health risks of swimming pool
In sustained swimming pools and spa pools people may be at risk from pollutions caused by a number of microbes of naturally present on our hair or skin or in our ears, mouths, noses,
colonic and uro-genital tracts. The infections may be transmitted by inadequately treated pool water or surfaces
BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common disease causing agent associated with waterborne disease
outbreaks. It is an opportunistic pathogen and has been identified as the causative agent of eye, ear and skin
infections. Its normal habitats are water, soil and vegetation but may also be of human origin. Although
relatively resistant to a range of disinfectants, chlorination of normal swimming pools should be sufficient to kill
the bacterium. However, in environments which are peculiar to spas such as water turbulence, elevated
temperature and heavy bather-loads, considerably greater care is needed to ensure their safe operation and the
eradication of this organism.
Legionella spp. causes a serious pneumonic disease known as Legionnaires' disease and a less debilitating
disease called Pontiac fever. They are found in the natural environment, such as soil, rivers, lakes and creeks.
The great majority of outbreaks have been associated with air conditioning cooling systems although spa pools
have also been implicated. Legionellosis is caused through inhalation of contaminated aerosols.
Coagulase positive staphylococci have been regularly isolated from swimming pools and spa pools as they
are normal microflora of the skin, ear and nose. These microorganisms can cause skin infections, such as
boils, carbuncles and wound infections. They are fairly resistant to disinfection but have not been shown to be a
public health problem in well maintained pools.
Mycobacterium marinum causes chronic skin ulceration known as "swimming pool granuloma" which may
last up to three years if untreated.
Shigella, Salmonella and Campylobacter have been implicated as causative agents of gastrointestinal diseases but outbreaks as a result of swimming are uncommon.
