News & Updates

Swimming pools are places where people go to relax, exercise, and enjoy themselves. Whether at a hotel, leisure centre, holiday park, or private facility, every swimmer has the right to expect that the water is clean, safe, and properly maintained. One of the most important ways to achieve this is through regular and accurate water testing.

Unfortunately, when water quality is not monitored correctly or action is not taken when problems are identified, the consequences can be significant.

A recent incident highlights why water testing procedures should never be overlooked.

Case Study: Bacterial Infection

Routine pool testing identified that the free chlorine level was below the recommended operating range. At the same time, green algae was visible on the bottom of the pool, a clear indication that water quality had deteriorated. It is also an indicator that bacterial infestation was present and therefore a serious health risk.

Although a “No Swimming” sign was displayed, there were no staff members preventing bathers from entering the pool, and people continued to swim despite the warning.

One individual who used the pool experienced itching immediately after leaving the water. By the following morning, the skin on their feet had become red, sore, and began peeling. Over the next seven days, the condition worsened, affecting their hands with severe scaling. Skin on the fingertips, thumbs, and wrists began shedding in large sheets, requiring medical attention.

The individual sought advice from three different GPs, all of whom believed the symptoms were consistent with a bacterial skin infection.

When the hotel was contacted about the incident, it acknowledged that the free chlorine levels in the pool had been below the recommended standards.

Water Testing Is More Than Just Taking a Sample

Testing pool water is only effective if it is carried out correctly.

This includes:

• Taking samples from the correct locations
• Following the correct testing procedures, using recommended test equipment
• Using calibrated and well-maintained testing equipment
• Recording results accurately
• Taking immediate action when results fall outside recommended limits and using a traffic light system for the test results
• Preventing pool use until water quality has been restored to safe operating standards.

When gross contamination occurs, it is essential the correct bodies are contacted without delay, such as; HSE and the local environmental health officer.

Simply displaying a warning sign may not be enough if swimmers continue to enter the water. Pool operators should have effective procedures in place to prevent access whenever water quality presents a potential risk.

The STA Water Testing video provides a valuable guide to correct testing procedures and reinforces best practice for swimming pool operators and those undertaking pool testing.

Proper training helps ensure that staff understand not only how to perform water tests correctly, but also how to interpret the results and respond appropriately. Completing the STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Pool Water Testing qualification can further improve knowledge and competence, helping staff understand the importance of accurate testing. Holding the STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations ensures corrective action can be taken efficiently.

Swimming pool safety depends on more than having the right chemicals available. It relies on consistent monitoring, accurate testing, competent staff, and decisive action whenever water quality falls outside acceptable standards.

Regular and correct water testing is not simply a regulatory requirement; it is a vital part of protecting public health.

The case described above serves as an important reminder that warning signs should never be ignored, low disinfectant levels should always be addressed immediately, and pools should remain closed until water quality has been restored.

By investing in proper training, following recognised testing procedures, and maintaining high operational standards, pool operators can significantly reduce the risk of incidents and provide the safe swimming environment that every swimmer deserves