Poop in Pool

[RLJDJB]

For the first time, since I have owned a pool, will have a 5 month old swimming this summer.
Just to be prepared......What would be the proper protocol if "Poop happens" and it escapes from his swimmers?

 

[mknauss]

To err on the safe side, the typical recommendation is to raise the FC to SLAM level and keep out of the water for 24 hours.

 

[RLJDJB]

To err on the safe side, the typical recommendation is to raise the FC to SLAM level and keep out of the water for 24 hours.

That's what I thought but wanted another opinion. Thank you!

 

[justinc]

The CDC has an entire protocol for "accidental fecal release", and it differs if the "release" was formed or liquid. Fecal Incident and Outbreak Response | Healthy Swimming | Healthy Water | CDC

I am sort of an "expert" on this because I had a problem with a Bobcat repeatedly (four times in the span of about 10 days) doing his or her business in the pool. Apparently they like to go in water because it hides their smell. The bobcat has since been eliminated, but the usual protocol is to remove as much of the solid matter from the pool as you can as quickly as possible. Don't vacuum because this just disperses it everywhere. Then, you raise the chlorine level to SLAM and stay out of the water for at least 24 hours. Finally, backwash the filter.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

As a nurse I'll tell you my take- If its baby's *normal* baby poop, scoop it out and just raise the FC to SLAM level.

IF its an unusual outburst, you have to consider that it is possibly pathogenic and clear out the pool and perform a complete SLAM, with backwashing or cleaning of the filter, etc.

Pay attention to baby's "schedule" and avoid pool time after eating. Also get a pack of swimming diapers. THey don't hold things in but they also don't swell up like beach balls like normal disposible diapers will.

Maddie

 

[justinc]

To second Maddie's comment, I took the most aggressive approach because I have no idea what kind of nasty parasite or other organism might have been in wild animal turds. If your baby is typically healthy and it's just a regular poop, you can probably get away with a less aggressive approach.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Absolutely Justinc! A bobcat is one big cootie as far as I'm concerned. Go big or....just go big! LOL

Your own baby...well.. you get to know them on such a personal level that...well, you know healthy from sick usually. Now if it were someone *elses* baby, well..... ugh! That's like a bobcat, huh? LOL

Maddie

 

[RLJDJB]

Great advice! Thank you all!

 

[mknauss]

I just KNEW Maddie would have to bring up all the possible nasty stuff ----------------

 

[bmoreswim]

I agree with the above to be safe. But is poop that much more toxic than pee (if smell has anything to do with it I suppose so)? People pee in pools all the time and we don't get out (or if you want to you can think they don't). If it's a solid AFR and it's scooped out quickly, wouldn't a much shorter period of time at SLAM level be reasonable? The other argument being practicality vs. safety. You are having your annual July 4th bash and a toddler lets one go. Is the swim party really over? Keep in mind it's 95 degrees out and the party just started. For discussion purposes, what would you do?

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Yes, poop is more risky than pee. You carry bacteria in your gut that is no where else in your body....and sometimes that is funky stuff. Diseases and such.
Pee is pretty darn harmless.

We also have to differentiate between a solid floater you can quickly grab out versus a pathogenic explosive event that is often indicative of illness and can easily spread to others.

I can live with the floater.....the explosive type .. No Bueno!!
Maddie

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Unless you have a bladder or kidney infection, urine is sterile at the point of release. All it's doing is raising the ammonia and nitrogen levels.

Feces is decidedly UNsterile, and essentially contaminates the water, necessitating an immediate SLAM. You carry an amazing amount of opportunistic pathogens in your intestine.

Sorry, but pool time has to wait if poo time has occurred.

 

[bmoreswim]

Good stuff. Well, let me re-phrase that. Good information.