How Are Municipal Pools Kept Clean and Hygienic?

How sanitary are public pools? This is a fairly common question. And, an understandable one, considering how many people pass in and out of municipal pools every day. The answer is that well-maintained public pools are very sanitary. It is only when hygiene measures are not strictly adhered to that standards may drop. What are these measures and how do municipal pools stay clean? It comes down to a combined effort on the part of both pool staff and users. When each does their part, hygiene is maintained.

Pool Staff

Safety is the staff’s main priority and that includes hygiene. Before opening the doors to users, the staff will check the chemical levels in the water. It should have a pH of 7.2 to 7.8, and the chlorine levels should be at 1 to 3 parts per million. The water should then be tested later in the day. If the levels should deviate from these, all users must be asked to leave the pool and the necessary measures taken to rebalance chlorine and acidity.

The pool is also regularly cleaned of dirt, oil, and other waste. Most municipal pools are also fitted with perimeter gutter recirculation systems. These skim debris off the top of the pool and return clean water into it.

Pool Users

Swimmers have their own part to play to maintain pool hygiene. Swimmers should always shower before entering the pool. This is to ensure that no dirt, sweat, and oils go into the pool with you. If you have any gastrointestinal complaints, you should avoid the pool entirely. The same goes if you have any cuts or other injuries.

If you smell a strong odor of chlorine, inform a lifeguard immediately. The pool will need to be evacuated so that chlorine levels can be normalized.

That’s really all there is to it. As long as users and staff work together, municipal pools can maintain good, safe levels of hygiene and cleanliness.

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