Water play equipment of all shapes and sizes poses a huge hygiene challenge to swimming pool operators.
Sealed inflatables are plugged to prevent air escaping. Constant-flow inflatables, which can be big and complex, have an air blower permanently connected and running when the inflatable is in use.
The materials of construction often allow water absorption and thus colonisation of bacteria on inner surfaces. Effective internal is difficult and not very successful, so each time they are used they can provide an additional source of bacteria in the pool water. In order to minimise this, where possible only closed cell materials should be used and they should be cleaned regularly so that the exterior surfaces remain free from bacteria.
RUBBER RINGS
Armbands, rubber rings, toys and inflatables may also be constructed of materials conducive to bacterial growth.
Where the exterior surfaces are inadequately disinfected, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can proliferate and then contaminate the pool water. If water can get inside the object the problem becomes even worse as it is virtually impossible to disinfect adequately.
There have been problems with the large constant-flow inflatables; they are obviously very difficult to dry inside and out and to disinfect. When children slide down such an inflatable colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa their skin will be exposed to contamination with consequent risk of infection particularly if they have any abrasions. There have been cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis associated with such inflatables. For this reason pool operators are advised to use sealed pool inflatables instead.
All swimming aids and play equipment should be disinfected regularly to minimise the potential for bacterial growth. The simplest method for fixed items is to ensure disinfected water is circulated over or through them. In the case of toys, swimming aids and inflatable play equipment, it is very important to avoid storing moist equipment on the pool surround. Instead, items should air dried where possible, off the ground but avoiding stacking.
They should be disinfected from time to time in a solution of at least 10mg/l free chlorine for 20 minutes, then air dried. If equipment has been contaminated with faeces, a 50mg/l solution should be used.
SWIMMING AIDS
It is important when purchasing swimming aids and play equipment to select those that do not readily get wet internally, that are easy to clean and disinfect, and can be stored dry.
Inflatables too big to be laid out unfolded for cleaning are unsuitable, as are toys with valves or openings that allow water inside.
It is important when purchasing swimming aids and play equipment to select those that do not readily get wet internally, that are easy to clean and disinfect, and can be stored dry.
Inflatables too big to be laid out unfolded for cleaning are unsuitable, as are toys with valves or openings that allow water inside.
To learn more visit the technical notes page on the PWTAG website: www. pwtag.org
