Swimming Pool Operation

Abstract

Swimming pool operators are naturally desirous of making the use of the swimming pools under their control as pleasant and as safe as possible for those who use them. The swimmer thinks first of the convenience and appearance of the pool and its appurtenances, and of the temperature, clarity, odor and taste of the water. If these are satisfactory he is inclined to assume that the water is safe for use. In the design of pools at the present time more thought is given to convenience and appearance than was given in the past and a great deal more consideration is given to the devices which insure a safe water in the tanks. Fewer pools are now located in dark basement rooms, while more and more pools are constructed with plenty of provision for light, thus insuring greater attractiveness as well as better sanitary conditions. Design. A swimming pool should be constructed so that it can be kept clean easily. The tank should be watertight, of course, with walls of brick, stone or reinforced concrete, and it should have a smooth lining of enameled tile or similar material. All corners should be rounded to make cleaning easier. There should be no unnecessary obstruction of the sides by hand rails, steam pipes or other fixtures. The combined hand rail, expectoration and overflow trough should be used, and should extend entirely around the tank. It is well to give the bottom of the tank a kind of hopper-shape so that the deepest part of the pool may be where men from the diving board or platform will enter the water. The drain-pipe of the pool should be large. It should never be less than 4 inches in diameter. This will prevent an unnecessary waste of time when the pool is emptied. In some places quick-emptying devices are provided in case of accident. The pool water should enter through orifices near the surface