POOL PLANT – TESTING AND REACTION
Testing And Reaction Is The Key To Safe Hygienic Bathing
ROBBIE PHILLIPS, STA’S SENIOR POOL PLANT TUTOR LOOKS AT WHY IT’S IMPORTANT THAT POOL OPERATORS HAVE A DEFINED WATER TESTING POLICY IN PLACE PLUS TRAINED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF THAT ARE EMPOWERED TO FOLLOW ITS RECOMMENDATIONS
T
o meet the elevated demand for comfort, pool facilities now operate at much higher temperature levels. Spa baths, hydrotherapy pools and splash pads can reach temperatures in excess of 31°C, so to ensure these environments are safe, we must be consistent in our applied standards.
WHAT ARE THE KEY POINTS? As pool operators we must show due diligence and apply those controls that protect us from litigation, and more importantly the safety of users and staff. Ignorance is no defence!
Ask yourself: How do we control our chemical levels? How do we control the activities in and around the pool? Swimming pool and spa water must be treated with the objective of achieving a disease free environment. This requires clear water for the safety and comfort of our customers and staff, and an essential part of this is protecting pool/spa plant equipment and hall fittings etc., against erosion, corrosion and scale formation.
RECIPE FOR DISASTER! Ineffective testing and no true meaningful checks! No reactions! No knowledge!
WHY ARE WATER BASED FACILITIES A POTENTIAL RISK?
Water can be an excellent vehicle for the transmission of disease; many microorganisms grow in an aquatic environment where there is inadequate disinfection and water quality.
WHO IS THE POOL OPERATOR?
This question poses significant problems, because often the operator is not aware of their statutory duties if they have a pool on their sites. Examples of poor understanding of this fact include swim school owners, head teachers, hotel owners and health trusts.
In your organisation do you Example of a Chlorine Level Report know who the Pool Operator is?
Just think about your facilities. With high temperatures and potentially polluted water providing ideal nutrition for bacteria – cosmetic residues, body fats, fermenting vegetation in a hidden balance tank – eureka those bugs are bouncing and consuming large quantities of disinfectants.
These conditions in turn generate harmful states that are ideal for the transmission of infections.
All those concerned with the operation of a pool should
have an understanding of how the water is treated
Careless management of filtration, disinfection or chemical balance can produce turbidity (cloudiness) that can obscure a swimmer’s and lifeguard’s vision of the pool bottom, even in shallow water. Each year people drown in UK pools, some as a result of unclear water.
The good news is that most of the bacteria can be controlled effectively by ensuring the constant maintenance of correct disinfectant at the correct pH levels. This is why training and keeping abreast of industry standards and modern practices are so important – but who is responsible?
38 August 2014 SPN
HOW DOES THE TESTING/REACTION PROCESS IMPACT ON SAFE OPERATION?
All those concerned with the operation of a pool should have an understanding of how the water is treated. All should be aware of the chemical levels required. All should recognise their legal responsibilities including for example, the lifeguard, swim teacher, the caretaker, the supervisor, the manager and the head teacher.
The wet leisure facilities that must provide a safe hygienic environment include: • Conventional pools • Water parks • Spas • Interactive play features / splash pads • Hydro pools • School pools • Swim school pools
THINK OF THIS SCENARIO A test is taken on a bank holiday Monday. The test at the time clearly indicates that the disinfectant levels are not to the required levels. The person who takes the test has to be empowered to make a safe judgement at the time of test – they cannot rely on calling
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