Keeping Bathers Healthy; Understanding Critical Aspects of Proper Disinfection
The number one priority that the pool industry can agree on is protecting our swimmers. Proper recreational water treatment and sanitation are critical to achieving this priority and requires an understanding of how to optimize the use of the tools and resources that we have. That includes staying apprised of the latest science, particularly as it relates to disinfection and efficacy to prevent recreational water illness (RWI) from various pathogens. Given that there are numerous considerations important for healthy recreational water management, understanding the critical aspects that impact proper disinfection as well as the premise for various best practices is key to practically and successfully minimizing the risk of RWI and keeping bathers healthy.
This presentation will delve into multiple research lab studies as well as field trials in real pools to discuss practical considerations for optimizing biocide management, including new approaches to pathogens, as well as address common misconceptions that impact disinfection. Additionally, based on this literature review, this discussion will take an in-depth look at an alternate analysis for using a CYA to free chlorine ratio to reasonably minimize the risk of disease transmission for our bathers.
There have been a number of recent presentations and publications in this area. Most people in the pool industry are aware of only some of these developments. This more recent examination will include factors that were not previously accounted for; these adjustments and enhancements to a model used to estimate risk affect the model’s results and conclusions and, therefore, previous recommendations. Some other topics in this presentation include additional considerations aimed at healthier pools, such as secondary disinfection as well as non-biocidal methods that also improve water quality, such as filtration, flocculation, and the implementation of social science to impact bather hygiene.
Learning Objectives
- Establish practical control of pathogens in pools.
- Understand the impact of several operating parameters on sanitizer efficacy.
- Examine current trends towards improved pool operations.
CEUs: 1
This course is owned and maintained by PHTA. Upon purchasing this course, you should receive your login information from PHTA within one week.