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Swimming Pools

It is essential that all swimming pools and jacuzzis (even small domestic pools), are regularly treated with disinfectants to ensure any bacteria, and other organisms which get into the water, are killed. A variety of medical conditions can be transmitted to pool users if good standards of hygiene are not maintained.

These include:

• gastro-intestinal infections
• skin infections
• conjunctivitis
• nose, throat and respiratory infections.

There are a number of different chemical dosing systems available, which will ensure that your pool water is kept in perfect condition. Advice on the best system to use with your pool or jacuzzi can be obtained from suppliers of pool chemicals. Names and addresses can be found in the Yellow Pages.

For detailed technical information, especially in relation to larger pools such as school swimming pools, visit the |HSE (Health & Safety Executive) website or you can obtain the HSE publication "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools 2003" (ISBN 071 762-6865).

Public swimming pools and paddling pools should be regularly treated. The |Environmental Health & Licensing Division performs checks to ensure that public pools are treated to a satisfactory standard.

Pool Hygiene Safety Tips

• Practise proper hygiene before and after swimming, such as showering and thorough hand washing.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
• Test the water daily with an inexpensive, easy-to-use kit available from your pool supply store.
• Remember to take children on frequent bathroom breaks.
• Children who are not toilet trained should wear tightly fitted plastic or rubber pants/nappies, recommended for swimming by the manufacturer.
• Do not let children swim if they have diarrhoea.
• Do not swallow the water and try to avoid getting pool water in your mouth.
• Do not wear contact lenses while swimming. Micro-organisms in the water can cause infections if they get between the lens and eye.