How to keep your pool water safe: Testing and treatment essentials
What do gastroenteritis, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, and serious respiratory infections have in common? Alongside being unpleasant or (in some cases) potentially fatal, they can all be caused by contaminated pool water.
From regular testing to effective treatment, our expert team covers some of the most important pool water safety tips for keeping your pool water safe, hygienic, and enjoyable.
Top 5 pool water safety tips
- Routine microbial (microbiological) testing
The challenge
Poorly maintained swimming pools and spas can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection and disease.
The solution
To keep these facilities safe and hygienic, it’s therefore essential that the water is regularly tested for microbial contamination. This is supported by PWTAG guidance which highlights that pool operators have a legal duty to ensure that the water is free from microorganisms which could pose a health risk to their users.
Microbial pool testing not only plays an important role in protecting public health, but has the added benefit of verifying that the water treatment system is operating correctly.
How Chemsol can help
As part of our trusted water testing services, Chemsol Group’s in-house team of ISO 5667-certified private water sampling officers carry out thorough and routine microbial testing, helping your facility to comply with the highest standards of safety and compliance.
- Strict compliance with BISHTA standards
The challenge
The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) promotes and sets industry-recognised standards for spa and hot tub facilities. Committed to achieving the highest level of safety and quality, adhering to these standards offers operators and users alike greater peace of mind.
One of BISHTA’s key priorities is managing and reducing the risk of Legionella in hot tubs and spas. A type of harmful bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease - a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Due to the higher water temperatures and lower water volume, spas and hot tubs provide the ideal conditions for Legionella to thrive if not properly managed. However, regular Legionella testing for pools is also recommended as it can still occur in all aquatic environments.
The solution
BISHTA’s recommendations include maintaining proper water temperature, using a continuous disinfectant (such as chlorine or bromine), making a record of all test results and maintenance efforts, and following specific HSG 282 regulations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
By following BISHTA standards, operators can significantly reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of users.
How Chemsol can help
At Chemsol, you can feel confident that our installation and maintenance services are carried out in strict accordance with BISHTA standards. This approach ensures your facility meets the relevant legal and technical requirements, as well as the highest levels of hygiene and safety for your users.
- Effective filtration systems
The challenge
Swimming pool filtration systems do far more than just removing the occasional leaf or insect. Beyond clearing visible debris that can cause blockages or make the pool unappealing, effective filtration systems are vital for maintaining water quality and user safety.
The solution
High-quality pool filtration systems continuously circulate and filter the water, helping to prevent stagnation and the creation of harmful microorganisms.
They also remove microscopic contaminants, such as bacteria and body oils, that can impact water clarity, lead to unpleasant odours, and even encourage the spread of waterborne illnesses.
How Chemsol can help
At Chemsol Group, we supply a wide range of premium spa and swimming pool filtration packages for both domestic and commercial pools.
Whether you’re looking for a plug-and-play, skid mounted solution or a fully automated, custom-installed system with priority tech support, we’ll ensure your new pool filter meets your specific needs - as well as vital health and safety standards.
- Regular physical cleaning
The challenge
Over time, leaves, insects, and other kinds of debris can all build up in the pool water, leading to a variety of unwanted side effects, such as cloudy water, clogged filters, and algae growth.
Without consistent and effective cleaning, these conditions can create unsanitary and unpleasant swimming environments.
The solution
A combination of physical pool cleaning methods are typically employed to ensure the most effective maintenance, including skimming the surface of the pool, vacuuming the pool floor, and brushing the pool walls and floor.
While the frequency may vary based on how often the pool is used, carrying out these tasks at least once a week is encouraged to help tackle the accumulation of debris and support optimum water clarity and hygiene.
How Chemsol can help
Our comprehensive pool servicing goes beyond basic debris removal. We routinely check key chemical levels (including alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness) to ensure balanced water chemistry and can even provide acid wash services for winterised, neglected, or stained pools.
5. Compliance with SPATA
The challenge
The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) recommends best practices in the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, and similar facilities. Complying with these practices can therefore help operators to maintain a safe and hygienic pool environment.
The solution
In terms of keeping pool water safe, SPATA encourage proper water treatment and filtration system design, which can play a key role in reducing the likelihood of harmful bacteria. This includes Legionella, Pseudomonas (which can cause lung infections), and Cryptosporidium (which may result in a diarrheal disease).
They provide professional guidance on regular testing and chemical dosing – both of which help to combat unhygienic pool water conditions. SPATA members must also abide by the most recent British and European standards relating to the design, build, and servicing of pools and spas.
How Chemsol can help
Our team is dedicated to carrying out pool installations and maintenance work that abides by SPATA recommendations, giving you peace of mind that your project is structurally sound, correctly installed, and safe for users.
Maximise safety with trusted UK pool maintenance services
For professional and reliable pool water testing in the UK, or to explore our range of water treatment and pool filtration packages for both commercial and private facilities, speak to our knowledgeable team today.
Our experienced engineers also offer robust Legionella solutions for complete water hygiene and safety, alongside full pool servicing, repairs, and aftercare to ensure your filtration system remains in optimal condition and delivers exceptional performance.
Call us: 01492 582 888
Email us: info@chemsol.co.uk