The Mississippi public pool code provides a set of health and safety guidelines designed to reduce the risk of illness and injury in public pools and spas. Though these guidelines are not mandatory regulations—Mississippi does not have a state-regulated public pool program—Mississippi CPO Certification Requirement is strongly recommended by health authorities for safe pool operation. The Mississippi State Department of Health does not require permits for swimming pools and spas; however, county health departments can serve as a valuable resource for pool operators regarding best practices
Water Quality Standards
Maintaining proper disinfectant levels is one of the key recommendations for public pools and spas in Mississippi. For most pools, free chlorine should be maintained between 1-3 mg/L (ppm), while bromine levels should stay between 2-5 mg/L (ppm). For spas and hot tubs, the free chlorine range is slightly higher at 2-4 mg/L, and bromine levels should be between 4-6 mg/L. The recommended pH range for both pools and spas is 7.2 to 7.8, which ensures that the disinfectant works effectively without irritating swimmers
Cleanliness and Safety
To ensure the water remains free from harmful pathogens, the pool must have no detectable coliform bacteria, and the water’s turbidity should not exceed 0.5 NTU, ensuring visibility to the main drain grate from the pool deck. The pool should also be free from sediment, floating debris, and algae
Mississippi also recommends following specific procedures in the event of a fecal accident. This includes closing the pool for a minimum of 24 hours, removing fecal material, and increasing free chlorine levels to 20 ppm to disinfect the water. The filtration system should run multiple turnovers, followed by backwashing
Mississippi CPO Certification Requirement
While Mississippi does not mandate that public pools be operated by a Certified Pool Operator (CPO), it is encouraged that pool operators obtain certification through recognized organizations like Aquatic Facility Training and Consultants. CPO certification courses teach operators critical skills, such as balancing water chemistry, handling chemicals, and maintaining filtration systems
By following these recommended guidelines, Mississippi pool operators can help create a safer swimming environment for patrons, even in the absence of strict state regulations. The guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining proper water chemistry, ensuring pool cleanliness, and utilizing safety equipment, all of which contribute to reducing health risks at public swimming facilities.