What should be done if fecal contamination occurs in a wading pool or spa?

When fecal contamination occurs in a wading pool or spa, draining and disinfecting the facility is crucial to ensure the safety of all patrons. Feces can introduce harmful pathogens into the water, posing significant health risks such as gastrointestinal illnesses. By draining the pool and thoroughly disinfecting it, including using approved chemicals such as chlorine at appropriate levels and ensuring proper contact time, operators can effectively eliminate any contaminants and reduce the risk of illness among guests.

Covering the pool may not adequately prevent further contamination or ensure sanitation, and making the pool "swim at your own risk" does not address the health hazards posed by fecal material. Although notifying management is important for handling the situation, it is not a substitute for the required immediate action of draining and disinfecting the pool to maintain public health standards.