What is the recommended action if there is a fecal incident in a pool?

In the event of a fecal incident in a pool, the recommended action is to close the pool, remove the contamination, and shock the pool according to established guidelines. This is crucial because fecal contamination can introduce harmful pathogens into the water, which pose significant health risks to swimmers. Closing the pool prevents further exposure while addressing the contamination.

Removing the fecal matter involves physically collecting it from the pool water, which is essential to minimize health risks. Following this, shocking the pool with the appropriate amount of chlorine raises the disinfectant levels rapidly to effectively kill bacteria and viruses that may be present due to the contamination. This step is vital for ensuring that the pool water is safe for public use post-incident.

The other options do not adequately address the immediate and thorough need for remediation of the water following fecal contamination. Immediate chlorine addition may not be sufficient without the prior steps of closing the pool and removing the fecal matter. Filtering the water for an extended period is not an effective or timely solution to eliminate pathogens from a fecal incident. Advising swimmers to leave the pool does not solve the problem of contamination and fails to address the necessary steps for ensuring safety. Therefore, the comprehensive approach of closing the pool, cleaning, and shocking it is