Swimming pool safety & water sampling
Every year, on average, 10-12 people drown in swimming pools in
the United Kingdom. Any drowning is a tragedy, more so since
most could be prevented by better precautions by pool operators,
greater care on the part of bathers or a combination of both.
Allerdale Borough Council sample swimming pools, spas and
paddling pool water, which members of the public have access to, in
the area for microbiological testing once a year. The samples are
taken to Carlisle Public Health Laboratory for analysis.
It is recommended in guidance that the Proprietor arrange for
such samples to be taken, once a month.
If unsatisfactory results are received by this department then
the results are discussed with the Proprietor and appropriate
remedial action is taken.
In addition, pool plant operators will be taking regular checks
of the chemical content of the water.
Good record keeping is very important to the pool
operator. The reason for good record keeping, particularly
for pool water records, can be driven by a number of factors:
- The possibility of litigation, e.g cloudy water
stated as a contributory factor to a serious accident;
- The client/contractor relationship that may have
served to increase accountability; or
- It could simply be a good manager wishing to
carry out his or her job better, recognising that customers expect
a quality, healthy, enjoyable swimming experience.
Further Guidance
The following publications offer further guidance on health and
safety in swimming pools:
Managing Health
and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) - Health & Safety
Commission/Sport England ISBN 00-7176-1388-7.
"Swimming Pool
Water -Treatment and Quality Standards" - Pool Water Treatment
Advisory Group ISBN 0 951 7007 66.