‘Numerous fecal incidents’ force closure of Vancouver Island pool

The leisure pool at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre is shown in the foreground of this image, posted to social media by the regional district. (Credit: Facebook/comoxvalleyrd)

A public pool in B.C.’s Comox Valley had to close for a week after “numerous fecal incidents,” prompting an appeal from local officials for swimmers to do their part to help keep the facility clean and operational.

The leisure pool at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre saw roughly four such incidents a week this month, before it was closed last Thursday.

The response to a fecal incident requires a process called “super chlorination,” according to the regional district. But the rapid infusion of all those additional chemicals can only happen so many times before the balance gets out of whack and becomes unsafe for swimming, Jennifer Zbinden, senior manager of recreation services, told CTV News.

The leisure pool—which is separate from the 25-metre lap pool—had to be closed so it could be drained, refilled, and have its chemicals rebalanced.

People with bowel control issues and babies and toddlers are urged to wear waterproof diapers, which Zbinden notes are sold at the facility’s front desk.

But all swimmers play a part in making the pool less prone to closure, according to Zbinden. Body oils, residue from soap and other hygiene or grooming products also disrupt the balance of chemicals in the pool, meaning a quick rinse before diving or wading into a pool is not enough—a proper, thorough shower is needed.

“If everybody can do their part, we can get a better handle on our pool,” Zbinden said.

So-called fecal incidents are not unique or uniquely prevalent at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, according to Zbinden.

“Across Canada, it’s very common,” she said, adding that issuing a news release about these incidents is perhaps less so.