Pool Water Monitoring

One pool, many moments of relaxation but also many questions! do the chemical kits used work? Do they give accurate results? Are you adding enough or too much chlorine? Is the filter working properly? The renewal of water? Does the pool have the appropriate pH level?

Contamination of water can happen so easily, from something as simple as a decrease in the chlorine value that will allow microorganisms to grow, or from an infected person entering the pool.

If a microbiological contamination is not detected in time, microorganisms can multiply at high rates and expose all users to serious risk. Monitoring swimming pool hygiene is vital for two reasons.

On the one hand, pool managers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of users, which presupposes that the water is suitable for swimming. On the other hand, the microbiological control provides information about the correct or incorrect operation of the pool, so that those in charge can document that they are taking all the necessary measures for the hygiene of the pool.

Microbial hazards of swimming pools

The most common contamination is associated with human or animal feces, as well as non-fecal sources such as other body fluids (vomit, mucus, saliva) and even skin. These are the main sources of potential pathogens in these systems. The table below shows some viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa that have been identified as being able to thrive in swimming pools and similar environments such as spas.

"World Health Organization (2009). Guidelines for safe aquatic recreational environments. Volume 2, Swimming Pools and Similar Environments'

Microbiological control

The main tests to be performed and the acceptable levels of results per analysis are:
• Total Aerobic Bacteria @ 37°C<
200cfu/ml
• Total coliforms < 5cfu/100ml
• E. Coli < 1cfu/100ml

If the results of the laboratory analyzes are outside the limits, it is recommended in principle to repeat the control with a new sample. If repeated tests are still not within acceptable limits, then the pool operator should conclude that this is not a momentary failure to deal with an accidental contamination, but a serious indication that the treatment or management system pool water is not working properly.

The pool water quality management system and arrangements should be examined to identify the problem and take the necessary corrective actions, the effectiveness of which should be checked by conducting new laboratory analyses.

Follow-up control frequency

According to the current national legislation (Swimming Tank Water - Sanitary Arrangement
C1/443/73) should be checked on a weekly basis throughout the operation of the pool.

Sampling

Samples should be collected when the tank is in operation and preferably during peak bather load periods. The times of day, day of the week, frequency of sampling and sampling points must be varied in order to create a representative picture of the health status of the water over a period of one month. Among these points, points close to the water outlet of the tank must definitely be included. Sampling instructions can be found here.

World Health Organization (WHO9). Guidelines for safe aquatic recreational environments.

Volume 2, Swimming Pools and Similar Environments.

• Whenever a microbiological sample is taken, it is important that a pool water chemical test of residual chlorine, alkalinity and pH be taken as a reference at the same time. You should also take into account the clarity of the water and the load of bathers.

Reliable and unbiased advice from Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing

Our laboratories are accredited by ESYD for the sampling and microbiological analysis of waters. Our staff has many years of experience in the sampling, laboratory control and evaluation of swimming pool waters.

You can be confident that our assessment and guidance is in the best interest of you, the pool and its users. We can be the reliable partner you need to monitor your pool hygiene.

Contact us at +30 210 4175865 and sales@tsakalidislabs.gr to receive an offer now for the services you need.