Why Is Swimming Pool Sanitation Important

Ideally, Swimming pool sanitation is a process that is used to destroy microorganisms that cause human diseases. The main goal of any pool sanitation process is to prevent the spread of potential diseases and pathogens between bathers or swimmers.

Factors Affecting Swimming Pool Sanitation

The sanitation of swimming pools and spas is usually affected by many factors. Some of which include:

  • The pH (Protons Hydrogen) level of the water.
  • The temperature of your swimming pool or spa water.
  • Environmental wastes.
  • Contamination from swimmers.

Maintaining proper swimming pool sanitation levels in your pool and spa will become increasingly difficult as the levels of human waste contamination increases. Pool sanitizers or chlorine feeders that are applied to swimming pools and spas, will eliminate nearly all of the microorganisms (pathogens).

Pool sanitizers are designed to react with and kill most bacteria. They are also designed to cause oxidation of the contaminants in the water. Good oxidation of the contaminants in your swimming pool is essential in always maintaining proper sanitary conditions.

The Purpose Of Sanitizer Residuals In Pools And Spas

A particularly important fact to remember. Your pool sanitizers can kill pathogens and oxidize swimming pool contaminants; however, they must also be able maintain a chlorine residual (concentration) in the water for extended periods.

Actually, the residual from your sanitizer or disinfectant does the inactivation or the killing of the bacteria and oxidation of the contaminants.

This process occurs as the contaminants enter your pool and spa water. It is also the main source of protection from disease causing bacteria that some swimmers may leave in your swimming pool.

Choosing A Sanitizer For Your Swimming Pools And Spas

When the water for your pools and spas is unsanitized, algae begin to grow, and your pool becomes unsafe for swimming. This problem will become worse and give your pool water a solid green look.

This friend is not good water quality control, nor is it good swimming pool sanitation. According to international standards, the water quality of your facility should be so clear that you are able to see the main drain from the pool deck.

This visibility should be at least ten meters (eleven yards) all around your pool deck. Choosing a sanitizer for your pool or spa depends on many factors which include:

  • The water temperature of your swimming pools.
  • The bathing loads of your facility.
  • The location of your pool or spa facility (i.e. indoor or outdoor).
  • The type of facility that you have. This could be a spa (hot tub), swimming pool, a therapy pool, or water park.
  • The chemistry of your make-up or source water.
  • Your pool and spa chemicals storage capabilities as well as other safety concerns.
  • Proper supervision and maintenance concerns.
  • National safety codes and regulations.

As a rule of thumb, not because the water of your pools and spas is visibly clear, guarantees that it is properly sanitized. The water quality of your swimming pool and spa can still be contaminated with microscopic organisms.

Maintaining Proper Swimming Pool Sanitation At All Times

Poor pool water chemistry and poor swimming pool maintenance can lead to low levels of disinfectants and clogged filters. As a result of poor pool maintenance, swimmers are placed at considerable risks for contracting diseases and other infections.

According to the International Organization For Standardization, only swimming pools and spas that offer filtered and sanitized water can be considered safe places for swimmers.

Preventing your pool and spa bathers from becoming ill requires you to frequently test the water of your facility to ensure that the sanitation of your swimming pool meets industry standards.

This test should be done at least twice a day with a pool/spa water test kit like a Taylor Test Kit. Fresh reagents must be used each time the test is carried out. This my friend is the only way to maintain a good disinfectant or sanitizer residual for proper swimming pool sanitation.

Swimming pool sanitation minimizes pool contamination.

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