IN MY VIEW
Applying Best Practice For Water Testing
COLIN DAY HAS OVER 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE WATER ANALYSIS MARKET. HAVING WORKED FOR CAMLAB, COLIN HAS NOW BEEN AT LOVIBOND TINTOMETER FOR OVER EIGHT YEARS, SPECIALISING IN THE LEISURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS AND HELPING TO DEVELOP THE WATER ANALYSIS PRODUCT STRATEGY. WITH A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY AND A MEMBER OF ISPE (INSTITUTE OF SWIMMING POOL ENGINEERS), COLIN IS ALSO A QUALIFIED TRAINER FOR POOL WATER TESTING
W
e are told that the green shoots of the recovery are starting to show but what will 2014 hold in store for the leisure
industry? It is certain that the last two years have been difficult times but fortunately swimming is still seen as one of the most important activities for general public health and local authorities have been reluctant to close public pools. There have been a few closures, of course but, on the whole, public swimming continues to enjoy a bright future. However, as a result of government cut backs, there is a growing concern within the industry that the maintenance and operation of these pools may not be being sustained. This has been further fuelled by news reports and constant literature being released on the threat of bacteria (legionella and cryptosporidium). Therefore the industry within the UK is realising that it has never been more important to emphasise the need for regular, accurate water analysis by professionally qualified and trained staff using appropriate quality testing equipment. Although senior management of public pools and spas is aware of the legal requirement to provide a safe and hygienic environment, there is currently no stringent legislation as to how this should be implemented. A Technical Committee has been meeting to initiate pan-European guidelines for new standards for domestic pools that will be applicable across the EU. However, these are still in the pipeline and do not currently stipulate regulations for testing. Until legislation is enforced, therefore, best practice must be applied to make sure the pool and spa staff is competent in what they are doing and we must rely on independent companies to drive these developments.
ACCESSING THE RIGHT INFORMATION
Getting the proper training and qualification has never been so important and learning more has never been so easy.
There is, however, an enhanced emphasis on accurate, reliable and repeatable pool water analysis which has come about as a result of a UK government initiative – the purpose being to standardise the design of accredited qualifications. Students learn all the criteria of water testing – how, when and where – with advice on selecting the right equipment for accurate results such as comparator kits or photometers and, most importantly, determining how to react to any variations. This UK government initiative is not confined to just swimming pools but includes all the following environments: • Conventional Pools • Water Parks • Spas • Interactive Play Features / Splash Pads • Hydro Pools • School Pools • Swim School Pools
Essentially, any public area where contaminated water may cause an issue, preventing (hopefully) any further closure of facilities due to a waterborne bug.
‘ALTHOUGH SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC POOLS AND SPAS IS AWARE OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT, THERE IS CURRENTLY NO STRINGENT LEGISLATION AS TO HOW THIS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED’
88 December 2013 SPN
The beginning of 2014 sees two exhibitions in the UK where there will be a chance for everyone to view the latest technologies in pool water measurement, ask questions about testing and attend technical workshops covering all aspects of pool maintenance. The first of these is SPATEX in Coventry from 2 – 4 February. The seminars at this event are organised by the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE), so you can guarantee the information given is the most current and of the highest quality. The second exhibition is the UK Pool & Spa Expo, held at the NEC in Birmingham from 20 – 22 February. Again a series of technical seminars have been arranged to pass advice and information on to the pool operators, providing attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the experts how it should be done. Everyone involved in the leisure industry should visit at least one of the exhibitions to find out the latest innovations in all areas of the pool market. Everyone responsible for maintaining pools for public attendance should visit to verify their current procedures are, indeed, the best. Moreover, the sessions at both events are completely free of charge.
If you are unable to attend the exhibitions, there are many companies and bodies which can help you with your training needs. Organisations such as ISPE and the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) recognise that pool operators must be trained to the correct standards to ensure that they can operate safe bathing conditions – including the quality of the actual water – and offer various courses to meet individual needs. These courses not only make sure operatives are competent in pool water testing, but in all aspects of looking after a pool facility in these ever changing complicated times. SPN
Lovibond Tintometer 01980 664800
www.lovibondwater.com
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92