Pool Water Analysis: Tests Required to Ensure Water Quality

How Healthy is Pool Water? How often should it be tested?

Swimming pools are preferred for purposes such as cooling off and having fun in the summer months, as well as for sports and to support the physical development of children. Especially public pools pave the way for the spread of diseases if the water is not disinfected regularly and properly.

Why Should Pool Water Be Analyzed Regularly?

Pool water is an environment where people come into direct contact with their bodies. Therefore, the quality of pool water is extremely important for health. Contamination of pool water, proliferation of microorganisms and chemical imbalance can lead to various health problems. For example:

• Bacteria and Viruses: Microorganisms mixed into the water can cause many health problems, from skin infections to respiratory diseases.
• Chemical Imbalance: Chemical imbalances such as pH level, chlorine concentration can cause skin irritations, redness of the eyes and an unpleasant odor in the pool water.

Pool water analyzes are carried out to minimize such health risks and ensure the safety of water.

Pool Water Analysis Methods

Various analysis methods are used to accurately determine the quality of pool water. Here are some commonly used analysis methods:

1. Physical Measurements: Physical parameters are usually done with manual and rapid testers. For example:

• Turbidity Measurement: It is done with Nephelometric Turbidimeter devices. This device accurately measures the turbidity level of water.
• Temperature Measurement: The temperature of the water is measured using digital thermometers.

2. Chemical Measurements: Chemical parameters are measured with specialized test kits and instruments to analyze the chlorine level, pH, alkalinity and other components of water:

• pH and Chlorine Tests: This is done with pH meters or color test kits. Free chlorine testing is usually done using chemical reagents.
• Alkalinity and Hardness Tests: Alkalinity and calcium hardness are measured by titration methods.

3. Microbiological Tests: Microbiological tests are usually performed in the laboratory and are carried out by culture procedures on water samples:

• Coliform and E. Coli Count: MPN (Most Probable Number) method or membrane filtration method.

In order to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases originating from pool water, it undergoes some disinfection processes. Pool water is an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. For this reason, products such as chlorine, pH reducer, algae inhibitor, precipitant should be used regularly and continuously in pool water.

In particular, the most commonly used method is the addition of chlorine to pool water. An important factor in disinfection processes is the pH level. The pH of the pool water should be in the range of 7.2 - 7.6. Effective disinfection conditions in pool water are as follows; 1-2 ppm chlorine, at least 30 minutes, 7.2 - 7.6 pH range, 26 - 28 ^o C temperature should be processed.

“Regulation on the Health Principles to be Subject to Swimming Pools” covers the procedures and principles regarding the compliance of outdoor and indoor swimming pools and waters used for swimming with hygienic conditions, determination, inspection and monitoring of the quality standards of swimming pool water.

In this context, the tests performed in pool water are generally chemical, physical and microbiological tests. The parameters and limits to be performed are specified in the annexes of the said regulation. Pool water should be disinfected regularly in line with these limits.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Pool Water Analysis. We also provide services in Sea Water Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

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