MICROORGANISMS IN POOL WATER

Abstract

Recreation is the road that leads to the preservation of health. Today, more than ever, human health is threatened by a lack of physical activity and poor diet. The growing presence of sedentary lifestyle results in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease which make good enough reason to change our behavior and introduce physical activity into everyday life. Physically active patients their cardiovascular risk of death can reduce by 50%66. Pool water is of great importance in achieving physical activity and maintaining and improving the health of individuals. However, the presence of microorganisms in the pool water can pose a significant risk to the user’s health. Contamination of pool water by microorganisms can occur in the absence of adequate disinfection, but also due to unhygienic behavior of pool facilities users. Urine, saliva, sweat and feces are the secretions of the human body that can be potential sources of microorganisms in the pool water, as a result of unhygienic behavior. It is believed that microbial contamination of pool water represents the biggest health risk to users. Therefore, priority is always given to microbiological safety in relation to chemical safety, as confirmed by the World Health Organization. Our study was aimed to determine the presence of unhygienic behavior of users by detecting the presence of microorganisms in adequately treated pool water. In two years, total of 46 samples of pool water were analyzed, by 23 samples in each year of the study. Microbiological analyzes included the determination of the presence of coliform bacteria and the total number of aerobic bacteria. Results of microbiological testing showed the presence of Escherichia coli, as a typical representative of coliform bacteria, in 2 samples. Escherichia coli, if found in pool water which is properly treated, clearly indicates unhygienic behavior of the users. In relation to the total number of aerobic bacteria, the results, in 4 out of 46 samples, showed deviation compared to the limit values defined by the legislation. Based on study results, we can conclude that unhygienic behavior of pool facilities users is present, which clearly confirms the identification of Escherichia coli in the samples. The fact is that legislation does not guarantee proper safety of the pool water, but serves only as an indicator of its quality. The absence of microorganisms, originating from swimmers, can be achieved only by adequate education, which aims to raise awareness and knowledge about the importance of hygienic behavior. It is essential that education includes all population groups in order to achieve the best results.