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Pomperaug District Department of Health800 Main Street, South . Suite 124. Southbury, Connecticut 06488Q03) 264-96L6 . Woodbury Q03) 266-4785. Ot'ord (203) 888-6891Fax: (203) 262-1960 r Website: www.pomperaughealthdistrict.org

November 23,2010

Mr. James Connelly,Superintendant of SchoolsOxford Public Schools1 Great Hill RoadOxford, CT 06478

RE: Oxford High School PoolDear Mr. Connelly:At your request, in a letter dated October 14, 2010, the Pomperaug HealthDistrict conducted an inspection of the Oxford High School Pool. The pool wasfield evaluated by Joseph Kmetz, Sanitarian and myself on October 29, 2010.The purpose of the visit was to assist in resolving operational problems, whichcan 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 DirectorGeneral observations are noted below.1). There are several persons responsible for pool operation, maintenance, andphysical plant. This includes multiple custodians with one (1)) during the schoolday and three (3) more for the night and weekends. School supervisions staffinclude 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 departmentgroups, and other times for various types of public swims. The public typeactivities can continue into evening hours and possible weekend.

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The afternoon events (Junior Leagues) and public swims are coordinated throughthe Town of Oxford Recreation Department. The result of all this activity is thatthe public pool operation can, at times, extend upwards of ltwelve (12) hours perOay. ttrerefore, ihis facility is both a "school pool" and a "town pool" in its serviceto large parts of the Oxford Community.g). According to Senior Pool Staff, there has been at least two (2) instances ofsfgnificant 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 sanitationeqlipment.' 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 whilemaintaining sanitation levels. This balance takes constant maintenance byknowledgeible operators. lf any constituent in that system i.e. chlorine, gets outof bdan6e, significant issues can develop rapidly. Those issues may involvepool clarity, ooor, to much chlorine, to little chlorine, among other problems'41. lt appears that the latest operational issue was the failure of an automatedcirlorination system in early September. These automated systems are excellentin that they constantly reid chlorine levels and only add product when needed.Unfortunat-ely, like all automated systems, they must be periodically checked foraccuracy, especially the "Sensor" probes. Once again this requiresknowledgeable persons with training in pool operation'5). Consistent pool operation also includes checking pressure gauges, addingwater, manual water testing, filter back washing frequency, and So on'6). There appeared to be some issues with locker room cleanliness especiallyduring public periods.7\. During our inspection the pool water was clean. Sanitation levels and phwere per bonnecticut Health Code. Locker rooms/showers were clean and thegeneral pool environment was safe and sanitary'

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SOLUTIONSThe Oxford High School Pool is a town facility that is used both by High Schoolstudents, other students and general community. The pool is a major resourceand major responsibility. Additionally, operating, maintaining and repairing thepool can be especially costly in the era of expensive utilities and chemicals.Towards the goal of safely operating the pool environment we suggest thefollowing:A). Oxford Educational Officials meet with the Oxford Recreation Director todiscuss these important issues including who is responsible and how financialremuneration is achieved. The First Selectman may wish to be part of thisdiscussion.B). The School System should designate one (1) or two (2) persons to beformally in charge of pool operations. This could be (1) one custodian and (1)one school supervisor, or some other manner that works best. These personsshould get formal, classroom training, called "Certified Pool Operation" (CPO)Course. This (2) two-day training is provided by various groups in Connecticutand is compliant with National Swimming Pool Foundation requirements. TheCPO course includes work in pool chemistry, testing treatment, filtration,maintenance, automatic feeding equipment and governmental requirements. Iwill 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 schooloperator's regarding any noted issues. ln this manner problems can beaddressed before they become larger ones. This is very important at this timedue to the upcoming winter swimming season.With the above solutions in mind we believe that the Oxford High School Poolcan operate in a safe and sanitary manner. As Director of Health, I am willing tomake a presentation to town otficials on our pool recommendation. The schoolofficials we met with appear to be very concerned that the Public Pool be anasset to all Oxford Citizens.Any questions with the above please contact me at: (203) 264-9616.Sincerely,

CC: Mary Anne Drayton-Rogers, First SelectmanDebbie Gatto, Park and Recreation Director

Nbal Lustig, M.P.H.

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