Public swimming pools
Swimming is an effective way to improve health and fitness however if a pool or spa is not effectively cleaned and maintained it may cause serious adverse health effects. What constitutes a public pools? Public pools:
- Can be used by members of the public if they pay a fee
- Can be used by people staying at hotels, motels, guest houses, camping or caravan grounds, or any other temporary accommodation
- Can be used by people who live or work in, or attend the pool’s premises, unless the pool is only for residents or guests of a private residence (like flats or units with a shared swimming pool, and schools)
The Environmental Health Officer regularly inspects public swimming pools and spa facilities to assess compliance with Regulations under the South Australian Public Health Act 2011 and Standards for the Operation and Maintenance of Swimming Pools and Spas.
- They’ll check if the pool is fitted with automatic equipment that continuously checks and controls the disinfectant in the water, and keeps the water’s pH level at the required standards.
- They’ll check that the levels of disinfectant (eg Chlorine), pH and alkalinity are sufficient.
- They’ll keep a log book for test results and readings.
- They’ll make sure all equipment (like filters) are clean and functional.
- They’ll note how clean the pool is, its structure and surroundings (like the presence of leaves and algae, broken tiles, rusty ladders, etc).
Private swimming pools
In the lead up to summer, it’s important you keep your pool water sparkling. Testing and maintaining your pool should be done regularly during swimming season. Swimmers introduce microorganisms, body secretion, sunscreen lotions and other pollutants to the water; it’s a health and safety hazard. You need to keep your pool water quality high to prevent ear, eye, skin and intestinal infections.
Pool filtration systems collect water and capture and contain pollutants in the filter. Your pool needs regular backwashing to clear out these contaminants to work properly.
Disposing of pool water
Swimming pool backwash water must not be discharged to or allowed to run-off into roadways, gutters, creeks, rivers, lakes, coastal waters or neighbouring properties.
Backwash from swimming pools must be directed to the sewer. Swimming pools should be permanently connected to the sewer at the time of installation or construction, and with approval from SA Water. Don’t let pool water run into septic tanks or other waste water disposal systems; use the water on grass or garden areas or stone-filled trench areas.
Don’t forget: If you have a salt chlorinated pool, you need to have salt tolerant plants and occasionally water with clean, good quality water.
For more information, give the Environmental Health Team a call on 8640 3444 or visit the EPA website. For tips on looking after your pool at home visit SA Health.