The MAHC and Pool Disinfection

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a common guidepost under which many successful pool operators run their facility.

Issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2014 to create regulations and standards regarding all types of public recreational water venues across the country, the MAHC simplified a previously complicated process to assist in minimizing the spread of recreational water illnesses at disinfected swimming venues.

One major area where the MAHC provides guidance is Section 5.7.3, which provides recommendations for disinfection in pools. Misuse of pool chemicals is responsible for more than 5,000 visits to the emergency room each year and can cause irritation of a swimmer’s eyes, nose, throat and even skin. According to the MAHC, that’s just part of why only chlorine products that are EPA-registered for use as sanitizers or disinfectants in aquatic venues or spas are permitted.

While having too high of a chlorine concentration or hypochlorite delivery can harm swimmers, so can not having enough. In particular, insufficient chlorine levels leave swimmers vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, and is why the MAHC recommends a free available chlorine (FAC) level between 1.0 PPM (MG/L) and 10.0 PPM (MG/L):

• Pools and aquatic venues that don’t use cyanuric acid must maintain a minimum FAC concentration of 1.0 PPM (MG/L).
• All spas should maintain a minimum FAC concentration of 3.0 PPM (MG/L).
• No aquatic venue following the MAHC should exceed a maximum FAC concentration of 10.0 PPM (MG/L) while open to bathers.

When it comes to swimmer safety, ensuring that the right amount of chemicals are added both at the right time and in the right amount—and having a system that allows you to do so easily—is critical. By adhering to the MAHC’s recommendations, you can ensure that your pool or aquatic venue is taking a scientifically-proven path to safety.

Nervous about the MAHC attack? See how the Accu-Tab^® system delivers chlorine in consistent amounts, based upon its unique and proven technology employed in thousands of aquatic facilities throughout the country.

Note: The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is not a mandated government standard. Individual states, counties and local municipalities may choose to adopt it at their own discretion.