Pool maintenance

If not properly maintained, swimming pools and spas can be a source of harmful microorganisms that can cause illness to users. Bathers and the environment can introduce pollutants to pool water, which may lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Poorly maintained chemical levels can also cause problems such as skin rashes and irritated eyes.

Spa pools can create a greater risk of infection than swimming pools if they are poorly maintained. The warm aerated water provides an ideal environment for the rapid growth of many undesirable microorganisms. Spa pools have large numbers of people entering a small volume of water; therefore, the organic ad microbial loading may become more concentrated. This can have dramatic and adverse effects of the water quality, potentially placing the health of users at risk.

SA Health is a good source of information about water care for domestic swimming pools as well as pool owners and operators’ responsibilities.

Backwash water from both domestic and commercial pools must be disposed of in a sanitary manner at all times. In townships serviced by Community Waste Management Schemes the backwash water connection shall be made immediately after the septic tank for disposal to the scheme disposal point.

Managers of public pools are responsible for ensuring that the facilities they are providing are safe and hygienic. Council’s Environmental Health Officers undertake routine inspections of public swimming and spa pools to determine their compliance with the South Australian Public Health (General) Regulations 2013 and Department of Health Standards for the Operation and Maintenance of Swimming Pools and Spa Pools.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Health Services team on 08 8563 8444 or by visiting SA Health.