Pool Update 6.16.2021
It’s official! Adams Ridge Pool will re-open on Friday, June 18 after a 10-day closure. As you’ll recall, calls to the PA Department of Health and The Bureau of Epidemiology were initiated due to children experiencing symptoms identified with C-Diff and E-Coli. These communications resulted in a proactive pool closure on June 8. We continue to send our get-well wishes to all members of our community who have been affected by either or both of these bacteria.
Inspection Process
The inspection process involves the following divisions of the Department of Health: (1) the Bureau of Community Health Services (Environmental Health) handles the pool inspections, and (2) the Bureau of Epidemiology (Infectious Disease) handles human illness outbreak investigations. Both Bureaus are within the PA Department of Health. Therefore, both Bureaus work jointly to ensure that all recommendations are in place to protect the health of the public before the Adams Ridge pool re-opens.
During the pool closure, the Department of Health did a full investigation on June 8. The results and report were shared electronically with the community on June 11. On June 9, another bacteria test was performed and the results indicated no E-Coli in either pool. The Department of Health is satisfied with the physical plant at the pool.
The reporting protocol for the Bureau of Epidemiology differs from the Department of Health. We have learned, the Bureau of Epidemiology does not prepare or release written outbreak investigation reports. However, they have offered to hold a conference call with us in the future. We will share the results of that call once it is scheduled.
10 Best Practices Implementation
In a continual effort to identify and implement best practices with our new management team, we have been using the time since the pool was closed by the PA Department of Health to review existing policies, procedures and protocols. We have made several determinations regarding how to provide exemplary pool service to our community.
Moving Forward: In the Pool
1. The first safety enhancement is the replacement of B&R Pools with the pool management company Aquatic Watch, Inc. They will be responsible for the daily maintenance of optimal levels of the chlorine and pH in both pools.
2. The second safety enhancement is taking pH and disinfectant sample readings every two-hours daily for both pools. While this amount of testing exceeds the government required sampling of twice daily, it provides pool management the ability to respond more quickly to fluctuations in water quality. The results will be recorded on monitoring logs. The monitoring logs for the twice daily samples and bacterial samples for the remainder of June will be shared with the Department of Health by July 10. The every two-hour sample results will be maintained in log-books and checked regularly.
3. The third safety enhancement was the purchase of a more accurate powder test kit appropriate for the pool personnel to test Cl and pH levels.
4. The fourth safety enhancement is chemical levels in the pool. The appropriate range is between one and five. While more cost is associated with the use of more chemicals, we will strive to be in the range of three and four.
5. The fifth safety enhancement is the development of a useable and readable explanation sheet explaining what chemical levels mean and how to interpret the logs in the binders. This information will also have the pool day profile: number of bathers every two hours, temperature outside and in the pool, weather conditions, pH and chlorine levels, etc. The logs will be available to any community member by making a request to a pool manager.
6.The sixth safety enhancement is the development of a reporting and action protocol regarding irregularities in the chlorine, pH and bacteria levels. An actual flow chart is being developed that will aid pool managers in decision-making and problem solving that everyone has already discussed and approved. This action will empower immediate action.
Moving Forward: At the pool
7. The seventh safety enhancement was compensating lifeguards during the pool closure to maintain their services.
8. The eighth safety enhancement was the addition of a third pool manager. This action empowers community residents to have access to a pool manager during almost all of the 69 hours weekly of pool operation this summer.
9. The ninth safety enhancement was delineation of tasks across the three pool managers and specific job descriptions. Each manager has been assigned specific duties for which he/she will be accountable on a daily basis.
10. The tenth safety enhancement is pool area cleaning. Pool staff will be engaged in hourly cleaning around the pool area to include bathrooms and high touch surfaces.
Our goal is to make the quality of the swimming experience safe, healthy and enjoyable for our community members. We believe these additions are consistent with our priorities.
Thank you for your support as we use this time to effectively enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the swimming experience and services at the Adams Ridge pool.
It’s official! Adams Ridge Pool will re-open on Friday, June 18 after a 10-day closure. As you’ll recall, calls to the PA Department of Health and The Bureau of Epidemiology were initiated due to children experiencing symptoms identified with C-Diff and E-Coli. These communications resulted in a proactive pool closure on June 8. We continue to send our get-well wishes to all members of our community who have been affected by either or both of these bacteria.
Inspection Process
The inspection process involves the following divisions of the Department of Health: (1) the Bureau of Community Health Services (Environmental Health) handles the pool inspections, and (2) the Bureau of Epidemiology (Infectious Disease) handles human illness outbreak investigations. Both Bureaus are within the PA Department of Health. Therefore, both Bureaus work jointly to ensure that all recommendations are in place to protect the health of the public before the Adams Ridge pool re-opens.
During the pool closure, the Department of Health did a full investigation on June 8. The results and report were shared electronically with the community on June 11. On June 9, another bacteria test was performed and the results indicated no E-Coli in either pool. The Department of Health is satisfied with the physical plant at the pool.
The reporting protocol for the Bureau of Epidemiology differs from the Department of Health. We have learned, the Bureau of Epidemiology does not prepare or release written outbreak investigation reports. However, they have offered to hold a conference call with us in the future. We will share the results of that call once it is scheduled.
10 Best Practices Implementation
In a continual effort to identify and implement best practices with our new management team, we have been using the time since the pool was closed by the PA Department of Health to review existing policies, procedures and protocols. We have made several determinations regarding how to provide exemplary pool service to our community.
Moving Forward: In the Pool
1. The first safety enhancement is the replacement of B&R Pools with the pool management company Aquatic Watch, Inc. They will be responsible for the daily maintenance of optimal levels of the chlorine and pH in both pools.
2. The second safety enhancement is taking pH and disinfectant sample readings every two-hours daily for both pools. While this amount of testing exceeds the government required sampling of twice daily, it provides pool management the ability to respond more quickly to fluctuations in water quality. The results will be recorded on monitoring logs. The monitoring logs for the twice daily samples and bacterial samples for the remainder of June will be shared with the Department of Health by July 10. The every two-hour sample results will be maintained in log-books and checked regularly.
3. The third safety enhancement was the purchase of a more accurate powder test kit appropriate for the pool personnel to test Cl and pH levels.
4. The fourth safety enhancement is chemical levels in the pool. The appropriate range is between one and five. While more cost is associated with the use of more chemicals, we will strive to be in the range of three and four.
5. The fifth safety enhancement is the development of a useable and readable explanation sheet explaining what chemical levels mean and how to interpret the logs in the binders. This information will also have the pool day profile: number of bathers every two hours, temperature outside and in the pool, weather conditions, pH and chlorine levels, etc. The logs will be available to any community member by making a request to a pool manager.
6.The sixth safety enhancement is the development of a reporting and action protocol regarding irregularities in the chlorine, pH and bacteria levels. An actual flow chart is being developed that will aid pool managers in decision-making and problem solving that everyone has already discussed and approved. This action will empower immediate action.
Moving Forward: At the pool
7. The seventh safety enhancement was compensating lifeguards during the pool closure to maintain their services.
8. The eighth safety enhancement was the addition of a third pool manager. This action empowers community residents to have access to a pool manager during almost all of the 69 hours weekly of pool operation this summer.
9. The ninth safety enhancement was delineation of tasks across the three pool managers and specific job descriptions. Each manager has been assigned specific duties for which he/she will be accountable on a daily basis.
10. The tenth safety enhancement is pool area cleaning. Pool staff will be engaged in hourly cleaning around the pool area to include bathrooms and high touch surfaces.
Our goal is to make the quality of the swimming experience safe, healthy and enjoyable for our community members. We believe these additions are consistent with our priorities.
Thank you for your support as we use this time to effectively enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the swimming experience and services at the Adams Ridge pool.
Pool Update 6.11.2021
We have repeatedly communicated the health, safety, and vitality of the community is our first priority. We are unwavering in our priorities. We are committed to providing accurate and reliable information in a timely manner as we learn more about the processes and procedures that have guided pool operations prior to the transition of the pool oversight, management, and daily operations. The Adams Ridge Home Owners Association, The Cranberry Community Management Company, B & R Pools, and pool staff have been reviewing past practices and identifying ways to enhance existing policies and procedures as we waited for Department of Health test results and Department of Epidemiology test results.
We received results from the Department of Health’s investigation. We anticipate the results from the Department of Epidemiology staff shortly.
As a result of the number of complaints filed with the Department of Health, an inspection of our pool (the Adams Township Clubhouse public bathing place) was conducted on June 8, 2021. In the interest of being transparent, we have attempted to synthesize the report for your understanding. The inspection focuses on 23 areas that are reviewed by an inspector and evaluated as in compliance, non-compliance, not-applicable; some areas are identified with a critical designation. The site does not have gas chlorination equipment and was identified as not- applicable.
No violations were found in the following areas:
Lifeguards
Disinfection
Bathing water quality
Electrical safety hazard
Structural safety threat
Drinking water supply
Electrical certificate
Sewage disposal
Nuisance/hazards
Lifesaving equipment
Plumbing/cross connections
Permit/Permit specifications for changes/alterations
Hygiene
Waste Management
Vector
Lighting and Ventilation
Dressing/toilet facilities
We apologize that we can’t report that we are 100% in compliance with all 23 focused areas of inspection. The Department of Health identified the following areas as not in compliance.
Non-compliance Areas:
BP Bacterial monitoring/records
Permit/Permit specifications for operational and maintenance Accurate test kits
Facility management
Daily performance monitoring logs
Permit/Chapter 18 posted
The Adams Ridge Home Owners Association, The Cranberry Community Management Company, B & R Pools, and pool staff conducted a review of the non-compliance areas. Thankfully, the infractions are predominately management-practices oriented. Areas necessitating immediate attention have been prioritized. New management practices have been designed and are in the process of implementation to insure compliance moving forward. The Department of Health indicated the following conditions must be met and validated and paperwork must be provided to verify the infractions have been resolved before the pool will be reopened:
We can confirm the pool was opened with NO faulty equipment. The autofeeder was initially operational and its operation was documented on the Department of Health report. It appears that the autofeeder issue did not happen until B&R pools performed their services at the same time the Department of Health inspector conducted his inspection. B&R performed a backwash on the system and the line blew out causing water to go everywhere. The water shorted out the feeder. It was functioning correctly up to that point. It has now been replaced and the system is operational.
We are unwavering in our priorities to promote and deliver practices that foster a healthy, safe, and vital community. The research we conducted during the management company and pool management transition revealed the pool is open approximately 69 hours weekly, including swim team practices, with a manager present some of the time.
While the pool staff, management team and external vendors have performed their jobs effectively, advances in technology and more information empowers us to enhance our commitment to ensuring enhanced best practices upon the pool reopening. To date, our preliminary analysis suggests the following areas of desired improvement:
Thank you for your continued patience as we sort through the myriad and assorted factors contributing to the maintenance of a safe and enjoyable pool experience.
We have repeatedly communicated the health, safety, and vitality of the community is our first priority. We are unwavering in our priorities. We are committed to providing accurate and reliable information in a timely manner as we learn more about the processes and procedures that have guided pool operations prior to the transition of the pool oversight, management, and daily operations. The Adams Ridge Home Owners Association, The Cranberry Community Management Company, B & R Pools, and pool staff have been reviewing past practices and identifying ways to enhance existing policies and procedures as we waited for Department of Health test results and Department of Epidemiology test results.
We received results from the Department of Health’s investigation. We anticipate the results from the Department of Epidemiology staff shortly.
As a result of the number of complaints filed with the Department of Health, an inspection of our pool (the Adams Township Clubhouse public bathing place) was conducted on June 8, 2021. In the interest of being transparent, we have attempted to synthesize the report for your understanding. The inspection focuses on 23 areas that are reviewed by an inspector and evaluated as in compliance, non-compliance, not-applicable; some areas are identified with a critical designation. The site does not have gas chlorination equipment and was identified as not- applicable.
No violations were found in the following areas:
Lifeguards
Disinfection
Bathing water quality
Electrical safety hazard
Structural safety threat
Drinking water supply
Electrical certificate
Sewage disposal
Nuisance/hazards
Lifesaving equipment
Plumbing/cross connections
Permit/Permit specifications for changes/alterations
Hygiene
Waste Management
Vector
Lighting and Ventilation
Dressing/toilet facilities
We apologize that we can’t report that we are 100% in compliance with all 23 focused areas of inspection. The Department of Health identified the following areas as not in compliance.
Non-compliance Areas:
BP Bacterial monitoring/records
Permit/Permit specifications for operational and maintenance Accurate test kits
Facility management
Daily performance monitoring logs
Permit/Chapter 18 posted
The Adams Ridge Home Owners Association, The Cranberry Community Management Company, B & R Pools, and pool staff conducted a review of the non-compliance areas. Thankfully, the infractions are predominately management-practices oriented. Areas necessitating immediate attention have been prioritized. New management practices have been designed and are in the process of implementation to insure compliance moving forward. The Department of Health indicated the following conditions must be met and validated and paperwork must be provided to verify the infractions have been resolved before the pool will be reopened:
- Department of Epidemiology’s permission to open must be received (We will share those results as soon as we have them).
- The autofeeder must be functional. – Issue with unit was repaired (See below).
- The GFI must be operational – Issue with unit was repaired.
- pHI Cl levels must be balanced.
- Recommended bacterial test before reopening – Bacterial Testing was completed by B&R Pools on 6/9/21. (We will share those results as soon as we have them).
- Bacterial records kept on site.
We can confirm the pool was opened with NO faulty equipment. The autofeeder was initially operational and its operation was documented on the Department of Health report. It appears that the autofeeder issue did not happen until B&R pools performed their services at the same time the Department of Health inspector conducted his inspection. B&R performed a backwash on the system and the line blew out causing water to go everywhere. The water shorted out the feeder. It was functioning correctly up to that point. It has now been replaced and the system is operational.
We are unwavering in our priorities to promote and deliver practices that foster a healthy, safe, and vital community. The research we conducted during the management company and pool management transition revealed the pool is open approximately 69 hours weekly, including swim team practices, with a manager present some of the time.
While the pool staff, management team and external vendors have performed their jobs effectively, advances in technology and more information empowers us to enhance our commitment to ensuring enhanced best practices upon the pool reopening. To date, our preliminary analysis suggests the following areas of desired improvement:
- The addition of a third pool manager will complement the existing management team and provide for the designation of specific duties for each pool manager. Thus, there will be accountability and coverage of specific areas assigned to each pool manager. The benefit for the community is confidence that a manager will be at the pool during operating hours and the diverse areas of focus for pool management and maintenance will be specific to each manager.
- Daily chemical logs and bacteria testing results will be available for pool patrons to review at any time.
- Enhanced policies and protocols are being written and will be reviewed and implemented with our Pool Staff including Pool Managers, Lifeguards, Swim Team Manager and Swim Coaches.
Thank you for your continued patience as we sort through the myriad and assorted factors contributing to the maintenance of a safe and enjoyable pool experience.
Pool Update 6/10/21
The health and vitality of our community members is always our first priority. We continue to send well wishes for those impacted with C-Diff and E-Coli. We are optimistic a healthy recovery is in progress. While the results of the PA Department of Health are conclusive and found no issues with the water quality, the Department of Epidemiology’s results have not yet been reported, and we are awaiting the results of a bacterial test. Until we receive permission from the Department of Epidemiology to reopen the pool, the pool remains closed.
Our community is rich with traditions, rites and rituals. Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day, became a federal national holiday in 1971, and honors the men and women who serve/d in the military. This holiday is also known as the first day of summer and the opening of community pools. The Adams Ridge pool opened as planned and was enjoyed by many community members over the holiday weekend. Getting the pool ready to provide relief from the heat, exercise, competitive swimming experiences and enjoyment involved a plethora of new faces, specifically in the management areas. Two new pool managers took the reign, and the Cranberry Community Management Company (CCM), which is responsible for pool oversight, also has a new owner. Together, the Adams Ridge Home Owners Association leadership, pool management, and the pool maintenance company, B & R pools, have used the time resulting from the pool closure to conduct what some would identify as a comprehensive review. Specifically, an exploration and review of pool protocols, processes and procedures currently in place and the identification of ways to improve pool operations and experiences for community residents that stem from reporting water testing to training of lifeguards and monitoring of pool ingredients more than required by law. CCM’s continuous improvement process is on-going, with the pool identified as the first priority. Specific areas to improve have been identified, are being prioritized, and will be shared with the community.
As you are aware, calls to the PA Department of Health and the Department of Epidemiology resulted in a proactive pool closure due to the number of children who experienced gastrointestinal cramping and diarrhea in the geographic area. At this time, we are waiting for test results to be able to determine the next steps.
We will continue to share the same information on our two distribution outlets: our website and our Facebook page. Thank you in advance for your patience.
The health and vitality of our community members is always our first priority. We continue to send well wishes for those impacted with C-Diff and E-Coli. We are optimistic a healthy recovery is in progress. While the results of the PA Department of Health are conclusive and found no issues with the water quality, the Department of Epidemiology’s results have not yet been reported, and we are awaiting the results of a bacterial test. Until we receive permission from the Department of Epidemiology to reopen the pool, the pool remains closed.
Our community is rich with traditions, rites and rituals. Memorial Day, once known as Decoration Day, became a federal national holiday in 1971, and honors the men and women who serve/d in the military. This holiday is also known as the first day of summer and the opening of community pools. The Adams Ridge pool opened as planned and was enjoyed by many community members over the holiday weekend. Getting the pool ready to provide relief from the heat, exercise, competitive swimming experiences and enjoyment involved a plethora of new faces, specifically in the management areas. Two new pool managers took the reign, and the Cranberry Community Management Company (CCM), which is responsible for pool oversight, also has a new owner. Together, the Adams Ridge Home Owners Association leadership, pool management, and the pool maintenance company, B & R pools, have used the time resulting from the pool closure to conduct what some would identify as a comprehensive review. Specifically, an exploration and review of pool protocols, processes and procedures currently in place and the identification of ways to improve pool operations and experiences for community residents that stem from reporting water testing to training of lifeguards and monitoring of pool ingredients more than required by law. CCM’s continuous improvement process is on-going, with the pool identified as the first priority. Specific areas to improve have been identified, are being prioritized, and will be shared with the community.
As you are aware, calls to the PA Department of Health and the Department of Epidemiology resulted in a proactive pool closure due to the number of children who experienced gastrointestinal cramping and diarrhea in the geographic area. At this time, we are waiting for test results to be able to determine the next steps.
We will continue to share the same information on our two distribution outlets: our website and our Facebook page. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Pool Update 6/8/21
This message is a follow up and update to communication posted on 6/6/21.
We have been made aware that up to 8 children have (or are currently) experienced gastrointestinal cramping and diarrhea. All these children swam at the Adams Ridge Pool on Monday 5/31/21. It was shared that 2 of those 8 children tested positive for C-Diff and E-Coli. We continue to send well wishes and a healthy and speedy recovery to all these children and their families.
Today, 6/8/21, A full inspection by the Butler County Health Department and Pool Maintenance Company was performed. Both companies took samples today of water to be tested for Bacteria. The Department of Health will also send their results to the Department of Epidemiology (EPI) who will review and report back.
As a standard procedure, this same bacteria test is performed every week throughout the summer at the Adams Ridge pool and reviewed by a lab. The lab results from our bacteria test on Thursday 6/3/21 show no traces of bacteria in the water.
The results of the testing that was performed today will take 48-72 hours for results. The pool will be closed through the end of the day Thursday, 6/10/21.
The safety and health of our community is our priority. We will share the results of the testing once we have them. We continue to encourage all residents to report to us any potential health or safety concern they have about pool use in a timely manner so we can investigate it. Thank you for your patience.
Correction: The inspection was made by the PA Department of Health not the Butler County Health Department.
This message is a follow up and update to communication posted on 6/6/21.
We have been made aware that up to 8 children have (or are currently) experienced gastrointestinal cramping and diarrhea. All these children swam at the Adams Ridge Pool on Monday 5/31/21. It was shared that 2 of those 8 children tested positive for C-Diff and E-Coli. We continue to send well wishes and a healthy and speedy recovery to all these children and their families.
Today, 6/8/21, A full inspection by the Butler County Health Department and Pool Maintenance Company was performed. Both companies took samples today of water to be tested for Bacteria. The Department of Health will also send their results to the Department of Epidemiology (EPI) who will review and report back.
As a standard procedure, this same bacteria test is performed every week throughout the summer at the Adams Ridge pool and reviewed by a lab. The lab results from our bacteria test on Thursday 6/3/21 show no traces of bacteria in the water.
The results of the testing that was performed today will take 48-72 hours for results. The pool will be closed through the end of the day Thursday, 6/10/21.
The safety and health of our community is our priority. We will share the results of the testing once we have them. We continue to encourage all residents to report to us any potential health or safety concern they have about pool use in a timely manner so we can investigate it. Thank you for your patience.
Correction: The inspection was made by the PA Department of Health not the Butler County Health Department.
Pool Update 6/8/21
The pool will be closed today 6/8/21. A full inspection by the Butler County Health Department and Pool Maintenance Company will be performed. We will update you as soon as we can.
The pool will be closed today 6/8/21. A full inspection by the Butler County Health Department and Pool Maintenance Company will be performed. We will update you as soon as we can.
Adams Ridge Pool Update 6/6/21
Dear Adams Ridge Community,
The safety and health of our Community is very important to us. This alert is to make you aware that a member of our community has alerted us that their child was diagnosed with C Diff after visiting the Emergency Room on 6/3/21. This child did swim in the Adams Ridge pool on Monday 5/31. We wish our neighbor a speedy recovery.
The maintenance of our pool and pool facilities is a top priority. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure cleaning around the pool and proper chemical maintenance. Given the information that we have at this time all pool facilities will remain open as scheduled. We are sharing this information with you so that you are aware and can make a decision that is best for you and your family. We will alert the community if anything changes.
We will always err on the side of caution in the event of any health or safety issue at the pool. We are asking for your help in ensuring the health and safety of our pool as we all contribute to the overall safety of the pool. Here are a few tips to remember. If you or a member of your family is feeling ill, please stay home. Please be sure to shower before entering the pool. Please be sure to take frequent restroom breaks with small children. Please be sure to wash your hands after using the restroom. The more we can keep bodily fluids out of the pool, the less likely that any communicable disease will be spread in the pool.
Please be confident that we care about our residents and your health and safety. We encourage all residents to report to us any potential health or safety concern they have about pool use in a timely manner so we can investigate it. And please remember that swimming at a community pool always has risks.
Dear Adams Ridge Community,
The safety and health of our Community is very important to us. This alert is to make you aware that a member of our community has alerted us that their child was diagnosed with C Diff after visiting the Emergency Room on 6/3/21. This child did swim in the Adams Ridge pool on Monday 5/31. We wish our neighbor a speedy recovery.
The maintenance of our pool and pool facilities is a top priority. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure cleaning around the pool and proper chemical maintenance. Given the information that we have at this time all pool facilities will remain open as scheduled. We are sharing this information with you so that you are aware and can make a decision that is best for you and your family. We will alert the community if anything changes.
We will always err on the side of caution in the event of any health or safety issue at the pool. We are asking for your help in ensuring the health and safety of our pool as we all contribute to the overall safety of the pool. Here are a few tips to remember. If you or a member of your family is feeling ill, please stay home. Please be sure to shower before entering the pool. Please be sure to take frequent restroom breaks with small children. Please be sure to wash your hands after using the restroom. The more we can keep bodily fluids out of the pool, the less likely that any communicable disease will be spread in the pool.
Please be confident that we care about our residents and your health and safety. We encourage all residents to report to us any potential health or safety concern they have about pool use in a timely manner so we can investigate it. And please remember that swimming at a community pool always has risks.