October 24^th, 2022

Briana Bill

Program Manager, Tourist Establishments & General Environmental Health Services

Virginia Department of Health

109 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

RE: Virginia Department of Health Periodic Review of Swimming Pool Regulations Governing the Posting of Water Quality Results, 12 VAC 5-462

Ms. Bill:

On behalf of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, I want to take this opportunity to share our organization’s comments regarding the Periodic Review of Swimming Pool Regulations Governing the Posting of Water Quality Results by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

After examining the regulations that pertain to the posting of water quality results, we would like to formally request that no changes be made to these requirements, or new mandates put into place.

We strongly recommend no new regulations be enacted that govern the posting of water quality results at hotel and campground pools. Thank you for your time and consideration of our request.

We are happy to discuss these recommendations with you should you have any questions or concerns related to them.

Sincerely,                                                                                           

Robert Melvin

Director, Government Affairs

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

Can we just keep pools open and operational?  Every time I go to a county pool, the hours are shorter and fewer lanes are available.  It was unacceptable during covid.  We had to make appointments and there was limited access to desirable time slots.  Virginia should be promoting fitness and expanding pool hours.