Swimming Pool Chemistry - Term Paper Example

Swimming Pool Chemistry Introduction Wherever one goes around the world, swimming pools are and have always been a popular way to cool off. This is especially true in the summer, where the sweltering heat can be anything from a mere irritant to nigh-unbearable and even, in extreme cases, deadly – it is in this season that people are most likely to flock to beaches and public swimming pools (though more the latter considering how much more accessible they are) to relax, unwind, have fun and, in short, chill. For sure, it should not be surprising that the single best way to beat the heat, if the majority is to be believed, is to jump in a swimming pool and take a nice, long dip. Of course, if this is the case, then neither should it be surprising that swimming pools need to be maintained in order to guarantee the best possible experience for people who use them. To be more specific, the regular use to which swimming pools are put requires that they be cleaned on a regular basis. Exposed as they are, and frequented by a lot of people, swimming pools are places that are especially prone to infection if neglected. This paper, then, is intended as an explanation of the various measures taken by operators of swimming pools as to how to keep their waters safe, as well as how the public can do their part. The Importance of Swimming Pool Sanitation As detailed in a report by the World Health Organization (2006), swimming pools are vulnerable to pollutants such as bird droppings or even the rain. And while indoor pools are much safer, even they need to be cleaned at least once in a while just to be absolutely sure. Either way, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009), pathological contaminants often abound in swimming pools, which can cause a myriad of conditions such as diarrhea. A pool that is cleaned regularly is in effect guaranteed to be safe for the public to enjoy – guaranteed safe for them to swim in. Otherwise, anyone who takes a dip may be in for a nasty surprise somewhere down the line. In order to avert such an unsavory scenario, those in charge of maintaining the pool regularly subject it to chemical treatment in order to make sure that it remains safe and fit for public consumption. In the words of the Division for Environmental Health (2011), the only way to maintain safe and consistent swimming pool operation is through proper water chemistry. The exact process involved is often rather varied, not only in the chemicals that may be used but also in the methods employed. For one thing, disinfectants may be used to rid the water of harmful, objectionable or otherwise unwanted microorganisms. Alkalinity and pH adjusters may also be used to ensure that the pool’s pH and acidity levels remain stable, while algaecide and filter aids respectively kill any algae and prevent foreign material from spreading in the water. Swim King’s (2011) official website also tells us that the balance between these chemicals needs to be just right so as to keep the water free of any unwanted ‘lurkers’, yet still be safe for those of us who feel like taking a swim. For instance, free chlorine residual refers to the amount of chlorine which has yet to react with any other substance in the water besides the water itself, and should ideally be anywhere between 1-3 ppm. Secondly, combined chlorine refers to chlorine that fits the opposite description – that is to say, it has already reacted with a foreign substance. This kind of chlorine is no longer a help to the disinfection process, and indeed, only acts as an irritant. And finally, total chlorine residual is the sum of these two variants of chlorine. Besides chlorine, bromine can also be used to fulfill the function of disinfection. In fact, whereas the former is more prevalent in swimming pools (Sweazy, 2001), it is the latter that is the preferred substance among owners of spas and hot tubs (Wilson, 2002). The key trait shared by both chemicals is that they belong to the halogen family – that is to say, both chlorine and bromine excel at pinpointing and destroying a myriad of harmful and pathogenic bacteria and viruses, in addition to having three more strengths between them. Both these substances act fast and last long, and also make for excellent algaecides and oxidizers of unwanted pathogens. Needless to say, both chlorine and bromine are mainstays when it comes to water treatment, and are key weapons that should be present in any pool or spa operator’s arsenal. Whatever the case, it cannot be denied that disinfection is an absolutely critical step in the fight against pathogens, nor can it be disputed that disease prevention is something no pool or spa operator should ever neglect. Thus, the best thing to do is to routinely monitor and maintain the necessary chemical feed equipment so as to guarantee that chemical levels remain optimal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). Specifically, it is stated that disinfectant levels need to be in accordance with pesticide label directions, have a pH level as close as possible to neutral, and have total alkalinity and calcium hardness values of respectively 80-120 and 200-400 ppm (US Government Printing Office, 2003). Another important step would be a regular inspection of water quality factors (Water Quality and Health Council, 2005). It always pays to make sure that everything important is in order and in good condition, and water quality is hardly an exception to this. For a start, the whole process of disinfecting the pool revolves around the water. People take dips in the pool all the time, which means that not only can they end up catching whatever is in the pool, the pathogens that may have hitched a ride on them, so to speak, could spread through the water and infect other, unsuspecting victims. However, even the most stringent disinfection and sterilization procedures on the part of the pool and spa operators will come to nothing if the members of the general public themselves are found wanting with regard to hygiene. In other words, the public needs to be taught the importance and the basics of good, hygienic behavior, in order to maintain a good experience at the swimming pool. Not only would it be to their own advantage to do so, it would also save their fellow swimmers and pool- or spa-goers the hassle of having to shell out for checkups or medicines. For instance, it would definitely be a major, major plus for swimmers to shower thoroughly before and after taking a dip in the pool. It would also be better for those with diarrhea and other similar ailments to avoid swimming in their current condition, doubly so for children. Otherwise they may end up inadvertently infecting fellow swimmers. And of course, it should be basic among swimmers that they should never ever swallow pool or spa water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). Conclusion Again, it can neither be denied nor stressed enough that swimming pools absolutely need to be kept clean for safe public consumption. Simply put, it would be bad business for operators of pools and spas to neglect these very important SOPs. The reason people flock to swimming pools in particular is to beat the heat, or otherwise to get wet and have fun at the same time. None of them want to have jumped out of the proverbial frying pan, only to land into the fire – which is exactly what will happen if they contract diseases as a result of poor water treatment. For sure, it will only be something for an establishment to brag about if its swimming pool exhibits a decent, if not excellent level of cleanliness. When people know that the swimming pool in a certain place is clean, they will of course be attracted to it, and bring their friends along – again and again, even. This only translates into boosted sales and revenue for the establishment concerned. In short, keeping swimming pools clean will only make sure that, in the long run, everyone is a winner. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). 12 steps for prevention of recreational water illnesses (rwis) – step 5: maintain water quality and equipment. CDC.gov. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/twelvesteps.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Cryptosporidiosis. CDC.gov. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/crypto/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Six steps of healthy swimming: protection against recreational water illnesses (RWIs). CDC.gov. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/healthySwimming/6_steps.htm Pool treatment 101: Introduction to chlorine sanitizing (2005). Water Quality and Health Council. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.waterandhealth.org/pool_spa/POOLTREATMENT101.php3 Pool Water Chemistry (2011). Division of Environmental Health. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/chem.htm Sweazy, J. (2001). Working with monopersulfate. Pool & Spa News. Retrieved on June 5, 2011 from http://www.poolspanews.com/2001/081/081chemclinic.html U.S. Government Printing Office. (2003). Title 40, vol. 21, section 156.10(a)(6)(i): Directions for use. Code of Federal Regulations. Water Chemistry (2011). Swim king. 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