Swimming pools and spas can be therapeutic as well as a great form of recreation. But, if not operated properly, they become a health hazard. Many diseases and injuries can be acquired from pools and their facilities if they are not monitored and maintained. Code Enforcement & Public Health has a manual that contains the basic information needed to operate a pool or spa in compliance with health regulations. If certain aspects and requirements of pool maintenance are not addressed in this manual, contact your local health authority and/or a professional pool service.
Being responsible for a pool is not an easy job. Pool operators have to contend with many elements that adversely affect the water quality of the pool. Some of these elements are shown below. Note the amount of contamination that is introduced into the pool by people!
- Hair contains many organisms, oils, cosmetic items, and other contaminants.
- Hands may shed ½ to 5 million organisms in a single washing.
- Clearing of the nose may have up to 38,000 organisms.
- Saliva from the mouth has 100 million to 1 billion organisms per gram (1/30 of an ounce).
- Boils and infections are a source of highly infective disease-causing organisms.
- Areas covered by swimming trunks have high numbers of organisms and organic matter.
- Active swimmers may contribute 2 pints of perspiration per hour.
- Then you may have animal and plant matter, dirt, rain, ultraviolet rays, and other elements introduced into the pool.
