ASCA ASCA Pool Management & Aquatic Facility Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'combined chlorine' (chloramines) indicate in a pool water test?
- Chlorine that has been added but not yet activated
- Chlorine that has reacted with nitrogen compounds from swimmers and is no longer effective as a sanitizer (Correct answer)
- The total amount of chlorine chemicals stored on-site
- The chlorine level in the pool's backwash water
Correct answer: Chlorine that has reacted with nitrogen compounds from swimmers and is no longer effective as a sanitizer
Combined chlorine (chloramines) forms when free chlorine reacts with nitrogen compounds like sweat and urine, reducing its sanitizing effectiveness.
Question 2: What is the typical water temperature range recommended for competitive swimming training pools?
- 72°F – 74°F (22°C – 23°C)
- 78°F – 82°F (26°C – 28°C) (Correct answer)
- 85°F – 90°F (29°C – 32°C)
- 60°F – 65°F (16°C – 18°C)
Correct answer: 78°F – 82°F (26°C – 28°C)
Competitive training pools are typically maintained between 78°F and 82°F to balance swimmer performance and comfort.
Question 3: What regulatory agency sets safety standards for public pool drain covers in the United States?
- EPA
- CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) (Correct answer)
- OSHA
- FDA
Correct answer: CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The CPSC administers the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which sets standards for anti-entrapment drain covers.
Question 4: What is the recommended minimum number of lifeguards per swimmers in an active competitive practice setting according to general aquatic safety guidelines?
- 1 lifeguard per 10 swimmers
- 1 lifeguard per 25 swimmers (Correct answer)
- 1 lifeguard per 50 swimmers
- No lifeguards required when a certified coach is present
Correct answer: 1 lifeguard per 25 swimmers
General aquatic safety guidelines recommend a 1:25 lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio as a safe standard during active water use.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a pool's 'surge tank' or 'balance tank'?
- To store backup chemicals for emergencies
- To collect overflow water displaced by swimmers and return it to the circulation system (Correct answer)
- To heat water before it enters the pool
- To hold backwash water for disposal
Correct answer: To collect overflow water displaced by swimmers and return it to the circulation system
A surge/balance tank collects water that overflows when swimmers enter the pool and returns it to the filtration and circulation system.
Question 6: Which chemical is most commonly used to raise the pH of pool water?
- Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)
- Sodium carbonate (soda ash) (Correct answer)
- Sodium bisulfate (dry acid)
- Calcium hypochlorite
Correct answer: Sodium carbonate (soda ash)
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) is the standard chemical used to increase pool pH when readings fall below the recommended range.
ASCA ASCA Pool Management & Aquatic Facility Operations 2
What does 'combined chlorine' (chloramines) indicate in a pool water test?