Assessment of the Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Swimming Pool Water in Kashan, Iran, 2024

Background and purpose: Non-compliance with the principles of swimming pool water hygiene leads to health problems and the transmission of diseases to swimmers. Given the importance of water quality control, the present study examined the physical, chemical, and microbial quality of pool water. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, comprehensive microbial and chemical sampling was conducted on five active indoor swimming pools in Kashan, Iran. Samples were collected from each pool in four replicates. The parameters of residual free chlorine, temperature, turbidity, pH, heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliform, and total coliform were examined. Microbial and chemical sampling was performed weekly for one month, and the samples were tested according to standard methods. Results: In this study, 65% of the samples were within the standard pH range (7.2–7.8). Ninety percent of the samples had residual chlorine levels higher than 1 mg/l. Escherichia coli bacteria were not observed in any of the samples. Twenty percent of the samples had fecal coliform contamination in terms of most probable number (MPN). Ten percent of the samples had turbidity exceeding the permissible limit of 0.5 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU). The average temperature of the pools was calculated to be 30.99 C. Conclusion: The temperature of swimming pools in Kashan did not comply with the standard. Half of the microbial contamination cases occurred when the residual chlorine level was outside the standard range. According to the findings, it is necessary to continuously monitor residual chlorine levels and control pH to maintain the bacteriological quality of swimming pool water. It is recommended that swimming pools implement measures such as installing advanced disinfection systems, continuously monitoring pH and residual chlorine, and enhancing temperature control to prevent microbial contamination.