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Inspectors deny permits for 23 Meck. Co. pools before holiday weekend

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — As many families are gearing up Memorial Day parties, experts said there are some things to consider before getting into the pool.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department issued permits this week for more than a thousand public pools, but some won't be opening this weekend.

Mecklenburg County’s environmental health supervisor Tim Dutcher said so far his 44 pool inspectors have pre-inspected 600 public pools.

"We've been busy with lots of new construction and they all seem to wait until the very end. Wait to open this week, so we are scrambling, trying to get those last ones done," Dutcher said.

Out of the 600 pre-inspections, 73 pools failed their initial inspection. Dutcher said 23 weren't issued a permit, including the YMCA Water Park in University City. Inspectors found debris blocking a drain and on the pool's floor. There were also issues with its pH level.

The debris and pH level discrepancy was from a storm the day before, YMCA officials said.

They will open this weekend.

"If we find a critical violation or a safety, if they can't immediately fix it on site we will suspend their permit and not immediately reopen it until they get that corrected," Dutcher said.

Dutcher said the YMCA was recently given its permit. However, nearly 90 out of the 1100 season pools may not be about to open this weekend.

Will Stanley with America's Swimming Pool Company said his team does weekly checks on 200 residential pools in Charlotte.

"Just because the water is clear doesn’t mean it’s safe to get in," Stanley said.

The CDC issued a warning this month about Cypto, a parasite caused by fecal matter. Officials said cases have doubled nationwide from 2014 to 2016.

Mecklenburg County has already reported 3 cases of Cypto this year.

[RELATED COVERAGE: Parasites linked to swimming pools, water parks, CDC says]

"You really want to make sure your filtration is catching those because the chlorine won’t kill it," Stanley said.

Stanley said the problem can cost up to $1000 to fix. He said the best things families can do to stay safe is to keep dogs out and have everyone shower before getting into the pool. He said it's important to check chlorine levels and build some kind of physical barrier around your pool.

All pools that failed inspections are required to set up an appointment for a reinspection.

Some on the list could open this weekend if they pass.

Mecklenburg County pool inspectors will be or checking pools that weren't pre-inspected over next 60 days.

List of 23 pools that failed inspections and have no received permits:

  1. 100 Norman Place
  2. Residence Inn by Marriott
  3. Residence Inn by Marriott
  4. Arium Lake Norman
  5. Gilead Ridge
  6. Ymca-University Waterpark
  7. Colonial Grand at Mallard Lake
  8. Sleep Inn-University Place
  9. Heather Ridge
  10. Park Fairfax
  11. Colonial Place Apartments
  12. Crossroads at Village Park
  13. Edgehill Terrace Apartments
  14. Highlands Apartments
  15. Fairington Apartments
  16. Camden Foxcroft-Phase II
  17. Paces Pointe Family
  18. Paces Pointe
  19. Coffey Creek Apartments II
  20. Courtyard by Marriott Pool
  21. Elements on Park
  22. Post Ballantyne
  23. Tournament Players Club

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