Best Western Cold Lake Inn - Whirlpool
4815 52 Street Cold Lake AB · Aquatic Facility
16 inspections
- Monitoring Inspection
2 infractions
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Outstanding violation from last inspection:The flow rate was 32.1 gpm. Based on the previously calculated basin volume of approximately 691.2 gallons, this yields a turnover time of approximately 21.5 minutes. Please increase the flow rate to at least 46.1 gpm to achieve a turnover rate of 15 minutes or less. A qualified pool technician should assess the circulation system and determine the appropriate corrective action.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Outstanding violation: Please provide this office with a complete anti-entrapment compliance plan for the whirlpool/spa basin. The plan must include current supporting information for the suction outlet covers and/or anti-entrapment system, including manufacturer, make and model, flow rating/certification information, installation date, manufacturer-stated lifespan/expiry information, supporting information showing how the maximum flow rate was determined, and confirmation that the system is installed and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Risk Management Inspection
2 infractions
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Outstanding violation from last inspection:The whirlpool turnover rate was calculated at 32.3 minutes based on a volume of 3,200 L and a flow rate of 26.2 gpm. This is significantly above the regulatory requirement of 15 minutes or less, and the flow rate has declined further since the last inspection, worsening non-compliance.Whirlpools carry an elevated risk of infection due to warm water temperatures; reduced flow and slow turnover increase the chance of exposure to pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella. Immediate corrective action is required to restore proper circulation and protect bather health.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Outstanding violation: Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment compliance plan for this basin. This documentation has been requested repeatedly since 2023 and remains outstanding.Failure to provide this plan leaves the facility at risk of operating without confirmation that the basin meets minimum safety standards designed to prevent suction entrapment. Entrapment incidents can result in severe injury or drowning within seconds, particularly in high-risk basins such as whirlpools where suction forces are concentrated.In the event of an incident, the facility operator would face significant legal liability for knowingly operating without the required safeguards. The absence of compliance documentation makes it extremely difficult to demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to protect bathers.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
3 infractions
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Pseudomonas was isolated in the hot tub. **Immediate action-- close the hot tub to the public.**Treatment: Increase Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to 10 ppm and maintain pH at or near 7.2.2. Run the water through the circulation system for at least one turnover. 3. Balance the water.**Resample the waterPool must be closed until the above is complete and we receive a satisfactory result. Pseudomonas information, prevention and treatment sheet is attached to this report. PLEASE FOLLOW THE STEPS GIVEN IN THE INFORMATION SHEET.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- "Outstanding violation from last inspection"The turnover rate for the whirlpool basin was calculated at approximately 22.2 minutes based on a volume of 3,200 L and a filtration rate of 37.9 gpm (8,604 L/h). The regulatory requirement is a turnover time of 15 minutes or less. Flow rate adjustment is required to achieve a turnover time of 15 minutes or less.Whirlpools present a higher risk of infection transmission due to warm water temperatures, which can reduce disinfectant effectiveness and promote bacterial growth. A rapid turnover rate ensures that all water is frequently treated and recirculated, minimizing the risk of exposure to pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella.This is especially important in small-volume whirlpools, where contaminants from bathers can quickly accumulate.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- "Outstanding violation from last inspection"Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment compliance plan for this basin.This documentation has been requested on multiple occasions since 2023 and remains outstanding. This information is required to confirm that the facility meets safety standards related to suction entrapment prevention.The “Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools” form is attached to this inspection report to assist you in fulfilling this requirement.
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Risk Management Inspection
2 infractions
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- The turnover rate for the whirlpool basin was calculated at approximately 22.2 minutes based on a volume of 3,200 L and a filtration rate of 37.9 gpm (8,604 L/h). The regulatory requirement is a turnover time of 15 minutes or less. Flow rate adjustment is required to achieve a turnover time of 15 minutes or less.Whirlpools present a higher risk of infection transmission due to warm water temperatures, which can reduce disinfectant effectiveness and promote bacterial growth. A rapid turnover rate ensures that all water is frequently treated and recirculated, minimizing the risk of exposure to pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella.This is especially important in small-volume whirlpools, where contaminants from bathers can quickly accumulate.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment compliance plan for this basin.This documentation has been requested on multiple occasions since 2023 and remains outstanding. This information is required to confirm that the facility meets safety standards related to suction entrapment prevention.The “Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools” form is attached to this inspection report to assist you in fulfilling this requirement.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
1 infraction
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Pseudomonas aeroginosa were isolated in weekly water sample.Increase Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to 10 ppm and maintain pH at or near 7.2.Run the water through the circulation system for at least one turnover. Balance the water, resample.This organism has the ability to form a biofilm. This is usually found in hot tubs and spas. Due to the small volume of water and for ease it may be easier to suggest the pool be superchlorinated to 20-50 ppm (with non-stabilized chlorine), scrubbed, backwashed, drained andthen refilled. The pH must be maintained at 7.5 or less.Alternatively, the FAC can be raised to 10 ppm and the pH adjusted down to 7.0 or lower to increase the disinfection ability. Pool must be closed until the above is completed.
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Risk Management Inspection
1 infraction
- 04. Is the chemical quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Free available chlorine was measured at 0.13 ppm.Total chlorine 1.92 ppmORP 450 mvThe above noted conditions are unsafe and as such hot tub must be immediately closed to the public until it has been drained, re-filled, water balanced.
- 04. Is the chemical quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Monitoring Inspection
3 infractions
- 04. Is the chemical quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- The following readings were obtained using the ColorQ Test Kit.FAC - 6.34TC - 7.32CC - 0.98pH - 7.11 - (pH range is 6.8 to 7.6)The amount of chlorine in the hot tub is too high and it may cause skin and eye irritation. In addition, it may damage hot tub equipment as excessive chlorine can corrode hot tub components, such as jets, heaters, and seals, over time. Please lower free chlorine levels to no more than 4 ppm free chlorine, where 2 ppm would be ideal.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Turnover rate is 18 minutes based on the flow rate of 38.4 gpm. Please increase the flow rate so that the turnover rate is at least 15 minutes.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 04. Is the chemical quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- HPC elevated.ncrease Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to 10 ppm and maintain pH at or near 7.2.Run the water through the circulation system for at least one turnover. Balance the water, resample.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Pseudomonas aeroginosa were isolated in weekly water sample.Increase Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to 10 ppm and maintain pH at or near 7.2.Run the water through the circulation system for at least one turnover. Balance the water, resample.This organism has the ability to form a biofilm. This is usually found in hot tubs and spas. Due to the small volume of water and for ease it may be easier to suggest the pool be superchlorinated to 20-50 ppm (with non-stabilized chlorine), scrubbed, backwashed, drained andthen refilled. The pH must be maintained at 7.5 or less.Alternatively, the FAC can be raised to 10 ppm and the pH adjusted down to 7.0 or lower to increase the disinfection ability. Pool must be closed until the above is completed.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 02. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Sample collected on April 23, 2024: TC ABSENTPseudomonas aeruginosa NOT ISOLATEDHPC 140 CFU/mL
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Monitoring Inspection
2 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Sample collected on April 23, 2024: TC ABSENTPseudomonas aeruginosa NOT ISOLATEDHPC 140 CFU/mL
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Sample collected on April 23, 2024: TC ABSENTPseudomonas aeruginosa NOT ISOLATEDHPC 140 CFU/mL
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Sample collected on April 16, 2024: TC ABSENTPseudomonas aeruginosa NOT ISOLATEDHPC 150 CFU/mL
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Sample collected on April 02, 2024: TC ABSENTPseudomonas aeruginosa NOT ISOLATEDHPC 200 CFU/mLThe operator was informed to maintain the working order of circulation/filtration system, ensure maximum bather load is not exceeded, clean scum line daily, ensure satisfactory PH and FAC levels, require bathers to shower before entering water, and resample at the earliest time possible.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 03. Is the bacteriological quality of the water in this pool satisfactory (Non-Critical)?
- Risk Management Inspection
3 infractions
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Monitoring Inspection
3 infractions
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?
- Operator was unable to articulate what the turnover rate for the pool is. Please provide the pool volume so that the turnover rate can be calculated.
- 12. Are the general safety devices and physical conditions in this pool providing a safe environment (Critical)?
- Please provide this office with a copy of the anti-entrapment plans for this basin. Information to Complete Anti-Entrapment Compliance Plan for Public Swimming Pools is attached to this inspection report.
- 15. Has an owner or owner's agent, if any, been identified and is the pool operated and maintained by a qualified pool operator?
- The pool operator is not certified. Please ensure this individual completes anapproved pool operator course and becomes certified.
- 07. Are the filtration, circulation and disinfection systems used to maintain water quality working properly (Non-Critical)?