Association between swimming pool operator certification and pool chemistries — Nebraska, 2005–2006

Background: State inspection identified extreme chemical abnormalities (free chlorine = 0.8 ppm; pH = 4.0) in a motel swimming pool managed by an uncertified operator after an exposed child was hospitalized with severe laryngotracheobronchitis. Certification for motel-pool (Class-B) operators isn't mandated by Nebraska law and is only required in two counties. Methods: Using 2005–2006 statewide pool-inspection reports, we evaluated associations between operator certification and chemistry violations on the basis of state regulations (acceptable free chlorine = 2–10 ppm; acceptable pH = 7.2–7.8). We compared free chlorine for all Class-B pools in counties with and without certified operators. We compared pH for Class-B pools with shared municipal water in two counties, one requiring certification. Analysis included routine inspections containing both free chlorine and pH values; start-up, follow-up, and complaint inspections were excluded. Results: Free chlorine violations were more likely in counties without (30.9%, 168/543) than with (15.8%, 139/879) a certification requirement for Class-B operators (prevalence ratio = 1.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.61–2.38). In two counties with shared municipal water, pH violations were more likely in the county without (26.7%, 47/176) than with (18.5%, 108/583) more stringent certification requirements (prevalence ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.94). Conclusions: On the basis of current Nebraska standards, water chemistry violations are more common in Class-B pools in counties not requiring trained and certified operators. Operator certification might improve water quality and reduce associated public health risks. Nebraska should consider requiring certified operators for all public swimming pools.