NSPF and NEHA introduce new inspector course.(Newsroom)(National Swimming Pool Foundation)(National Environmental Health Association)

A Certified Pool and Spa Inspector training CD aimed at public and environmental health officials has been developed. It is a joint effort of the National Swimming Pool Foundation and the National Environmental Health Association.

The course provides standardized information to promote more consistent and effective inspections, said Thomas Lachocki, Ph.D., chief executive director of NSPF. It's also a study guide for the Certified Pool Inspector examination. Those who pass the test and maintain active Certified Pool Operator status can become certified inspectors.

The collaboration of NSPF and NEHA, which educate public pool operators and health officials, respectively, is significant. "There's a lot of symbolism here," Lachocki said. "People who work with community pools and spas often say that the health department and the operator need to work together to help protect the public. By coming out with this program together, that's exactly the message we want to send."

Health issues in commercial pools have moved to the front of the public consciousness in recent times. For example, late last year, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta released a study stating that between 2001 and 2002, recreational water facilities in 23 states experienced 65 waterborne disease outbreaks. In these incidents, an estimated 2,536 people fell ill, 61 were hospitalized and eight died.

The CDC said this was the largest number of such outbreaks since it began keeping records in 1978.

At the same time, budgets have become stretched thin within health departments, Lachocki said. The recession at the turn of the century forced many localities to tighten their purse strings. After Sept. 11, 2001, health departments had to focus on preventing bioterrorism and other related catastrophes.

"The area of training people to be inspectors for swimming pools and spas has been ...