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Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Activities

Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Activities

Therapeutic, recreational water safety requirements

IU Environmental Health and Safety monitors all recreational and therapeutic water facilities on campus to ensure that users are not exposed to bacteria and other agents that may cause recreational water illnesses. Keep in mind the following tips when you are using the water facilities at IU.

Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
Don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.

State rules and other guidance for pools, spas and beaches

Swimming pools and spas

Swimming pools and spas at IU must meet the requirements of the Indiana State Department of Health, Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pools Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1 for operation and maintenance.

New construction, rehabilitation, and modification of these pools must comply with Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Division of Fire and Building Safety’s construction code: Indiana Swimming Pool, Spa and Water Attraction Code, 675 IAC 20.

IUEHS works with the pool operators and staff to provide a safe and healthy swimming environment. This is done by inspections, periodic water quality testing, weekly water samples, and education of the pool operators.

Beaches

The beach at Bradford Woods must meet the requirements of Indiana State Department of Health, Youth Camps Rule 410 IAC 6-7.2 because the beach is used by the campers at the residential camp.

Weekly water samples are taken by Bradford Woods staff and submitted to a certified lab for analysis. IUEHS reviews these samples for E. Coli and bacteria to ensure that the campers are not exposed to unsafe water. In times when we have three or more inches of rain within a 24-hour period, the beach is closed as a precautionary measure until sampling can confirm that the water is safe for human contact.