Application of the Swimming Pool Backwash Water Recovery System with the Use of Filter Tubes.

Waldemar Studziński,Weronika Osińska,Wojciech Poćwiardowski

doi:10.3390/molecules26216620

Abstract

During the operation of swimming pools, large losses of water from the backwash of swimming pool filters are observed. This water is often discharged into sewers or used to sprinkle sports grounds. The aim of the research was to design and build an installation for purification and recovery of backwash water (BWW). It consists of flocculation, pre-filtration, and ultrafiltration based on filter tubes and ozone disinfection. Backwash water treatment installation contributes to purification and improvement of water quality. The effectiveness of the removal of microbial contamination with the use of the system was over 99%. The high efficiency of removing physicochemical impurities was also achieved. Water turbidity was reduced from 96.9 NTU to 0.13 NTU. After using the system, the oxidability of water decreased from 6.26 mg O2∙dm−3 to 0.4 mg O2∙dm−3. When using the system, a reduction of total organic carbon by 80% was also noticed. After the treatment process, water meets the strict criteria and can be returned to the pool system of water as fresh water with parameters of supply water—directly to the overflow tank. It has been shown that up to 96% of water can be recovered with the technology. The cost comparison showed annual savings of over EUR 9000.

Highlights

The study performed an innovative installation for backwash water treatment
It was found that application of subsequent backwash water treatment processes in the following system: flocculation, pre-filtration, ultrafiltration and ozonation allows them to supply the swimming pool circuit
During the treatment of microbial contamination, a significant decrease in the values of colony-forming units (CFU) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed after the use of a pre-filter

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Taking into account the periodic water deficits and growing prices of water and sewage disposal, it is reasonable to use solutions enabling rational water management and reducing the costs of operating swimming pool facilities [1]. Pool water installations, more and more often, work in a closed circuit system, enabling the extension of the time of complete water change in the swimming pool basin for up to 1 year [2]. To ensure that the pool water meets parameters contained in the applicable standards, it is necessary to partially replace it with fresh tap water, appropriate mixed water treatment and ensure optimal flow through the pool basin [3,4,5,6]

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