Pool Water Tests: Analyzes Required for Water Quality and Hygiene

Things to Consider in Swimming Pools

Pool Water Tests

Pools are preferred for educational and sports activities, especially in the summer months to cool off and have fun. The fact that pool activities are so popular and preferred leads to the necessity of hygiene. If a pool is not adequately cleaned, disinfected and hygiene rules are not followed by users, it causes various diseases to occur.

Importance of Pool Water Tests

Pool water tests include analyzes to protect the cleanliness, safety and health of pool users. These tests evaluate physical, chemical and biological parameters to determine whether the water meets hygiene standards. Regular testing of pool water is important for the following reasons:

Reducing Health Risks: Polluted pool water can harbor pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can cause skin infections, eye irritation and gastrointestinal diseases. Testing helps detect such pathogens.
Maintaining Chemical Balance: Chemical imbalances in pool water can cause problems such as skin irritation and burning eyes. In addition, incorrect chemical balances can lead to corrosion of pool equipment. Chemical testing ensures that parameters such as pH, chlorine and alkalinity are kept within the correct ranges.
Maintaining Hygiene: The accumulation of organic matter (e.g. sweat, urine and sunscreen) in pool water can reduce its quality. Testing helps monitor the impact of such contaminants.
Ensuring Legal Compliance: Many countries have water quality regulations for pool operators. These tests are necessary to verify that pools comply with local and national regulations.

Key Parameters Measured in Pool Water Tests

1. pH Level: Indicates the acidic or basic properties of water. The ideal pool pH value should generally be between 7.2 and 7.8. This range ensures user comfort and increases the effectiveness of disinfectants. It is tested with pH meter devices or pH test kits.

2. Free Chlorine and Bound Chlorine: Free chlorine is the active disinfectant that destroys harmful microorganisms in water. Bound chlorine is a by-product of free chlorine reacting with organic substances. It is recommended that the free chlorine level should be between 1-3 ppm. It is measured with chlorine test kits or digital photometer devices.

3. Alkalinity: Alkalinity measures the capacity of water to stabilize the pH level. Low alkalinity can cause fluctuations in the pH level. It is analyzed with alkalinity test kits and the ideal value should be between 80-120 ppm.

4. Cyanuric Acid: It is used as a chlorine stabilizer and prevents sunlight from degrading chlorine, especially in outdoor pools. Cyanuric acid level should be kept between 30-50 ppm. It is measured by chemical analysis methods.

5. Hardness (Calcium Hardness): Measures the mineral content of water. Low hardness can cause corrosion on pool surfaces, while high hardness can lead to calcification. The ideal range is 200-400 ppm. Hardness is measured with test kits.

6. Microbiological Parameters

Coliform Bacteria: Indicator of fecal pollution.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A type of bacteria that can cause skin infections.
Legionella spp: Can cause serious health problems spread through aerosolized pool water.
How to Test: It is analyzed in the laboratory using culture methods or PCR techniques.

7. Turbidity: Turbidity indicates the level of water clarity and is often a sign of suspended solids in the water. High turbidity reduces the effectiveness of disinfectants. It is tested with turbidity meters.

8. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Indicates the mineral and salt content of the water. High TDS levels can affect the taste of water and cause corrosion. It is tested using digital TDS meters.

So what should we pay attention to when using a swimming pool?

Data such as microbiological test results, temperature, pH, free chlorine values performed on pool water should be announced in a way that users can see.
Parameters such as temperature, pH, free chlorine, which may vary during the day, should be analyzed at least 3 times a day at intervals of 4 hours each.
Swimming pools for children should be emptied and cleaned regularly on a monthly basis.
Places for all users to shower and disinfect their feet before using the swimming pool should be established.
Toilets should be arranged so that there is one toilet for at least 20 people and there should be no problems such as lack of water, toilet paper, soap, paper towels, garbage bins.
Shower areas should be arranged so that there is one shower for every 20 people and the water temperature should be adjustable.
It is mandatory to have a lifeguard. Children's pools cannot be more than 50 cm.
Pool depths are written on the edge of the pool in 4 directions so that they can be seen.
Swimming pool surroundings should be designed to prevent slipping.
Materials such as rope, floating pontoon, bagel should be available.
The swimming pool and facility must have adequate lighting and ventilation systems.
A telephone must be available for emergency use.

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

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