Water quality assessment of an indoor swimming pool

Abstract

This study investigated the quality of Boğaziçi University indoor swimming pool water by using physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Physical parameters were temperature, color, turbidity, conductivity, salinity and TDS. Chemical parameters were pH, alkalinity, hardness, free chlorine, ammonia, TKN, oxidizability, common anions, metals, and organic carbon. Moreover, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of samples were recorded. Microbiological parameters were heterotrophic plate count, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Hygienic habits and behaviors of pool users were evaluated by questionnaires. The results of physical and chemical parameters and heterotrophic plate count conformed to those recommended by authorities. Escherichia coli, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were not identified. 35 strains were identified: Pseudomonas spp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria (34%); 20% of the identified strains were Pseudomonas aeruginosa; the rest were various bacteria. This study has revealed that waters of indoor swimming pools in Turkey have not been examined in this context. The results indicate that pool waters should be continually monitored and Enterococci should be used as a parameter. Surveys in heavily used pools will be beneficial in revealing the hygienic habits and behaviors of pool users and directing future research on pool water quality.