Code of Practice: To ensure that filters and 1. What are the frequency and timings of filter
Section 6.17 media are cleaned and backwashing?
able to perform at their
optimum level. 2. What are the trigger points for backwashing?

3. Are working pressure gauges installed?

In accordance with PWTAG Serviceable filters Are the filters designed in accordance with industry
model Code of Practice: To ensure that filtration standards and requirements?
Section 6.15 services are adequate for
the use of the pool.

In accordance with PWTAG Annual inspection What is the frequency for the internal inspection of filters
model Code of Practice: To identify any damage or for wear and tear, or other damage, and issues with the
Section 6.16 fall off in efficiency. filter medium?

5.e. Disinfection Primary disinfection 1. What is the primary disinfectant used and the method
In accordance with PWTAG used to introduce it.
model Code of Practice:
Section 6.5 2. What are the acceptable levels for safe operation

3. How is it monitored?
In accordance with PWTAG Secondary disinfection 1. If any secondary disinfection is installed, how is it
model Code of Practice: To assist in the administered and monitored?
Section 6.6 prevention of
cryptosporidium and to 2. If Ultra Violet light is installed, is it validated to
reduce combined chlorine NSF/ANSI 50?
levels
3. What is the frequency of re-validation?

In accordance with PWTAG Dilution with fresh 1. What is the rate of dilution.
model Code of Practice: water
Section 6.7 To reduce and remove 2. How is it measured and recorded.
the amount of pollution
within the pool, including
the build-up of chemical
compounds.

5.f. pH stabilisation To control the pH of pool 1. What is the primary pH stabiliser used and the
water, to enable optimum method used to introduce it.
performance of
disinfectants, and provide 2. What are the acceptable levels for safe operation
bather comfort.
3. How is it monitored?
6. MONITORING WATER The components of The following tests should be carried out:-
QUALITY mains (source) water, - pH
and their effect on - Total alkalinity
In accordance with PWTAG pool water, is - Calcium hardness
model Code of Practice: understood by the - Total dissolved solids
Section 6.29 operator - temperature

Monitoring water With regard to pool water testing:-

quality 1. which tests are carried out, and frequency?
To ensure that water is
chemically fit for use, and 2. where are water test readings recorded?
presents no risk to
bathers. 3. does the establishment have a traffic lights
system of target readings

4. are test kit manufacturers’ instructions are

complied with.

5. are written, detailed actions available to follow

for unexpected test results.

6. is there a comparison of readouts from

automatic controller against manual test results.

7. is the calibration of equipment carried out in

accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.

In accordance with PWTAG Microbiological testing What are the:-

model Code of Practice: To ensure that water is 1. frequency of microbiological testing.
Section 6.30 bacteriologically fit for
use, and presents no risk 2. name of (UKAS registered) testing laboratory.
to bathers.
3. circumstances for additional testing understood
by the pool operator, and the responsible
person.
In accordance with PWTAG Acting on failures/pool Are there written instructions of the actions for staff
model Code of Practice: closure to follow, should there be unsatisfactory
Section 6.31 To recognise and deal microbiological test results.
with unacceptable
bacteriological results.

7. CHEMICAL SAFETY Plant room 1. What is the security and access control to the
In accordance with PWTAG Control the risks in a plant room, and chemical storage areas/rooms.
model Code of Practice: multi-hazard area 2. Is there an asset register of the plant room
Section 6.32 installation, and planned programme of
inspection and maintenance.

In accordance with PWTAG Safety systems 1. Is there a register of safety equipment and PPE,
model Code of Practice: provided and that allows users to report damage, malfunction
Section 6.33 maintained or expiry dates.
To ensure the safety of
staff, public and others. 2. Is the provision and location of PPE adequate
and personal.

3. What is the frequency of PPE inspection and

planned programme of PPE maintenance.

In accordance with PWTAG Chemical safety Is there a chemical assessment to address, control
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of or eliminate identified risks to:-
Section 6.35 bathers, staff, public and • general public
others. • employees
• other authorised persons
• others that may be affected by the actions or
inactions taken during the operation of the pool
• Non-liquid chemicals are kept dry until dissolved
in water.
In accordance with PWTAG Training in chemical 1. Appropriate training and instruction must be
model Code of Practice: handling. given to those staff required to handle,
Section 6.36 To ensure the safety of transport, store or use chemicals.
staff, public and others.
In accordance with HSG 179, 2. Such training must be recorded on staff records.
Para 242/243
3. How are staff informed and trained in chemical
safety?
In accordance with PWTAG Personal protective Appropriate personal protective equipment must be
model Code of Practice: equipment (PPE) provided, according to suppliers’ advice, on an
Section 6.33; 6.37 To ensure the safety of individual provision
staff.

In accordance with PWTAG Chemical spillage Appropriate action for dealing with the spillage of
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of chemicals must be included in the emergency action
Section 6.38 staff, public and others. plan, and that information available for all staff

In accordance with PWTAG Safety information on First aid instructions must be displayed for each
model Code of Practice: site chemical.
Section 6.39 To ensure the safety of
staff, public and others

In accordance with PWTAG First aid First aid provision must be provided for dealing with
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of contact with chemicals, including eyewash facilities
Section 6.40 staff. and running water.

In accordance with PWTAG Delivery of chemicals Are there written instructions available to all
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of authorised persons, for the:-
Section 6.41 staff, public and delivery 1. delivery of chemicals, including the control of
drivers, including:- risks to public and others.
In accordance with PWTAG a) Bulk delivery of 2. the method of handling chemical containers is
model Code of Practice: sodium hypochlorite described in these procedures and Cleaning
Section 6.42 and hydrochloric acid. protocol for chemical storeroom.

In accordance with PWTAG b) Transport from 3. storage of solid chemicals.

model Code of Practice: offloading area to
Section 6.43 store 4. protection of chemicals against accidental
spillage or mixing.
In accordance with PWTAG c) Chemical store
model Code of Practice: Is there a procedure to ensure:-
Section 6.44 5. containers are kept upright;

6. that chemicals are used in stock rotation.

7. liquid chemicals are not stored above solid

chemicals

Does the plant room:-

8. have strictly controlled access, that cannot be
breached by unauthorised persons.

9. have warning signs fixed to chemical containers,

and store room external doors.

10. Have clearly labelled fill points, which are locked

when not in use.

In accordance with PWTAG Chemical line safety 1. Are all chemical pipework, suction lines, delivery
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of lines and tanks clearly labelled to identify the
Section 6.47 staff. contents and the direction of flow?

2. Are all pipes used for delivery of chemicals to

injection points are double sheathed?

3. Are all chemical injection points are clearly

labelled?
 4. Are disinfectant and pH dosing systems kept
separate, to reduce the risk of accidental
mixing?

5. Are dosing sets separated in individual bunds?

In accordance with PWTAG Hand Dosing of 1. Are there written restrictions on hand dosing of
model Code of Practice: Chemicals chemicals into the pool?
Section 6.45 To ensure the safety of
staff and public. 2. Are there written instructions of the
methodology of hand dosing, if necessary, and
are understood by all staff?

In accordance with PWTAG Chemical dosing Are there written procedures provided for:-
model Code of Practice: operations 1. Day tank filling,
Section 6.46 To ensure the safety of
staff. 2. Mixing or diluting chemicals

3. Cleaning injectors.

4. Action of automatic dosing controls should they

stop or fail.

In accordance with PWTAG Preparing dosing Are there written instructions for the mixing of
model Code of Practice: chemicals chemicals?
Section 6.49 To ensure the safety of
staff and public.
8. HEATING AND Heating and air
VENTILATION PLANT circulation
In accordance with PWTAG To ensure the comfort Are records maintained of the temperature ranges for
model Code of Practice: of public and control of pool water?
Section 6.5 humidity in the pool hall.

In accordance with PWTAG

model Code of Practice: Pool hall air 1. Records are maintained for temperature ranges
Section 6.6 To ensure the comfort for pool hall air.
of public and control of
humidity in the pool hall. 2. Records are maintained for relative humidity
ranges for pool hall air.

9. RECORDS AND LOGS Legal requirement to 1. Daily swimming pool water log, including flow
In accordance with PWTAG maintain adequate rate and dilution records.
model Code of Practice: records/documents of
Section 9.0 performance. 2. Monthly bacteriological log

3. Swimming pool water incident log and faecal

accident log

4. Automatic monitoring calibration

5. Monthly inspection of safety equipment and PPE

6. Staff training in handling chemicals

7. Staff training in pool water testing.

10. EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES FOR
POOL WATER,
HEATING AND Faecal accidents and Is there a written procedure for dealing with faecal
VENTILATION PLANT. Cryptosporidium fouling in accordance with PWTAG recommendations?
In accordance with PWTAG To control the risk of
model Code of Practice: infection.
Section 8.1

In accordance with PWTAG Blood and vomit pool Are there a written procedures for dealing with
model Code of Practice: water contamination significant amounts of blood or vomit in the pool?
Section 8.2; 8.4 To control the risk of
infection.

In accordance with PWTAG Blood spillage on the Is there a written procedure for dealing with significant
model Code of Practice: poolside amounts of blood spillage on the poolside?
Section 8.3 To control the risk of
infection.

In accordance with PWTAG Vomit on the Are there written procedures for dealing with significant
model Code of Practice: poolside. amounts of vomit on the poolside?
Section 8.3 To control the risk of
infection.

In accordance with PWTAG Pool closure and Are there written circumstances for the necessary
model Code of Practice: Microbiological closure of the pool:-
Section 8.5 contamination 1. due to chemical or physical evidence of
To control the risk of unsatisfactory disinfection.
infection.
2. due to gross contamination as indicated by
microbiological reports.
In accordance with PWTAG Toxic gas leaks Is there a written emergency action plan for dealing
model Code of Practice: To ensure the safety of with:-
Section 8.6 staff and public. 1. any major release of toxic gas, to include the safety
of staff and customers.

2. Emergency evacuation arrangements and co-

ordination.

3. Consultation with emergency services, during

preparation of this plan.