Determinants of Bacterial Contamination in Pools, Spas, and Wading Pools: Should Chlorine Standards Be Revised?

Authors

Edmond A. Hooker, Xavier UniversityFollow
William A. Chinn, Xavier University
Natalie C. Bain, Xavier University
Gregory C. Busam, Xavier University
Anahatan Srirangan, Xavier University
Antonio R. Young, Cincinnati Health Department

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.04.01.05

Abstract

Using a retrospective case-control study, we compared poolside tests with bacteriological samples during three consecutive summers. A total of 844 matched samples were obtained. Increased chlorine levels were associated with lower rates of contamination. Alkalinity, pH, and TDS were not statistically associated with bacteriological failures. In swimming pools with > 1 ppm of chlorine, 27/30 (90.0%) passed bacteriologic evaluation. In spas with < 1.0 ppm of chlorine, only 12/28 (42.9%) passed. Of the spas with > 3.0 ppm of chlorine, 170/176 (96.6%) passed. Of the wading pools with < 1ppm of chlorine, only 12/25 (48.0%) passed. Of the wading pools with > 2 ppm, 263/290 (90.7%) passed. Of available poolside tests, only chlorine levels are predictive of positive testing for fecal contamination. Higher levels of chlorine were associated with higher passing rates. Current standards for disinfection in spas and wading pools may need to be increased to help prevent contamination.

Recommended Citation

Hooker, Edmond A.; Chinn, William A.; Bain, Natalie C.; Busam, Gregory C.; Srirangan, Anahatan; and Young, Antonio R. (2010) "Determinants of Bacterial Contamination in Pools, Spas, and Wading Pools: Should Chlorine Standards Be Revised?," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.04.01.05
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol4/iss1/5