WORLD NEWS


US Announces Two Initiatives To Make Pool Water Safer Non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation®


(NSPF® )


Board of Directors has announced it is funding the third year of a grant supporting the goal of reducing disinfection- by-product (DBP) formation. The goal of the research conducted under this grant is to improve understanding of and reduce formation of DBPs, and aligns with the NSPF Board’s mission to help keep pools open by continuing to improve pool safety.


The National Swimming Pool Foundation has placed a high priority on improving pool safety, and increasing the understanding of the health benefits associated with aquatic immersion and exercise. Several high-profile studies have been published suggesting that exposure to chemicals that form in treated pools and spas as a result of the use of disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, bromine, ozone, or UV radiation) – referred to as DBPs – can cause adverse health effects. DBPs are formed when disinfectants react to other chemicals, including those that are included in bodily fluids like urine. The chemistry that leads to DBP formation and decay is quite complex. As a result, research is needed to understand and minimise DBP formation. “It is important that we do the right research to minimise any possible problems associated with DBPs so that people can enjoy the tremendous benefits of swimming, aquatic exercise and


immersion,” reinforced Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., with NSPF. “One easy way to reduce DBPs is to reduce urine in pools,” he added.


The National Swimming Pool Foundation wants to make sure the public is well informed about healthy swimming habits. Thus, the NSPF®


is organising a 2013 initiative


to help make pool water safer and more appealing. A full- day workshop will explore strategies to influence public behaviour and reduce urination in swimming pools. The media can play a key role in helping to change behaviour, and are invited to attend and participate in the workshop, which will be led by Edgar Papke following his keynote presentation at the World Aquatic Health™ Conference on Friday, 18 October 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. One in five Americans admits to peeing in the pool, according to a 2012 survey by the Water Quality and Health Council. Unfortunately, several high-profile Olympians have said it is “OK” to pee in the pool. Nearly 100% of elite competitive swimmers admit to peeing in the pool, according to former US National Team Swimmer, Carly Geehr, in an interview with Quora. “The tragedy and irony is that swimmers and coaches, who are most passionate about growing swimming and aquatics, are contributing to the problem,” stated Dr. Lachocki.


Caldea Spa Complex Gets Custom Treatment From Fluidra


Leading pool company Fluidra, under its trademark AstralPool, has designed the pool area in the INòU, the new integral wellness centre attached to the Caldea spa complex. Located in Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra), the complex has become one of the most impressive hot spring spas in Europe. The new INòU centre covers a total surface area of 12,400 m2, of which 2,580 m2


is taken up


by the spectacular hot spring area, which was completely custom designed by Fluidra. The project is made up of three indoor lagoons at different levels that flow into each other through cascades, and an outdoor lagoon. In total, the lagoons contain 72,000 litres of hot spring water. All of the pools are curved in shape, and there is a multitude of wellness treatments and facilities, such as water massage beds, water jets and other water features for massages that are built into the pool bottom. The project fits in perfectly with the building’s architecture, designed by the French architect Jean-Michel Ruols. The seams on the pool shell, made of stainless steel, have been arranged in a radial pattern that mirrors the focal point of the glass roof covering the building, which virtually sits on the channel of the river Valira. In order to deliver the best possible feeling of enjoyment and relaxation


80 August 2013 SPN


to visitors, the water areas have the very latest lighting systems able to create different atmospheres through the combination of changing shades of colours that are reflected in the stainless steel and that also match the rhythm of the background music. Caldea is one of the largest leisure spas in Europe, with facilities covering almost 30,345 m2 that include indoor and outdoor lagoons, saunas, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, Indo-Roman baths, hydromassage tubs, swan neck jets, outdoor bubble beds, restaurants, a shopping mall and panoramic bar. The new INòU wellness centre will enable the Caldea spa complex to add top-of-the-range personalised treatments and integral wellness solutions to its offering. It is expected that over 40,000 people will visit the new facilities in 2013.


US Survey Shows Parents Are Worried Kids Are Diving Into Technology


Instead Of Pools A recent survey in the US has found that an overwhelming majority of parents are concerned that electronic devices are interfering with traditional activities, including swimming.


The survey conducted on behalf of the


Water Quality and Health Council found that 86% of parents said electronics, such as video games, smart phones and tablets, interfere with traditional family activities and 93% of parents were concerned that children are suffering negative health consequences as a result.


Given a range of choices, more parents chose ‘the smell of chlorine’ as their strongest sensory summertime swimming pool memory but today’s children could be forming more battery-powered summertime memories.


“The sights, sounds and smells of summer are real, not virtual,” said Chris Wiant, Ph.D., Chair of the Water Quality and Health Council. “For children, the distractions of electronic devices are proving to be tough competition for more physical activities like swimming. But it’s clear from this survey that parents want their children to power off and dive in.”


An overwhelming majority of 84% said they would like to see their children spend more time swimming in summer, a goal that is within reach for many since 88% of parents reported they had access to a pool.


www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk


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