POOL GROUP GUIDELINES ON SWIMMING POOL ATMOSPHERES
Chlorine still necessary: don’t rely on copper or silver

The promotion of inadequate copper and silver products instead of chlorine-based pool disinfectants has been criticised by the independent Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG).  PWTAG further condemns attempts to promote copper as a healthier, chlorine-free alternative for swimming pools and spas.

Copper and silver have had a limited use alongside chlorine for years. Copper is an effective algicide and silver inhibits bacterial growth. Together, they might cope with a domestic pool, although regular chlorination is usually required. But neither will act alone as the effective residual disinfectant necessary in a public swimming pool or spa pool to kill bugs introduced by bathers. PWTAG chairman Howard Gosling rejects claims that fly in the face of the facts. ‘A number of companies have been pushing these so-called “chlorine-free” alternatives recently. And they’ve been targeting public pools and spas. Copper sulphate alone, for example, is simply not up to the job. This approach is risky; pool operators should stick to chlorine for safety and proven effectiveness.’

PWTAG notes that copper or silver may be promoted alongside a range of other products – oxidisers, water softeners, stain removers etc – to compensate for the fact that chlorine is not used. And claims are made, for one copper sulphate product, that an un-named additive in it makes the copper more effective – against bacteria as well as algae. PWTAG recommends that manufacturers and promoters sponsor independent pool trials of microbiological and chemical effectiveness – before promoting products.

The asthma connection
PWTAG is also concerned that copper promotion attempts to cash in on a report linking chlorinated indoor pools with childhood asthma. The pool group does take the issue seriously. It is calling for the government to fund UK research on the subject, and to support the work of PWTAG, rather than allowing Sport England to withdraw grant aid. But PWTAG is confident that pools following its guidelines – especially on hydraulics, filtration, disinfection and ventilation – will be able to keep to a safe minimum the byproducts that can irritate bathers’ airways. This requires good training and careful operation – ideally to the BSI PAS 39 code of practice.                                                                                                                      

A healthy swim
The rule of thumb for bathers, according to Howard Gosling, is to use their sense of smell. ‘What causes problems is not chlorine, but a byproduct of chlorination that occasionally makes pool air smell bad and irritant. So if the air in the pool hall smells unpleasant, something may be wrong. Bathers might want to ask the pool manager about it. But as our book Swimming Pool Water demonstrates, there’s nothing wrong with chlorine if it’s properly used. And it’s certainly a mistake to switch to copper or silver. Or any other alternative that doesn’t have a pedigree established by proper tests. Better to make sure that bathers use the shower  as well as the toilet (first) before they swim. Then there would be less pollution for the chlorine to deal with, and fewer byproducts.’

About PWTAG
Individual members have a variety of skills relevant to water treatment. They represent Sport England, British Water, Institute of Sport & Recreation Management, Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association, Amateur Swimming Association, Department for Education and Skills, Ministry of Defence, British Association for Chemical Specialities, Royal Institute of British Architects, Water Management Society, Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, Department for the Environment Food & Rural Affairs, Department of Health, Royal Society for Chemistry, Health Protection Agency, Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers, Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Swimming Teachers Association.

SWIMMING POOL WATER Treatment & Quality Standards (ISBN 0 9517007 66) is £35 (UK), £45 (Overseas) including post and packing. It is 144 pages and distributed by Greenhouse Publishing (tel: +44 (0)1379 890721 or fax: +44 (0)1379 898244). Bulk supplies (in boxes of 33) are available from PWTAG's secretary.