MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SWIMMING POOL WATER AT HOTEL UNITS

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.813362304072

• Palavras-chave: Microbiological analysis; microbiological quality; pool water; fecal contamination indicators

• Keywords: Microbiological analysis; microbiological quality; pool water; fecal contamination indicators

• Abstract:

  The swimming pools are currently operated by public and private entities for the development of sports, recreational and therapeutic activities. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee the quality of the pool water, as they can be the cause of various pathologies.

  The objective of this work was to analyze the data from the microbiological evaluation of the water in the indoor and outdoor pools of hotels in mainland Portugal and Madeira in 2016, in order to verify the quality of the water.

  A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using outcome records from a northern laboratory. The microbiological parameters studied to characterize indoor and outdoor pool waters included viable microorganisms at 37ºC/24h, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus totals and Staphylococcus coagulase producers. The samples were characterized as compliant and non-compliant according to the reference intervals indicated in Normative Circular nº 14/DA of 08/21/2009 of the General Health Directorate.

  Of the total number of indoor pools (n=610) analyzed, 24.9% (n=152) were classified as non-compliant, with viable microorganisms at 37°C being the most frequent cause of non-compliances (n=103), followed by total coliforms (n=47) and Staphylococcus totals (n=42). For outdoor swimming pools (n=1982), 29.9% (n=592) were also classified as non-compliant, once again microorganisms viable at 37°C being the most frequent cause of non-compliances (n=419), followed by total coliforms (n=154).

  Indoor pools have a lower frequency of non-compliance compared to outdoor pools. The ambient temperature and the presence of dirt influence the microbiological quality of the water. These results also suggest that water treatment is not effective, indicating water pollution, with hygienic care being another factor that influences the microbiological quality of water. The determination of these parameters is useful for a constant monitoring of the microbiological quality of the water.