Cleaning Body Fluid Spills on Pool Surfaces

Body fluids, including blood, feces, and vomit are all considered potentially
contaminated with bloodborne germs. Therefore, spills of these fluids on the pool deck
should be cleaned up and the contaminated surfaces disinfected immediately.

Appropriate Disinfectants
Bleach
One of the most commonly used chemicals for disinfection is
a homemade solution of household bleach and water. Since
a solution of bleach and water loses its strength quickly a
fresh mixture should be made before each clean-up to make
sure it is effective.

(9 parts cool water-1 part household bleach)

Other Disinfectants
A listing of other approved commercial disinfectants can be found at www.epa.gov/
oppad001/chemregindex.htm and http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/germlab.html. These
disinfectants are effective when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean-up Procedure Using Bleach Solution
1. Block off the area of the spill from patrons until clean-up and
disinfection is complete.
2. Put on disposable latex gloves to prevent contamination of
hands.
3. Wipe up the spill using paper towels or absorbent material
and place in plastic garbage bag.
4. Gently pour bleach solution onto all contaminated areas of
the surface.
5. Let the bleach solution remain on the contaminated area for
20 minutes.
6. Wipe up the remaining bleach solution.
7. All non-disposable cleaning materials used such as mops
and scrub brushes should be disinfected by saturating with
bleach solution and air dried.
8. Remove gloves and place in plastic garbage bags with all soiled cleaning materials.
9. Double-bag and securely tie-up plastic garbage bags and discard.
10. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

Source-NSPF