CPI State & Local Health Codes 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under most state health codes, what is the minimum required turnover rate for a public swimming pool?
- Every 2 hours
- Every 6 hours (Correct answer)
- Every 12 hours
- Every 24 hours
Correct answer: Every 6 hours
Most state health codes require public pool water to turn over (be fully filtered) at least once every 6 hours.
Question 2: Which agency typically has primary authority to enforce pool and spa health codes at the local level?
- Fire marshal's office
- Building and zoning department
- Local health department (Correct answer)
- State EPA
Correct answer: Local health department
Local health departments are typically the primary enforcement authority for pool and spa sanitation codes.
Question 3: When a state health code conflicts with a local ordinance on pool safety fencing, which generally takes precedence?
- The local ordinance always prevails
- The state code prevails if the local code is less stringent
- The local code prevails if it is more restrictive (Correct answer)
- Federal regulations override both
Correct answer: The local code prevails if it is more restrictive
Local jurisdictions may adopt more restrictive standards than the state, and the more protective local requirement generally governs.
Question 4: A CPI inspector finds a public pool operating without a current permit. What is the correct course of action?
- Advise the owner to apply at next renewal
- Document and report to the local health authority (Correct answer)
- Shut down the pool immediately
- Issue a verbal warning and continue inspection
Correct answer: Document and report to the local health authority
The inspector should document the violation and report it to the appropriate health authority, who has enforcement power.
Question 5: State health codes typically require that pool chemical records be retained for a minimum of how long?
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 year (Correct answer)
- 3 years
Correct answer: 1 year
Most state codes require chemical testing and treatment logs to be kept for at least one year and made available for inspection.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)?
- A federal law mandating pool safety nationwide
- A voluntary guidance document states can adopt as a basis for regulations (Correct answer)
- A mandatory OSHA standard for commercial pools
- A local zoning ordinance template
Correct answer: A voluntary guidance document states can adopt as a basis for regulations
The MAHC is a voluntary CDC-developed guidance document that states and localities may adopt or reference when writing their own pool health codes.
Question 7: Under most state health codes, a public spa (hot tub) must not exceed what maximum water temperature?
- 95°F (35°C)
- 100°F (38°C)
- 104°F (40°C) (Correct answer)
- 110°F (43°C)
Correct answer: 104°F (40°C)
Most state codes set a maximum spa water temperature of 104°F (40°C) to prevent hyperthermia.
CPI State & Local Health Codes 2
Under most state health codes, what is the minimum required turnover rate for a public swimming pool?