Pomperaug District Department of Health

. Suite 124. Southbury, Connecticut 06488

800 Main Street, South
Q03) 264-96L6 . Woodbury Q03) 266-4785. Ot'ord (203) 888-6891
Fax: (203) 262-1960 rWebsite: www.pomperaughealthdistrict.org

November 23,2010 trGtrilVtr

Mr. James Connelly,

Superintendant of Schools
Oxford Public Schools
1 Great Hill Road
Oxford, CT 06478

RE: Oxford High School Pool

Dear Mr. Connelly:

At your request, in a letter dated October 14, 2010, the Pomperaug Health
District conducted an inspection of the Oxford High School Pool. The pool was
field evaluated by Joseph Kmetz, Sanitarian and myself on October 29, 2010.
The purpose of the visit was to assist in resolving operational problems, which
can affect the water quality and general sanitation of the pool environment.

Participants in the field review were the following Oxford High School Staff:
- Frank Savo, Principal
- Paul Mirabelle, Custodian
- John Barlow, District Facilities Director
- Glen Lungarini, Assistant Principal- Athletic Director

General observations are noted below.

1). There are several persons responsible for pool operation, maintenance, and
physical plant. This includes multiple custodians with one (1)) during the school
day and three (3) more for the night and weekends. School supervisions staff
include persons mentioned above.

2). The Olympic swimming pool operates throughout the school day for students,
directly after school for swim team(s), later in the day for recreation department
groups, and other times for various types of public swims. The public type
activities can continue into evening hours and possible weekend.

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The afternoon events (Junior Leagues) and public swims are coordinated through
the Town of Oxford Recreation Department. The result of all this activity is that
the public pool operation can, at times, extend upwards of ltwelve (12) hours per
Oay. ttrerefore, ihis facility is both a "school pool" and a "town pool" in its service
to large parts of the Oxford Community.

g). According to Senior Pool Staff, there has been at least two (2) instances of
sfgnificant pool matfunctions in the last 7 (seven) years, including this September
(2b10). Large swimming pools are sophisticated systems with multiple filters (6),
Ltg" putpit, intricate plumbing systems, and semi automated sanitation
eqlipment.' pool water is a balanced water chemistry where constituents
including, chlorine, Ph, alkalinity, hardness and metals must be in proper
-balance.
-
This balance is what provides a clear clean pool environment while
maintaining sanitation levels. This balance takes constant maintenance by
knowledgeible operators. lf any constituent in that system i.e. chlorine, gets out
of bdan6e, significant issues can develop rapidly. Those issues may involve
pool clarity, ooor, to much chlorine, to little chlorine, among other problems'

41. lt appears that the latest operational issue was the failure of an automated
cirlorination system in early September. These automated systems are excellent
in that they constantly reid chlorine levels and only add product when needed.
for
Unfortunat-ely, like all automated systems, they must be periodically checked
accuracy, especially the "Sensor" probes. Once again this requires
knowledgeable persons with training in pool operation'

5). Consistent pool operation also includes checking pressure gauges, adding
water, manual water testing, filter back washing frequency, and So on'

6). There appeared to be some issues with locker room cleanliness especially
during public periods.

7\. During our inspection the pool water was clean. Sanitation levels and ph
were per bonnecticut Health Code. Locker rooms/showers were clean and the
general pool environment was safe and sanitary'

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SOLUTIONS

The Oxford High School Pool is a town facility that is used both by High School
students, other students and general community. The pool is a major resource
and major responsibility. Additionally, operating, maintaining and repairing the
pool can be especially costly in the era of expensive utilities and chemicals.
Towards the goal of safely operating the pool environment we suggest the
following:

A). Oxford Educational Officials meet with the Oxford Recreation Director to
discuss these important issues including who is responsible and how financial
remuneration is achieved. The First Selectman may wish to be part of this
discussion.

B). The School System should designate one (1) or two (2) persons to be
formally in charge of pool operations. This could be (1) one custodian and (1)
one school supervisor, or some other manner that works best. These persons
should get formal, classroom training, called "Certified Pool Operation" (CPO)
Course. This (2) two-day training is provided by various groups in Connecticut
and is compliant with National Swimming Pool Foundation requirements. The
CPO course includes work in pool chemistry, testing treatment, filtration,
maintenance, automatic feeding equipment and governmental requirements. I
will provide the school system with upcoming dates as they become available.

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C). The Oxford School System should seriously consider entering into a
"Contractual" arrangement with a skilled swimming pool maintenance company.
The company can provide a weekly site inspection and confer with school
operator's regarding any noted issues. ln this manner problems can be
addressed before they become larger ones. This is very important at this time
due to the upcoming winter swimming season.

With the above solutions in mind we believe that the Oxford High School Pool
can operate in a safe and sanitary manner. As Director of Health, I am willing to
make a presentation to town otficials on our pool recommendation. The school
officials we met with appear to be very concerned that the Public Pool be an
asset to all Oxford Citizens.

Any questions with the above please contact me at: (203) 264-9616.

Sincerely,

Nbal Lustig, M.P.H.

CC: Mary Anne Drayton-Rogers, First Selectman

Debbie Gatto, Park and Recreation Director

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