Regular Swimming Pool Maintenance Prevents Disease

Disease prevention should be the top priority for every water quality management program for pool and spa operators. Disinfection is critical to protect against pathogens, and is best managed through routine monitoring and maintenance of chemical feed equipment to ensure optimum chemical levels in accordance with state and local regulations.[12]

Modern digital equipment when used in conjunction with automatic chemical feeders results in stable pH and chlorine levels.[13] Local jurisdiction may demand a wait time if chemicals are added by hand to the water so that swimmers are not injured.

Chemical parameters include disinfectant levels according to regulated pesticide label directions. pH should be kept between 7.2 and 7.8. Human tears have a pH of 7.4, making this an ideal point to set a pool.[14] More often than not, it is improper pH and not the sanitiser that is responsible for irritating swimmers’ skin and eyes.

Total alkalinity should be 80–120 ppm and calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm.[15][failed verification]

Good hygienic behavior at swimming pools is also important for reducing health risk factors at swimming pools and spas. Showering before swimming can reduce introduction of contaminants to the pool, and showering again after swimming will help to remove any that may have been picked up by the swimmer.

Those with diarrhea or other gastroenteritis illnesses should not swim within 2 weeks of an outbreak, especially children. Cryptosporidium is chlorine resistant.[16]

To minimize exposure to pathogens, swimmers should avoid getting water into their mouths and never swallow pool or spa water.[17]

Maintaining an effective concentration of disinfectant is critically important in assuring the safety and health of swimming pool and spa users. When any of these pool chemicals are used, it is very important to keep the pH of the pool in the range 7.2 to 7.8 – according to the Langelier Saturation Index, or 7.8 to 8.2 – according to the Hamilton Index; higher pH drastically reduces the sanitizing power of the chlorine due to reduced oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), while lower pH causes bather discomfort, especially to the eyes. However, according to the Hamilton Index, a higher pH can reduce unnecessary chlorine consumption while still remaining effective at preventing algae and bacteria growth.

To help ensure the health of bathers and protect pool equipment, it is essential to perform routine monitoring of water quality factors (or “parameters”) on a regular basis. This process becomes the essence of an optimum water quality management program.

Article published: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool_sanitation#Prevention_of_diseases_in_swimming_pools_and_spas