​​When notified by NSW Health that two or more cases of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with a swimming pool or pool complex, carry out hyper-chlorination:​​​

  1. Close affected pools including pools using common water while hyper-chlorination is carried out.
  2. Adjust pH to 7.5 or lower
  3. Hyper-chlorinate the affected pool by dosing the water to achieve a free chlorine CT value of 15,300 mg.min/L for inactivation of Cryptosporidium, where CT value=chlorine concentration x contact time in minutes.

    For example, free chlorine concentration of 20 mg/L for 13 hours or 10 mg/L for 26 hours or via alternative combination of chlorine concentration and time that achieve the required CT value of 15,300 mg.min/L.

    Pools using chlorine with cyanuric acid, ensure the cyanuric acid is 15 mg/L or less.  Use unstablised chlorine to achieve a free chlorine CT value of 31,500 mg.min/L for inactivation of Cryptosporidium.

    For example, free chlorine concentration of 20 mg/L for 28 hours via alternative combination of chlorine concentration and time that achieve the required CT value of 31,500 mg.min/L. 
  4. Check filtration (and coagulation if applicable) is efficient.
  5. Once the required free chlorine CT value has been achieved, backwash the filter to waste or replace media / cartridge as appropriate.
  6. Test the free and total chlorine concentration in the pool and when less than 10 mg/L re-open pool(s).
  7. Log the incident and remedial action taken.

For more information on Cryptosporidium risk management contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice.

Current as at: Thursday 22 August 2024
Contact page owner: Environmental Health