Talking Pools Podcast

Here's why Chlorine Dioxide is the Crypto Cure

• Rudy Stankowitz • Season 4 • Episode 689

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🎙️ Talking Pools Podcast – Mondays Down Under
Hosts: Peter (Western Australia), Lee (New South Wales), and Shane (New Zealand)

Episode Summary

In this eye-opening episode of Mondays Down Under, Peter, Lee, and Shane tackle a topic that’s both unsettling and critical for pool professionals: Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto). With cases surging over 300% in some parts of Australia, public pools are facing a serious health threat, and the guys dive deep into what that means for the pool industry.

🚨 Key Topics Covered:

  • What is Cryptosporidium? A microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness, often introduced into pools through fecal contamination.
  • Surging Crypto Cases: Reports from Western Australia and Victoria show a shocking increase in outbreaks, making it crucial for pool operators to stay vigilant.
  • Public Pool Contamination Risks: Why many commercial pools don’t shut down when they should—and how that puts swimmers at risk.
  • Proper Treatment Methods:
    • Superchlorination: Raising chlorine to 20 ppm for up to 28 hours (with adjustments based on cyanuric acid levels).
    • Chlorine Dioxide (C5 Tablets): A faster alternative that reduces closure times to as little as 4 hours and 54 minutes.
    • Best Practices for Handling Code Browns: From scooping procedures to sanitizing equipment, ensuring contaminated water doesn’t spread.

🔬 Insights & Best Practices for Pool Operators:

  • Understanding state health guidelines for treating crypto in pools.
  • The risks of volatile C5 tablets and safe handling techniques (including a hair-raising story of one exploding like a shotgun blast).
  • Why proper ventilation and turnover rates are critical during remediation.
  • Secondary disinfection systems (AOP, UV, Ozone) and their role in preventing outbreaks.
  • Commercial pool operator responsibilities—when and how to report contamination incidents.

đź’ˇ Pro Tips & Takeaways:

  • Always check state-specific health codes for pool remediation guidelines.
  • Use PPE when handling chlorine dioxide tablets—seriously, they can go off like fireworks. 🎆
  • Crypto takes 10.6 days to die in a pool without proper treatment—so don't cut corners!
  • If you service commercial pools, ensure your clients have a crypto response plan in place.

🎧 Listen Now!
This episode is a must-hear for pool professionals, commercial operators, and anyone who’s ever second-guessed taking a dip in a public pool.

đź“ť Got Questions or Topic Suggestions?
Email us at talkingpoolsmail.com

đź”— Resources Mentioned:

  • Local health department guidelines for crypto treatment
  • Commercial Pool Fundamentals Course – Check out IRlearning.com for training opportunities
  • Microbiolo
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