Qualitative Indicators of Water in Swimming Pools in Shahinshahr, Iran, in 2011

Swimming is an important exercise for the body and soul. Failure to comply with health standards can lead to health problems and the transmission of infectious diseases to swimmers. The aim of this study was to investigate the qualitative indicators of water in swimming pools in Shahinshahr, Iran, and compare them with the standards.
This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011-2012. From the 3 swimming pools in Shahinshahr, 288 water samples were collected during 4 months, once every 3 weeks. The parameters of residual chlorine, pH, turbidity, and temperature and microbial parameters such as heterotrophic bacteria, pseudomonas aeruginosa, total coliform, and fecal coliform were evaluated.
Findings: The results of the study showed that residual chlorine, pH, turbidity, and temperature were desirable in 36.11%, 13.88%, 52.77%, and 22.22% of samples, respectively. In addition, the population of total coliform, fecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria, and pseudomonas aeruginosa were in desirable ranges in 88.88%, 88.88%, 72.22%, and 86.11% of samples, respectively.
According to the results, the parameters of residual chlorine, temperature, and pH had the least compliance with the standards. This shows the necessity of continuous monitoring of physical and chemical parameters and disinfection of water in swimming pools.