Water hygiene: leisure centres and gyms

Water hygiene is one of the most important considerations when it comes to the smooth running of swimming pool facilities in leisure centres and gyms.

In addition to smooth running, there are also legal procedures that should be followed to ensure the facility is suitable for public use. This guidance is laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

 

What are the legal restrictions of water hygiene?

Duty holders for these facilities must comply with the HSE’s ACoP L8 and hold HSG274 supporting documents. This ensures the responsible people have the knowledge and documentation to comply with legal domestic water system regulations. Following this, the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group also lays out quality standards that spas and pools alike must follow. These guidelines are supported by the HSE’s HSG282.

 

Pool hygiene isn’t the only important area of water hygiene…

As well as maintaining standards of swimming pools, many other gym facilities involve water and therefore also demand its safe upkeep. Examples include spas, drinking fountains and hot tubs. The same level of pool hygiene should be applied to these facilities also. This is particularly crucial as these areas – if untreated – act as breeding ground for legionella bacteria.

 

How does poor water hygiene cause legionnaire’s disease?

A build up of legionella bacteria can develop into legionnaire’s disease in humans, which causes nasty symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial that any water tanks and pools are thoroughly cleaned and treated to prevent this disease.

Legionella is a natural bacterium that is organically found in natural water systems such as lakes as well as man-made water systems such as reservoirs. It typically breeds in conditions between 20*C and 45*C. Because of this is has previously been recommended that water systems are kept at 60*C, however, more recent research has demonstrated that some waterbourne bacteria such as Legionella can actually survive at this temperature also…

Therefore, now the HSE advises to keep water stores below 20*C at lower temperatures. However, this must include a water-system that is well maintained and has copper silver ionisation. The reason for the newly recommended lower temperature is that the colder conditions decrease the activity of the bacteria. The copper silver ionisation is also recommended to control the bacteria on a more chemical level.

 

Which other water systems need consideration?

As well as previously mentioned water coolers and spas, the water hygiene in showers in commercial areas should also be considered. Due to the number of people using showers pre and post workout or swim, this makes them another key area for legionella to spread.

Gyms and leisure centres should install water treatment methods that are reliable and hygienically proven. Then these systems should be thoroughly maintained to ensure a good level of hygiene in line with legislation. 

We hope this gives you a good understanding of water hygiene and why it is necessary as well as the key risk areas in which Legionella can spread.