Ask ARN: Lightning storms and aquatic therapy pools

The Aquatic Resources Network gets questions from clinicians each day. We think everyone should learn from the answers!

Question: Should we close our therapy pool during lightning storms?

Answer: The first place you should look is at your state code for swimming pools. To get a copy for your state, click here for state pool codes.

If there is nothing there, your state probably does not regulate the issue. You can then look to outside authorities.

For instance, here is a site on lightning safety and indoor pools.

Be aware that six states have recommendations or regulations for suspending indoor pool activities when under lightning threat: Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Michigan. Delaware’s state code reads "during electrical storms the use of a pool (indoor or outdoor) shall be prohibited."

Several large national groups describe building interior pool hazards (*) or have recommended indoor pool activity suspension (**) when nearby thunderstorms threaten. See:

National Athletic Trainers Assn.** (NATA)
www.nata.org (type "lightning" in search box)

National Collegiate Athletic Assn.* (NCAA)
www.ncaa.org/library/sports_sciences/sports_med_handbook/2002-03/1d.pdf

American College of Emergency Physicians ** (ACEP)
www.acep.org (type "lightning" in search box)

US Swimming, Inc. **
www.usa-swimming.org (type "lightning" in search box)

YMCA Services Corporation**
www.yservicescorp.com/Docs/Guidelines/LightningPoolGuide.doc

All pool buildings should be equipped with lightning protection as specified in the most recent version of National Fire Protection Association NFPA-780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. Special attention should be paid to surge protection and bonding issues. A comprehensive inspection should be conducted by a qualified electrician every five years.