In the event of a fecal incident in a pool, what action should a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) take first according to health guidelines?

The recommended action for a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) when dealing with a fecal incident in a pool is to first clear the pool and raise the free chlorine level to at least 2 ppm. This step is essential because the presence of fecal matter can introduce harmful pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, into the water.

Increasing the free chlorine concentration effectively kills these pathogens and helps to ensure that the water is sanitized and safe for swimmers once the pool is reopened. Health guidelines typically specify a heightened level of chlorine in response to fecal contamination to achieve rapid disinfection.

While adjusting the pH is important for water balance and effective disinfection, raising the chlorine level is a more immediate response to address the contamination risk. Similarly, increasing water circulation and adding filtration chemicals can assist in the overall safety and cleanliness of the water, but they do not directly address the urgent need to disinfect the water from pathogens introduced by fecal matter. Thus, raising the free chlorine level is the critical first step in managing a fecal incident.