102 Fort Worth pools, spas had to close this summer to fix violations, database shows
.jpg "More than 100 Fort Worth pools and spas were ordered to temporarily close this summer in order to fix health code violations, according to a Star-Telegram database.")
More than 100 pools and spas in Fort Worth were ordered to temporarily close down during July and August in order to fix health code violations, according to an overview of inspections compiled by the Star-Telegram.
Management at these 102 facilities were told they couldn’t reopen until the problems were rectified, per the database. As summer in Texas is in full-swing amid the coronavirus pandemic and Labor Day is coming, people can look to the tool from the Star-Telegram to check up on the cleanliness and safety of these destinations that offer a reprieve from the heat and isolation.
Observed issues at pools and spas ranged from the presence of algae, to a lack of sanitation of surfaces, to the absence of necessary signage like “No lifeguard on duty” or “Children should not use pool without adult supervision.”
Some facilities had loose handrails, or equipment like circulation pumps or motors that weren’t working, according to the database. Several others had reported problems with their required telephone for emergencies, such as theirs wasn’t working or the address of the building wasn’t posted near the phone.
Unlike several Fort Worth restaurants that underwent inspections in July and August, there were no reported issues with rodents, or cockroaches, or mold. The Star-Telegram also has a database where people can look through the violations uncovered in these inspections.
In the overview of pool and spa inspections, people can search by key words like a specific violation or facility. Typing in the words, “You are hereby notified that you must take immediate action” will bring up all of the businesses that had to close in order to fix health code violations.
And by searching “follow-up,” people can look to see if a pool or spa was able to rectify their problems and reopen.
Here are the inspection observations for public pools and spas within the city limits of Fort Worth for July and August 2020. Pools and spas must meet local and state minimum health requirements such as the proper maintenance of water disinfection, filtration/circulation systems, safety features, signage, etc. The health inspections are not graded, but if violations or deficiencies are present, the facility owner/operator is required to remedy the conditions of deficiency immediately or within a reasonable period of time. To search the July - August inspections, type in a keyword or pool/spa name.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
