The City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department (KCHD) participated in NACCHO’s Aquatic Health and Safety Pilot Program, a national initiative designed to strengthen local aquatic inspection programs using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) as a guiding resource.

As part of their post-program enhancements, KCHD took proactive steps to improve their inspection process by investing in updated photometric pool testing kits. This decision was informed by insights gained during, and after, the pilot, which highlighted opportunities to increase testing precision and efficiency.

In alignment with MAHC best practices, the department recognized that older water testing kits sometimes produced inconsistent pH readings, making it more challenging to verify compliance and communicate clearly with pool operators. By upgrading to photometric testing technology, which uses light-based wavelength detection to reduce the potential for human error, KCHD strengthened its capacity to support accurate, science-based inspections, and reinforce public confidence in aquatic health and safety oversight.

Addressing a Persistent Public Health Challenge

Like many local health department (LHD) jurisdictions, KCHD struggled with inconsistent readings from older test kits, particularly around pH levels, which undermined their ability to enforce closure protocols under the MAHC.

“Our older kits just weren’t reliable. We couldn’t enforce parts of the pool code, especially around pH because the readings weren’t accurate enough to stand behind,” says KCHD staff.

To address this, the team developed a compelling budget request and successfully secured a $30,000 decision package from city leadership. The funding made it possible to provide inspectors with 30 modern photometric test kits, a meaningful improvement over the outdated models they had been using. Switching to photometric testing took the guesswork out of readings, giving inspectors clearer, more reliable results every time.

Operational Improvements and Field Enforcement

These new kits have dramatically improved inspection quality and enforcement consistency. For the first time, inspectors can confidently close facilities when critical chemical thresholds are out of range, particularly if violations are observed during consecutive inspections.

“This is the first season we’ve been able to fully enforce every aspect of our pool code thanks to reliable pH readings.”

Inspectors now measure free chlorine, combined chlorine, total chlorine, and pH using precise instruments that deliver real-time results even in full sunlight. This allows for immediate, transparent conversations with pool operators about compliance.

Training, Buy-In, and Reduced Resistance

The team conducted hands-on training with inspectors, standardizing usage across the department. Using controlled water samples and repetition, staff built confidence in both the tools and procedures.

Buy-in extended beyond the department. While some pool operators initially expressed concern believing they needed to match the department’s equipment, education helped alleviate those worries. Inspectors emphasized that as long as operators use their own kits correctly and document testing properly, compliance remains achievable.

“We’ve seen significantly less pushback from operators this season. They trust what we’re doing and see the accuracy of the results in real time.”

Education Through Inspection

Beyond enforcement, the kits are valuable educational tools. Inspectors use them during routine and pre-opening inspections to demonstrate chemical readings to operators on-site. The visual, real-time nature of the results helps operators better understand their water chemistry and what needs to change to maintain compliance.

This has also led to stronger relationships and more productive interactions in the field.

Addressing Emerging Trends: Cold Plunge Pools

The department is also encountering evolving facility types, including “bathhouses” with multiple specialized pools (e.g., salt float tanks, hot spas, and cold plunge pools). Given limited guidance from the MAHC on cold plunge operations, the department made the decision to temporarily defer permitting of these facilities while seeking guidance from peer jurisdictions.

“We reached out to Salt Lake County for their protocol, but ultimately decided to pause enforcement around cold plunges until the MAHC or another authoritative body provides more direction.”

This proactive, research-driven approach reflects the department’s commitment to evidence-based regulation while acknowledging the rapidly changing landscape of recreational water features.

Challenges: Cost and Sustainability

While the initiative has been a success, challenges remain, particularly around funding and long-term sustainability. Two of the three vendors originally quoted prices far exceeding the allocated budget. Through strategic negotiation and local partnerships, the team secured a government discount and additional supplies, stretching the $30,000 to its full potential.

“We may not get this type of funding again for several years, and if prices increase, that could impact future procurement.”

Another challenge is ensuring consistent kit usage among inspectors. Human error and the temptation to take shortcuts remain a concern. The department continues to reinforce the importance of following protocols precisely to preserve the credibility of inspections.

A Scalable Model for Other Jurisdictions

This case offers a practical roadmap for other health departments facing similar challenges. With the right tools, targeted training, and internal advocacy, other LHDs can elevate their aquatic inspection programs, improve public safety, and strengthen field relationships.

“This investment has paid off not just in enforcement capabilities, but in transparency, education, and trust.”

Key Takeaways

• Modernization builds credibility. Investing in precise, objective tools enhances enforcement and improves relationships with regulated entities.
• Training is critical. Tools are only effective when used correctly and consistently.
• Transparency leads to trust. Sharing real-time, verifiable data with operators builds collaboration instead of conflict.
• Strategic funding matters. Leveraging decision packages and surplus funds can create transformative operational upgrades without competing for general funds.

For LHDs seeking to modernize aquatic inspection programs, this story highlights the impact of precision tools and the importance of operational readiness to support enforcement.

KCHD Point of Contact

Jacklyn Skaggs
City of Kansas City Health Department
[email protected]