In the summer, swimming is an ideal way for people to cool off, exercise, improve cardiovascular endurance, and enhance flexibility. However, swimming pools, as public places, come with complex health risks. Poor hygiene management can lead to the transmission of diseases among swimmers. The quality of pool water is the primary source of these health risks, as swimmers’ bodily fluids and cosmetics, such as sunscreen, can enter the water, creating a conducive environment for bacteria and microorganisms to thrive. To prevent the spread of diseases, effective disinfection of swimming pool water is essential. In this article, we will explore swimming pool disinfection methods, with a focus on the safety and usage of chlorine disinfection.
Health Risks in Swimming Pools
Sources of Contamination in Pool Water
Swimming pool water serves as a medium for direct contact between swimmers and water. However, the quality of pool water can be influenced by various factors. Swimmers’ metabolic byproducts, especially urine and sweat, as well as the cosmetics they use on their bodies, like sunscreen, all find their way into swimming pool water, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. The presence of these external substances prompts the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms, resulting in a range of health issues.
Risk of Disease Transmission
Bacteria and viruses in swimming pool water can lead to various health problems, including but not limited to diarrhea, conjunctivitis (red eye), and respiratory diseases. These pathogens are typically not completely removed by the swimming pool’s water treatment system. As a result, swimmers often experience symptoms such as those mentioned above after swimming in facilities with poor hygiene, a condition known as “pool illness.”
Safety Management of Swimming Pools
To ensure the water quality of swimming pools and the health of swimmers, proper safety management measures must be taken. Here are some safety management recommendations for swimming pools:
Disinfection of Pool Water
Disinfecting swimming pool water is a critical step in preventing the transmission of diseases. Currently, common methods for pool water disinfection include chlorine disinfection, ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and some facilities use metal ion disinfection, such as silver ions. Among these methods, chlorine disinfection is the most widely used.
Chlorine Disinfection
Chlorine disinfection involves the use of chlorine gas or chlorine compounds that react with water to produce hypochlorous acid, which kills bacteria and viruses. This method has a long history of use and was initially applied to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine disinfection agents include liquid chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and trichloroisocyanuric acid, among others.
- Liquid Chlorine: Liquid chlorine is obtained by liquefying chlorine gas, with a chlorine content of nearly 100%. It is typically used in large commercial swimming pools. However, it has a lower price, but it is less commonly used due to its safety hazards and strong odor.
- Sodium Hypochlorite: Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as high-efficiency bleach, is available with chlorine content ranging from 10% to 15% in commercial products. It has a lower price and is easily accessible, making it one of the most commonly used disinfectants. However, the use of bleach can lead to alkaline water and the formation of sediment.
- Trichloroisocyanuric Acid: Trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly known as strong chlorine granules, has a chlorine content ranging from 85% to 95%. It is an organic chlorine bactericide and disinfectant that can effectively and quickly kill various bacteria. It is stable in nature and has a lesser irritating effect on the eyes and skin. Therefore, trichloroisocyanuric acid is often used in swimming pools for disinfection.
Safety of Chlorine
Although chlorine is a commonly used swimming pool disinfectant, improper use can have a certain impact on the health of swimmers. In the practical use of swimming facilities, the concentration of disinfectants in pool water may vary. If the disinfectant concentration is too low, the pool water may not be effectively disinfected, leading to the proliferation of microorganisms. If the disinfectant concentration is too high, it can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of swimmers.
Swimmers can also take the following preventive measures to reduce the irritation of chlorine disinfection on the skin and mucous membranes:
- Wear a swimming cap, waterproof goggles, nose clips, and earplugs.
- If water enters the goggles, avoid rubbing the eyes directly with your hands; instead, rinse the eyes and goggles with clean water promptly.
- If you accidentally ingest pool water, rinse your mouth with clean water immediately.
- Swimmers should choose reputable swimming facilities with good hygiene standards to reduce health risks.
Conclusion
Swimming is a healthy outdoor activity, but there are potential health risks associated with swimming, especially concerning the quality of swimming pool water and disinfection methods. To ensure the health of swimmers, swimming pools must employ proper disinfection measures. Chlorine disinfection is the most commonly used method. Swimmers should select swimming facilities with good hygiene standards and wear appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce health risks associated with chlorine disinfection. By using chlorine disinfectants correctly, swimming pool water quality and swimmer health can be ensured while still enjoying the fun of swimming during the summer.