Pool Users Research Articles

Lay people expect social modernization will bring more societal well-being: the relation between expected societal development, communion, agency and subjective well-being

BackgroundPrevious studies showed that lay people see modernization as a threat to social fabric because it will make people less warm and moral. The purpose of this paper is to describe lay people’s understanding of the effects of different types of modernization. Specifically, we checked how social, economic, technological and conventional development are expected to influence communion, agency and well-being in the future society.MethodsWe conducted three cross-sectional studies using online surveys. Prolific participant pool users over 18 years of age that held Canadian citizenship and resided in Canada were eligible to take part in the study in exchange for financial compensation. T-tests and linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical package.ResultsParticipants expected that people in future society will have lower well-being than today. Technological modernization was expected to decrease communion and well-being but increase agency in the future, while social modernization was expected to strengthen societal communion, agency and well-being.ConclusionLay people believe that different types of modernization will have different effects on society. Whereas technological progress is viewed ambivalently, social development is seen as uniformly positive for well-being of society. In order to counter pessimism about the future, policy makers should focus on social development while striving to mitigate negative social aspects of technological advancements.

Sanitary Surveillance Program for pools in Matosinhos, Portugal

Abstract The use of pools for sports, recreational, and therapeutic activities has increased over time. It is important to ensure and control the quality of the water and surrounding areas, as well as the hygienic-sanitary conditions of these spaces. The ‘2018 Pool Sanitary Surveillance Program’ of the Portuguese Northern Regional Health Administration proposes the surveillance of water quality, teaching accessories, and surfaces. The aim of this investigation is to conduct microbiological analysis of the teaching accessories and surfaces in public pools in the municipality of Matosinhos and assess if this program has improved the results for water quality, teaching accessories, and surfaces from 2018 to 2023. The environmental health team of our Public Health Unit performed swabs of the teaching accessories and surfaces of all seven public pools in Matosinhos for microbiological analysis. The swabs were performed in 2018 (21), 2019 (48) and 2023 (42). During each visit, three random points were selected for analysis. In 2019, 31 rugs (64,6%) were analysed, but in 2023 only 10 (23,8%) were rugs. It was found that rugs had the highest contamination by P. aeruginosa (94,4%), fungi (60,8%), and the only sample with coagulase-positive Staphylococci. There was a decrease in samples from twelve to six with P. aeruginosa and an increase from 22 (46.8%) to 29 (69.0%) with fungi from 2019 to 2023. Bacterial colonies grew in 20 samples (95.2%) in 2018, 44 (91,6%) in 2019, and 42 (100%) in 2023. All water samples collected for the evaluation of microbiological parameters outlined obtained compliant results. Fungal and P. aeruginosa detection indicate a potential risk to the health of pool users. A quality report with corrective measures was produce for each pool in each visit. Surveillance of pool water, teaching materials and surrounding surfaces, is crucial to ensure water quality and safety. By doing so, we may lower the risk of disease transmission and protect the population’s health. Key messages • To ensure the safety of pool users is a public health challenge. It would be relevant to have legislation that addresses this issue. • To survey pools and its surroundings and accessories must be a continuous task, allied with literacy to management and users.

Willingness-to-Pay for Blue Ecosystem Services of Natural Pools in Sri Lanka: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Ecosystem services offered by freshwater ecosystems, in the form of natural pools have not been fully realized by the public, which has led to limited attention on the conservation of these pools. This study therefore was conducted to investigate the user preferences for sustainable enhancement of recreational values of natural pools and their immediate environment. A total of 320 local users of natural pools located in Rangala and Nillambe were surveyed as the sample. A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) was employed to elicit the preference and user Willingness to Pay (WTP). The Marginal Willingness to Pay (MWTP) for the improvement of recreational values of natural pools was estimated using a conditional logit (CL) model. Outcomes of the WTP disclosed a clear preference hierarchy for various enhancements and contributions. Users were willing to pay Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) 297.6 to reduce the environmental damage by 50% and LKR 84.4 to raise the community income by 20%. The option to have a higher number of recreational activities was highly valued. Respondents were willing to pay a value of LKR 554.8 per year for the multiple benefits provided by the pool ecosystems. Conclusively, the study suggested that efforts to upgrade these natural pools should prioritise income generation, broadening of recreational activities and environmental conservation, in line with respondents’ inclinations.

The Effect of Swimming Pool Water Quality on Health Complaints of Child Athletes Using the Swimming Pool (FIKK UNY)

The study aims to determine the effect of swimming pool water quality on the health complaints of children and athletes using the FIKK UNY swimming pool. The research method used was descriptive correlational research. Primary data collection techniques include observation, questionnaires, and interviews, as well as secondary data obtained from books, journals, literature, documentation, and theses related to this research. This research was conducted at the FIKK UNY swimming pool with a population of all children's swimming athletes who use the FIKK UNY swimming pool, as many as 75 children. The sample was determined by random sampling, which amounted to 50 children who were given a questionnaire several times in January 2024. The data analysis techniques used in this research are descriptive analysis and inferential analysis using the SPSS version 26.0 computer program. The results showed that: 1) The description of the water quality of the FIKK UNY swimming pool is in the high value category (meeting health requirements) (64%); 2) The description of user health complaints at the FIKK UNY swimming pool is in the high value category (no health complaints) (56%); 3) Swimming pool water quality has a positive and significant influence on health complaints of child athletes using the FIKK UNY swimming pool (significance value α = 0.00 0.05). Based on the results of the study, the authors suggest to swimming pool managers that they pay attention to the quality of their swimming pool water so that it meets the requirements of PermenKES RI Number 32 of 2017 concerning swimming pool water management, which includes physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Parties related to swimming pools are expected to provide counseling on the importance of swimming pool water quality for child athletes in particular and all pool users in general.

Sharia Swimming Pool: A Practice and the Factors that Affect Consumers

The swimming pool is a part of tourism, entertainment, and sports activities. The development of halal tourism demands swimming pool facilities that can better meet Sharia principles that benefit Muslim consumers. This study aims to reveal Sharia swimming pool management practices and explore why its customers choose Sharia swimming pools over conventional swimming pools. This research was conducted to reveal the halal lifestyle that has penetrated halal tourism, including swimming pools based on Sharia principles. This study uses a phenomenological approach to reveal the phenomenon of swimming pool practices and factors that affect its customers. This study interviewed 15 people with characteristics of high-intensity Sharia swimming pool use. It revealed that Islamic pool management practices include rules for members to enter, swimwear, facilities, and services provided. This study explores the factors influencing Islamic pool consumers by grouping them internally and externally. Internal factors impacting Sharia swimming pool users include comfort, halal lifestyle, and health. At the same time, the support of facilities, encouragement from others, and unpleasant experiences in public or traditional swimming pools are part of external factors. This study is expected to become a reference for Sharia swimming pool management practices and evidence of the findings of factors that encourage consumers to choose Sharia swimming pools.

Pseudomonas Infection Outbreak Associated with a Hotel Swimming Pool - Maine, March 2023.

Treated recreational water venues (e.g., pools and hot tubs) located at hotels represent one third of sources of reported treated recreational water-associated outbreaks; when these outbreaks are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, they predominantly occur during January-April. On March 8, 2023, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) initiated an investigation in response to reports of illness among persons who had used a swimming pool at hotel A during March 4-5. A questionnaire was distributed to guests who were at hotel A during March 1-7. Among 35 guests who responded, 23 (66%) developed ear pain, rash, or pain or swelling in feet or hands within days of using the pool during March 4-5. P. aeruginosa, a chlorine-susceptible bacterium, was identified in cultures obtained from skin lesions of three patients; a difference of two single nucleotide polymorphisms was found between isolates from two patients' specimens, suggesting a common exposure. Hotel A management voluntarily closed the pool, and Maine CDC's Health Inspection Program identified multiple violations, including having no disinfectant feeder system, all of which had been identified during a previous inspection. Because chlorine had been added to the pool water after the pool was voluntary closed, environmental samples were not collected. The pool remained closed until violations were addressed. Health departments can play an important role in reducing the risk for outbreaks associated with hotel pools and hot tubs. This reduction in risk can be achieved by collaborating with operators to ensure compliance with public health codes, including maintaining chlorine concentration and otherwise vigilantly managing the pool, and by disseminating prevention messages to pool and hot tub users.

Awareness of people using municipal swimming pools about the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of athlete's foot and onychomycosis before COVID-19.

Superficial mycosis is one of the most common diseases worldwide; however, its epidemiology is changing over time. To present the awareness of people using swimming pools about athlete's foot and onychomycosis. A total of 690 participants were subjected to an extensive survey administered via Google Documents. The questionnaire consisted of 30 online polling items and aimed to evaluate respondents' knowledge pertaining to fungal infections, encompassing aspects such as prevention strategies, disease trajectory, and therapeutic modalities. The survey sample specifically encompassed students and sports enthusiasts associated with 33 Internet groups, and data collection transpired during the period spanning 12 January to 15 March, 2018, predating the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, 85.2% of participants regularly inspected their feet, with 4.8% seeking podiatric services. While 75.2% demonstrated hygienic behaviour by changing towels after each pool visit, 41.4% acknowledged sharing nail tools. Notably, 75.7% preferred professional assistance for symptoms, with 24.3% opting for home remedies. Gender disparities were evident, with women showing significantly better hygiene practices and pool usage than men (p < 0.001). Women also exhibited a stronger tendency to disinfect grooming tools and prioritise sterility during beautician services (p < 0.001). These findings emphasise the importance of gender-specific health behaviour analysis in promoting preventive measures. The study highlights onychomycosis as a significant societal concern. Pre-COVID-19, awareness among municipal swimming pool users regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatment of athlete's foot and onychomycosis was insufficient.

Rainwater Quality Analysis for Its Potential Recovery: A Case Study on Its Usage for Swimming Pools in Poland

This paper describes the possibility of using rainwater for filling artificial swimming pools in Poland. The overall purpose of this study is to understand whether the quality of rainwater collected from roofs would be suitable for use in the swimming pools without any additional treatment. The rainwater samples were collected from five areas in the Silesian region and analysed for a number of physico-chemical parameters. The results show that the content of nitrates met Polish standards, whereas the standards set for pH and turbidity would only be met after the water had undergone the treatment process which takes place in every swimming pool installation. The paper further compares rainwater data from this study with the corresponding data for drinking water and groundwater. It shows that the content of ammonia, some metals (Ni, Cr and Mn) and a semimetal are in line with the parameters used for drinking water and are a lot lower compared to those set for groundwater. However, the results indicated some possible consequences which might be harmful for swimming pool users. These include the adverse effects of zinc and other organic micropollutants which are classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). These may form dangerous byproducts in the presence of the chlorine, the use of which is required by the standards to be applied for swimming pool disinfection purposes.

Lifetime exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and swimming pool attendance are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a Multicase-Control Study in Spain (MCC-Spain)

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) etiology is poorly understood, and carcinogenic chemicals in drinking and recreational water are candidates.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between drinking-water exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) and nitrate as well as lifetime swimming pool attendance and CLL.MethodsDuring 2010–2013, hospital-based CLL cases and population-based controls were recruited in Spain, providing information on residential histories, type of water consumed and swimming pool attendance. Average THMs and nitrate levels in drinking water were linked to lifetime water consumption. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using mixed models.ResultsFinal samples for residential tap water analyses and swimming pool attendance analyses were 144 cases/1230 controls and 157 cases/1240 controls, respectively. Mean (SD) values for average lifetime residential brominated THMs and chloroform in tap water (μg/L), and ingested nitrate (mg/day) were 48.1 (35.6), 18.5 (6.7) and 13.7 (9.6) respectively in controls; and 72.9 (40.7), 17.9 (5.4), and 14.1 (8.8) in CLL cases. For each 10 μg/L increase of brominated THMs and chloroform lifetime-average levels, the ORs (95% CI) were 1.22 (1.14, 1.31) and 0.54 (0.34, 0.87), respectively. For each 5 mg/day increase of ingested nitrate, the OR of CLL was 0.91 (0.80, 1.04). The OR of lifetime pool users (vs. non-users) was 2.38 (1.61, 3.52). Upon performing annual frequency of attending pools analysis through categorization, the second and third categories showed an ORs of 2.36 (1.49, 3.72) and 2.40 (1.51, 3.83), respectively, and P-trend of 0.001.Impact statementThis study identifies an association of long-term exposure to THMs in drinking water, at concentrations below the regulatory thresholds and WHO guidelines, and swimming pool attendance, with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These unprecedented findings are highly relevant since CLL is an incurable cancer with still unknown etiology and because the widespread exposure to chlorination by-products that remain in drinking and recreational water worldwide. Despite the demonstrated carcinogenicity in animals of several chlorination by-products, little is known about their potential risks on human health. This study makes a significant contribution to the search for environmental factors involved in the etiology of CLL and to the evidence of the health impact of these high prevalent water contaminants.

Full-scale multisampling and empirical modeling of DBPs in water and air of indoor pools.

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed in the water in swimming pools due to reactions between disinfectants (chlorine, bromine, ozone) and the organic matter introduced by bathers and supply water. High concentrations of DBPs are also reported in the air of indoor swimming pools. Based on a robust multisampling program, the levels and variations of DBPs in the air (trichloramine [TCAM] and trihalomethanes [THMs]) and water (THM) were assessed, as well as their precursors (total organic carbon, water temperature, pH, free, and total chlorine) and proxies (CO2 and relative humidity) in four indoor chlorinated swimming pools. High-frequency sampling was conducted during one high-attendance day for each pool. This study focused on parameters that are easy to measure in order to develop models for predicting levels of THMs and TCAM in the air. The results showed that the number of bathers had an important impact on the levels of THMs and TCAM, with a two-to-three-fold increase in air chloroform (up to 110 μg/m3) and a two-to-four-fold increase in TCAM (up to 0.52 mg/m3) shortly after pools opened. The results of this study for the first time showed that CO2 and relative humidity can serve as proxies for monitoring variations in airborne THMs and TCAM. Our results highlight the good predictive capacity of the developed models and their potential for use in day-to-day monitoring. This could help optimize and control DBPs formation in the air of indoor swimming pools and reduce contaminant exposure for both pool employees and users.

Energy-Saving Scenarios of an Existing Swimming Pool with the Use of Simple In Situ Measurement

Swimming is a good form of physical activity that keeps swimmers fit and healthy. In countries with cold climates, swimming is allowed only indoors. Since adequate water and air parameters must be ensured in these buildings, they are very energy-consuming. In new buildings, modern solutions can be used, thanks to which technologically advanced energy-saving systems can be used. Unfortunately, in existing buildings, it is not always possible to make technical changes, or they are associated with high financial expenses. In this article, a method of in situ measurement of selected air parameters is proposed, on the basis of which it is possible to suggest scenarios for changes in the control of air technology and parameters in order to achieve energy savings. The easy measurement method was applied in a typical swimming pool building, and energy-saving measurements were taken on the first day to obtain a baseline. Seven scenarios were analyzed that would lead to a reduction in energy consumption without the introduction of new elements into the facility. The main task was to find a solution that ensured adequate thermal comfort in the building. Significant energy savings were achieved in each scenario: 6–47% compared to measured energy consumption. To improve the energy efficiency of swimming pools, especially in the current energy crisis related to the economic and political situation, all methods for reducing the energy demand are desirable. The proposed assessment method will allow for energy-consuming elements and allow for changes in the use of equipment in the swimming pool building. However, the main objective is to maintain the thermal comfort of swimming pool users, as no savings can be achieved at the expense of worsening the feeling of building users.

Can fish scales be a potential source of pathogenic microorganisms for human health

Abstract: Resistance of fish to diseases in natural conditions is much higher than in artificial breeding conditions. The appearance of pathogenic bacterial flora in fish in combination with dangerous parasites is the result of a biocenotic imbalance. One of the factors causing fish diseases are abiotic factors. Human interference in fish farming (e.g. feeding, fertilizing, aeration) sometimes also disturbs this balance. Decaying food and plant debris promote putrefactive processes and the creation of favorable conditions for pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and also specific protozoa that threaten fish health and often lead to their sleep. Being in the natural environment, fish carry diseases between themselves and other organisms living in the aquatic environment, such as snails, crayfish, etc. Catching from natural conditions to artificial conditions for culinary and demonstration purposes (domestic aquariums or in zoos) can cause many dangerous zoonoses for humans. The review of the work discusses the main fish diseases induced by bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens found on fish scales that can cause zoonotic diseases in humans. Therefore, their knowledge of the scales, their color, shape and stiffness may indicate specific fish diseases caused by the pathogenic microorganisms described in this paper. The most frequently mentioned pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacterial agents isolated from fish include: mycobacteria (Mycobacterium spp.), streptococci (Streptococcus iniae), vibrio vulnificus (Vibrio spp.), Aeromonas spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum and many more. Careless aquarists who do not follow certain hygiene rules may become victims of opportunistic bacteria. The aim of the article is to present the current state of knowledge regarding fish diseases and their health implications for humans. Typically, ichthyosis infections are most common among aquarists and swimming pool users. Knowledge about human infections caused by fish scales is insufficient, diagnostic procedures are late and often ineffective, and therapy is long and difficult. Tropical fish placed on the market in an aquarium should have a certificate that they are free from mycobacteria and other potential diseases that threaten human health and life. Therefore, this study clarifies these issues

Dynamic behavior of gas-phase NCl3 and CO2 in indoor pool facilities

The presence of gas-phase trichloramine (NCl3) in indoor swimming pool facilities is associated with adverse health outcomes among swimmers and other pool users, as well as degradation of pool infrastructure. Given their similarities in terms of volatility (i.e., Henry's law constant), the dynamic behaviors of NCl3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air above indoor pools were postulated to be similar. Experiments were conducted to characterize and quantify the dynamic behavior of gas-phase NCl3 and CO2 in a mechanically ventilated swimming pool facility. The results of these time-course measurements allowed for examination of the effects of background water circulation and swimmer-induced mixing on the dynamics of both compounds in the air space above an indoor swimming pool. Measured gas-phase NCl3 concentrations exceeded the suggested guideline values of 300 μg/m3 or 500 μg/m3 during periods of heavy use. Measured gas-phase CO2 concentration followed a similar dynamic pattern as gas-phase NCl3; gas-phase CO2 concentrations often exceeded 1000 ppmv during swimming meets. Mass balance models for gas-phase NCl3 and CO2 were developed to relate the characteristics of the indoor pool environment to their dynamics. The results of these modeling efforts indicated that the similarity of CO2 transfer behavior to NCl3 may allow the use of CO2, which can be measured with low-cost infrared gas sensors, as a control parameter for NCl3. Moreover, the models that were developed to describe the dynamic behaviors of these volatile compounds may serve as tools for pool design, optimization of pool operations, and control of their mechanical ventilation systems.

Health-related behaviors and associated factors among swimming pool users in Kombolcha Town, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Unhealthy behaviors during swimming exposes at risk of recreational water-associated diseases. The swimming pool users are the high-risk group for getting and transmitting the diseases. Thus, conducting a study on swimming pool users' health-related behaviors is crucial to prevent the transmission of recreational water-associated diseases. This cross-sectional study was employed among 140 randomly selected swimming pool users from April 1st to 30th, 2021 in Kombolcha Town. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and an on-the-spot-observational checklist. The collected data were entered to EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for data cleaning and analysis. Determinants of health-related behaviors were identified by using a multivariable logistic regression model at a p-value < 0.05. The overall good health-related behavior among swimming pool users was 41.4% (95% CI: 33.6-49.3). Out of the total 140 swimming pool users, 55% (95% CI: 46.4-62.9) had good knowledge about health risks during swimming. Good knowledge about health risks during swimming (AOR = 9.64; 95% CI: 3.14-29.61), educational status of college or above (AOR = 6.52; 95% CI: 1.76-24.10) and age being > 28 years (AOR = 6.49; 95% CI: 2.34-18) were factors significantly associated with good health-related behaviors. The finding of the study showed that the majority of the swimming pool users had poor health-related behaviors. Thus, Kombolcha Town Health Bureau and swimming pool managers should give attention to this population to enhance health-related behaviors through addressing the significant predictors.

The Quality Assessment of Selected Public Recreational Waters in Sango-Ota Metropolis, Nigeria

The evaluation of selected public swimming pools within Sango-Ota metropolis was done to determine whether the pools adapt to the recommended WHO standard for swimming pool water. Six pools were selected based on the average population per use and user ratings. A total of 12 water samples were analysed physicochemical and microbial qualities using standard methods. The physicochemical characterization results are as follows; pH, 5.00 - 5.73 with mean value of 5.3; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), 44.00 - 48.50 mg/L with mean 46.0 mg/L; Alkalinity, 24.00 - 28.50 mg/L with mean 26.0 mg/L; total hardness, 0.80 - 1.23 mg/L with mean 1.0 mg/L; iron, 0.05 – 0.69 mg/L with mean 0.3 mg/L; residual chlorine, 1.06 – 3.25 mg/L with mean 1.9 mg/L. The microbial characterization results are as follows; Zero count for Salmonella-shigella; Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC),1360 - 7270 cfu/mL; Escherichia coli count, 0 - 7 cfu/mL; coliform count, 2 – 25 cfu/mL. The isolated microorganisms from the pools were Escherichia coli, Proteus Vulgaris, Yersinia Enterocolitica, Proteus Mirabilis, Citrobacter Freundi and Vibro Chlorea occurred in 8.33%, respectively while Klebsiella Pneumonia, Entrobacter Aerogenes, Pseudonomas sp. occurred 16.67%. The pH of the analysed pools didn’t comply with the WHO standards while other physicochemical parameters conform to the standard except for pools C and F which had a higher concentration of iron. However, the existence of pathogenic microorganisms in the pools classified them as unsafe for swimming activities. This study recommends routine testing and comprehensive treatments with respect to regulatory standards. Pool managers should strictly adhere to the bathing load limit and ensure the pool users take shower before using the swimming pools to forestall the outbreak of waterborne diseases

Identification of Potential Harmful Transformation Products of Selected Micropollutants in Outdoor and Indoor Swimming Pool Water.

This paper presents the estimation of micropollutant decomposition effectiveness and the identification of transformation intermediates formed during selected processes used in the treatment of swimming pool water. Tests were carried out under both indoor and outdoor conditions to simulate the removal of contaminants in different types of pool water basins. Model swimming pool water spiked with caffeine, carbamazepine, bisphenol A and oxadiazon were subjected to chlorination, ozonation, UV radiation, and artificial and sun lightening, carried out as single or combined processes. It was noted that organic micropollutants decompose faster during exposure to natural sunlight than artificial lighting. Caffeine and carbamazepine belong to compounds that are resistant to single ozone or light decomposition. Bisphenol A was completely removed by the action of the chlorination agent NaOCl. The highest compound removal degrees were noted for the integrated action of natural sunlight, NaOCl and O3. This process allows also for the decomposition of all caffeine and oxadiazon decomposition by-products that potentially are toxic to swimming pool users.

Swimming Pool Regulations in the COVID-19 Era: Assessing Acceptability and Compliance in Greek Hotels in Two Consecutive Summer Touristic Periods

The COVID-19 pandemic has urged many countries to issue new regulations to assure safety in pool environments. Greece enforced stricter requirements in 2020 and 2021 for hotel pools. However, even though regulations are important, they can only be effective when accepted by the pool managers and users. The aim of this study was to (a) assess the acceptability of the regulations by hotel managers; (b) assess compliance during the summer touristic periods in 2020 and 2021; and (c) identify challenges during the implementation of the regulations that need to be addressed. Several non-compliances from the regulations were identified. Continuous chlorination with an automatic chlorinator was not a regular practice and suggested water circulation rates were poorly met. The microbiological and chemical testing frequency of the pool water and keeping the number of bathers allowed per surface area in the pool were reported as the most difficult requirements to meet. Most pool managers agreed that new measures contribute to the pool users’ safety; however, they reported increased cost as the main impediment for their implementation. The modernization of regulations governing swimming pools’ function, in terms of risk assessment orientation, will contribute to the adoption of an integrated compliance strategy on emerging health issues, such as COVID-19.

Temporal and spatial variations in the levels of prominent airborne disinfection by-products at four indoor swimming pools

Exposure to airborne disinfection by-products, especially trichloramine and trichloromethane, may cause various adverse health effects for the workers and users of indoor swimming pools. This study aims to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations in trichloramine and trichloromethane concentrations within and between swimming pools. Workplace measurements were carried out at four indoor swimming pools in Quebec (Canada) during the cold season. To fully represent daily operating conditions, sampling started 2 hr before the swimming pool opened and continued until 2 hr after closing. To quantify trichloramine and trichloromethane concentrations, 304 air samples have been collected. Temperature, humidity, and CO2 were measured—simultaneously every 2 hr. The results showed that both trichloramine and trichloromethane concentrations varied significantly in time. The observed daily variations in trichloramine and trichloromethane concentrations suggest that the common practice of collecting a single 2-hr air sample does not represent daily pool trichloramine and trichloromethane contamination levels and, consequently, does not represent the true exposure and health risks for workers that are present for a full 8-hr shift. This study recommends a new 8-hr sampling strategy or a full-shift strategy using a cassette with three impregnated filters as a valid and cost-effective solution for comparing time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations to permissible trichloramine exposure limits.

DETERMINATION OF SATISFACTION LEVELS OF SWIMMING POOL USERS AND INVESTIGATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE

Aim: The aim of this study is; determination of the satisfaction level of the users of Semi-Olympic Indoor Swimming Pool owned by the Yozgat Youth and Sports Directorate and investigation of quality of their life. 299 volunteers that use swimming pool in October, November and December 2018 participated in the Research. Research methodology: In this study, descriptive research model was used to determine demographic characteristics, quality of life and satisfaction levels of the participants. Relational research model was used to examine the relationship between the quality of life and satisfaction levels of the participants. The data obtained from the study were transferred to SPSS 22.0 package program. In the process of data analysis; in order to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants frequency analysis is used, independent groups t-test is used for binary groups, and one-way variance analysis, ANOVA analysis, is used for three or more groups. Pearson's correlation test was performed to determine the relationship between two variables (Sports Facilities Satisfaction and Quality of Life). The level of statistical significance was determined (p&gt; 0.05) in the tests. Findings: According to the findings, men use the facility more than women, men are more satisfied than women, women have lower quality of life than men in general, and there is a statistical difference between income status and satisfaction variables. Research limitations: The study group consists of users of the Yozgat semi-Olympic swimming pool in December, November and October 2018. It will be more productive to work on more pool users and for a longer period of time. Practical implications: High relationship between the quality of life sub-dimensions was observed positively, although the High relationship between the quality of life and the satisfaction of the facility was not observed positively. In addition, a higher correlation was observed between physical health and facility satisfaction than others. Originality/Value: This study is considered valuable as an example since there is not enough research between satisfaction of pool users and their quality of life.

Event-based MILP models for ridepooling applications

Ridepooling services require efficient optimization algorithms to simultaneously plan routes and pool users in shared rides. We consider a static dial-a-ride problem (DARP) where a series of origin-destination requests have to be assigned to routes of a fleet of vehicles. Thereby, all requests have associated time windows for pick-up and delivery, and may be denied if they can not be serviced in reasonable time or at reasonable cost. Rather than using a spatial representation of the transportation network we suggest an event-based formulation of the problem, resulting in significantly improved computational times. While the corresponding MILP formulations require more variables than standard models, they have the advantage that capacity, pairing and precedence constraints are handled implicitly. The approach is tested and validated using a standard IP-solver on benchmark data from the literature. Moreover, the impact of, and the trade-off between, different optimization goals is evaluated on a case study in the city of Wuppertal (Germany).