Which of the following actions should be taken if a pool receives a positive fecal coliform sample?

When a pool receives a positive fecal coliform sample, the presence of fecal coliform bacteria indicates potential contamination, which can pose serious health risks to swimmers. The appropriate action to take is to remove any visible fecal matter immediately. This step is crucial because fecal matter can harbor harmful pathogens that may lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and other health concerns if ingested by swimmers.

While adding more chlorine might sanitize the water to some extent, it does not address the immediate source of contamination—the fecal matter itself. Simply increasing pool temperature does not effectively kill bacteria to ensure safety. Keeping the pool open to swimmers during this situation would further increase the risk of exposure to pathogens.

Removing the fecal matter is the first line of defense in preventing illness and ensuring the pool remains a safe environment for all users. After removal, the pool’s water should be treated and tested again to ensure it’s safe before allowing swimmers back in.