feces in pool, pool deck, bathroom floor, sink

Last summer we had someone frequently poop in the pool, on the pool deck and in the boys' bathroom floor. We found out which street he lived on last year but not his name. This year it started again. This last time it occured, we had a person that identified an 8 year old that was there and then left and they know him and know he has bowel issues. He cannot control bowel movements. If we tell him to wear swim diapers - which I don't know if they can get them in 8 year old size - he would then go into the bathroom after his bowel movement and drop the feces in the floor and make a mess changing. Can we ban the boy from the pool?

Have you talked to his parents? It starts at home. If this is a medical condition then the parents should know. Maybe they don't know he's having these sympyoms due to embarrassment on his part. It is a health hazaard to everyone else.

This should be dealt with discretly and with lots of tack. I wouldn't discuss it in front of people in a board meeting. Just a few people involved and a friendly letter. No lawyer stuff. I think everyone would appreciate the approach. Maybe find a friend of theirs to help discuss the issue.

I've had to address a few tactful situations before and discretion works best. Keep the rest of the information in broader terms such as the issue is being addressed and acknowledged if anyone asks. Don't go gossiping. If that isn't enough of an answer then someone is just looking for gossip.

It is NOT up to you to decide the solution. It is up to the parents to decide. Enforcing baby swim diapers is okay for babies and toddlers. It becomes trickier after that as even adults can have this problem. Maybe put up a sign that would include ANYONE with digestive conditions also need to take proper precautions before swimming in the pool. Just to cover everyone.

DITTO DITTO DITTO

Suggested sign:

<< Any person with intestinal distress or incontinence MUST wear a diaper. >>

then:

provide the appropriate disposal bins in he restrooms

Here is our rule on the subject:

"No infant, young child or person subject to involuntary natural bodily functions is permitted to use the pool or spa without proper and effective diaper protection."

As pointed out by others, we may not use age-specific language. Diapers are made in all sizes.

Our schedule of fines, etc., would permit us (the Board) to call the violator (unit owner) of that pool rule to hearing, levy a fine and charge the unit owner for the costs of clean up and repair.

We also don't permit those 14 & younger to use the pool without someone 18 & over in the enclosed pool area. Where, indeed, are this boy's caregivers!!!

We are now dealing with the third "fecal incident" in our community pool. I witnessed the "poop" the second time and it was smaller than a dime hard formed ball. In fact I am not sure it was human waste. We were told that the pool must be drained and acid washed. Which of course was not called for.
We were not told the nature of the incident the first and second times. The third time has now occurred and they have decided to let folks know it was fecal and to close the pool for one week. We have heard that one family has had grandkids in the pool immediately proceeding the first two incidents. We are still seeking answers to our questions, meanwhile speculation is that this may be intentional and I thought I would throw this out there to see if others have had similar experiences.

Doesn't matter if you think it was called for or not. It's a health requirement and your Association did the correct thing by complying with the health laws.

See: CA Swimming Pool Safety Act

See: CA Dept of Public Health Recreational Health Program webpage

See: Fecal Incident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff from the Center for Disease Control

See: RECOMMENDED RESPONSE TO
FECAL ACCIDENTS IN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health

Mariene,

I am not a pool expert. Why the concern about the acid wash?

Perhaps its a County or City requirement. For example, from LA County Dept of Health [emphasis added]:

If the pool is using stabilized chlorine or contains cyanuric acid check the cyanuric acid level. If the cyanuric acid level is greater than 50 ppm the pool should be drained and filled with fresh water until the cyanuric acid level is below 50 ppm.

As a reply to the topic at hand, I believe there may be some misunderstanding on what an Acid Wash is. The dept of health here does not require it in this county. I am still unable to find where it would be warranted unless for cosmetic concerns. To answer the question what is my problem with the Acid wash I have many but I am waiting to see if anonymous comes forward.

Marlene,

If you are referring to links I posted, I simply did a google search on CA procedures for fecal incident in pools
and the first sites that show up are the CDC, San Diego County and LA County.

There were other links to other States that also showed up. However, since you are in CA it really didn't make sense to include them.

Perhaps you can volunteer to be on pool committee and be part of the decision process.