Monitoring Water Quality of Swimming Pools in a City in 2012

Objectives  To investigate the water quality of swimming pools in a city in 2012, so as to improve sanitation and prevent water-born infectious disease effectively.

Methods The items selected for monitoring the quality of water in swimming pools were pH, turbidity, carbamide, coliform group, total bacterial counts, and free residual chlorine.

Results The qualified rate of turbidity, coliform group, pH, total bacterial counts, carbamide, free residual chlorine was 100%, 98.90%, 98.56%, 91.24%, 90.23% and 85.10%, respectively. The qualified rate of free residual chlorine in the water from swimming pools affiliated to hotels was the lowest (74.63%), and the qualified rate of carbamide in operational swimming pools was the lowest (85.05%). The qualified rate of free residual chlorine in children's pools was distinctly lower than that in adult's pools (χ²=3.991, P=0.046).The qualified rate of free residual chlorine and total bacterial counts in July and August was distinctly lower than that in May and June (χ²=27.848, P=0.000; χ²=15.081, P=0.002). There was a negative correlation between free residual chlorine and turbidity, pH, carbamide, coliform group, and total bacterial counts (P < 0.01.

Conclusions The amount of free residual chlorine was an important factor affecting the sanitation of swimming pool.It is necessary to strengthen the management of swimming pool in focus months for ensuring the health of swimmers.