An overview of recent relevant research and knowledge By Alan Lewis

Pool and Spa owners and maintenance people are concerned about the need to keep the pool water safe and healthy at all times. Most know that the aim of disinfection is to kill pathogens in 50 seconds (WHO standards). This is all the time it takes to transmit diseases between bathers in a pool or spa. Such a requirement can often be found laid down in official regulations and guidelines.

There is however a general lack of awareness that pathogenic cells can be found present in most pool environments in two forms: “ Planktonic ” – floating in the water – and/or “ Sessile ” – attached to a wet surfaces.

A LURKING HEALTH HAZARD
A biofilm is a symbiotic community of microorganisms attached to a solid wet surface. It can include bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa and other microorganisms, some of which are likely to be pathogens. They happily colonise many household surfaces such as toilets, sinks, cutting boards, and more insidiously the linings of our water pipes – both supply and disposal. This is also why we are encouraged to clean our teeth everyday. Usually, the spa or pool owner / operator is not cognisant of their presence. No amount of shock treatments of disinfectants or UV, can remedy the situation. Not many pool services, technicians, chemists or consultants, are able to identify the real source of this phenomenon, as there is little or no ready evidence of its existence. Even fewer service people do much to either prevent the Biofilm from developing in the system, or offer an effective way of removing it once it has established itself.

In fact, once established, biofilms are incredibly difficult to remove since copious doses of biocides can impact on their surface only. The outer layer of dead organisms then acts to protect and feed the thriving community beneath. This is very like spraying a populous aphid colonisation on a rose bud. The spray will kill only those aphids that are actually exposed to the pesticide, while the inner protected layers will continue to feed off the bud. When these Biofilms develop in pipes we have no way of verifying their existence – and until recently, very little could be done to remove or prevent them.

DISCOVERY CAN BE DIFFICULT
State Health Departments and local government health bodies rarely legislate, act upon, or warn of these dangers in pools, until there is a critical event such as illness from, Legionella, Meningicoccal, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, or Cryptosporidiosis, which attract great concern because of their lethal portent. One way of discovering the existence of a Biofilm in a pool filtration system is by simply removing an inspection opening, or multi- port valve of the filter, and digging a hand into the media. The sand will feel sticky and slimy to the touch. In cases where filters have transparent inspection plates – a close look at the media is a much simpler way of monitoring this development, although immature Biofilms would not be visible to the naked eye. Generally we can assume that the Biofilm is there. How thick and dangerous it is, is another matter.

THE FALLACY OF LABORATORY TESTING
Over a century ago, Robert Koch showed the world how to isolate, study and grow pure cultures of microorganisms. Ever since, microbiologists have, like him, been able to discover, and isolate, the sources of many diseases and develop strategies to prevent contagion. This German Nobel prize winner discovered the source of the spread of Tubercolosis, (amongst others) and proposed ways of successfully eliminating it. The methodology he employed in discovering bacteria and studying them, are still used today in establishing whether or not samples of water taken from swimming pools or spas contain significant levels of pathogens which ultimately render that water unsafe for bathers.

Paradoxically, this has brought about the situation where these testing methods fail to expose the dangers lurking in the Biofilm – because, a sample taken from the pool might give no indication what so ever, of the presence of the millions of pathogens multiplying in this discrete layer. The dislodgment of conglomerates from the Biofilm is haphazard and irregular. Scientists studying Biofilms in air conditioning cooling towers found that 99% of the Legionella Bacteria exist in the Biofilm. One recommended spa decontamination procedure in the US requires treating the spa system with 100 ppm of free chlorine!! We know today that this would probably not dislodge the biolfilm effectively.

A NEW FOCUS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Since the early 1990s, many Universities around the world with Schools of Water Science, or Medical Research, devoted significant portion of their research resources to studies of the Biofilm in such areas as: the water supply, air conditioning systems, on our teeth or in our bodies. Some have even devoted studies to the build up of Biofilm in pools and spas. The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) in the UK produced a press release relating to the Biofilm, in 1999, when both a spa at a garden centre, and another at a flower show in Amsterdam – unused by bathers and lacking in disinfectant, contaminated visitors with Legionella.

THE STEALTHY BEGINNINGS OF A BIOFILM
Bathers using warm spas and pools, who neglect to shower before entering the water, contribute body oils, suntan lotion, make-up, hair products, and perspiration, to the poolwater. These materials are all nutrients, which accelerate the growth of the Biofilm. In fact it has been found that bacteria actually feed and breed vigorously in this protective Biofilm environment. As a Biofilm continues to grow, eventually unstable chunks break off into the circulating water stream. These contain huge numbers of potentially pathogenic cells which are quickly dispersed by the pumps throughout the pool. Spas are also equipped with jets and air blowers, which effervesce, and can aerosol infective organsims into the air above, where they can be inhaled by bathers. The vagaries of Legionella are well chronicled under these circumstances. *(Refer to an incident in the spa of the Collingwood Football club in June – July 2000) Pool and Spa owners with repetetive mechanical failures in their circulation, or dosing mechanisms, invite accelerated growth of this menace.
*In this incident footballers bathed in a poorly maintained spa in their club – several contracted Legionair’s Disease.

PROTEINS THAT AID MICROBIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL REACTIONS
All living organisms are composed of a significant proportion of various proteins. These are polymers made up of amino acids, nature ’ s building blocks. Within this group of organic proteins is a sub-group known as enzymes. Enzymes are biochemical catalysts, which control the formation and digestion of virtually all biological molecules. Thousands of these have been identified in living cells. For example, we exhale carbon Dioxide (CO2) which is produced from Carbonic Acid in our blood and converted, with the aid of an enzyme (Carbonic anhydrase), to the exhaled gas, when the blood cells enter the aveoli of the lungs. The enzymes speed up this process to about 10,000 times that at which it would occur without them.
Catalase is a different Enzyme which leaps to the protection of P. aeruginosa when hospital staff try to disinfect instruments with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) by quickly disarming its potency and converting it to water and oxygen:

2H 2 O 2 >> 2H 2 O + O 2

This enzyme is found in the “slime” emission of P. aeruginosa and can decompose 40 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide in a second.
A NEW METHOD OF BIOFILM REMOVAL

How then can we enlist the aid of enzymes to remove the Biofilm from all of the surfaces of our pools and spas, the associated pipe work, filters, pumps and other equipment which conceal its insidious presence? Many will be surprised to learn that one of the world leaders in the development of enzyme treatments for Biofilm removal has come up with the most successful product available in the marketplace today, known as Multizyme**. That leader of research and development is none other than Novapharm Research (Australia) P/L in Sydney whose active enzyme cleaners are used in hospitals worldwide, to clean surgical instruments after each cycle of use. When the Multizyme formulation is dosed into the pool or spa water, it strips (digests) the Biofilm from all the interior surfaces of the pool or spa plant within hours, by circulating the dosed pool water constantly. [ ** Now known as Aeris Guard ]

Previous products of this nature were unfortunately not successful in removing the built up Biofilm, mainly due to the lack of technology at the time which sustains enzyme activity during the treatment. There are hundreds of enzymes to choose from. Some work at very low pH while others at very high pH. They are quite different to bacteriophages each of which attack only one specific bacteria. In nature each has a very specific task – so we must be thankful that we now have an effective answer for enzymatic Biofilm removal in heated spas and pools and in warmer tropical climates where the Biofilm thrives all year round.

A STRAIGHFORWARD TECHNOLOGY
Within hours of application to a pool or spa the enzymes digest the Biofilm, resulting in very unhealthy water. Clumps of the Biofilm including the slime and other detritus together with the micro-organisms that were entrapped in the pipe continue to circulate until such time as the entire biofilm is released into the body of the pool or spa. In one application of this technology I actually collected samples of the pool water every two hours. After submitting the labeled samples to microbiological tests we found that it had taken 12-14 hours to release all of the bacteria into the water. This conclusion was exposed at the point where the steady increase in the microorganisms (from sample to sample) in the water stopped and we were able to conclude that the process of stripping was complete.

This water must then be dumped and the system briefly flushed out with fresh water, which should then be totally removed from the pool or spa. Biocides such as chlorine and bromine render these enzymes ineffective – so treatment should begin when the free chlorine or bromine residual in the water is very low or non existent. Alternatively, a chlorine quencher such as Sodium Thiosulphate (at the rate of 1 gram / 1000 litres/ 1 ppm of free chlorine to be reduced) will remove the active chlorine from the water – prior to beginning the treatment. If Ozone or UV generators are installed they should be switched off during this process. To be doubly sure that the pool surface is entirely free of contaminants a quick swab of the inner pool surface with liquid chlorine will ensure that no active pathogens remain in the system before refilling.

As the pool or spa fills it is a good idea to dose 3 mg/l of free chlorine (granular or liquid) just to ensure that no live pathogens are still around to start up the Biofilm again.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Regular periodic maintenance treatments would avoid the need for the final flushing with fresh water. In the case of a domestic spa for example, the spa should be dumped every two to three months at the very least, as a regular maintenance procedure. Prior to this, the Biofilm can be stripped as described above. In public spas this should happen as often as the TDS rises to 2000 ppm. In busy places this might happen twice or three times per week, depending on the bather load. In these cases the spa can be dumped early morning before opening after a thorough 12 hour Multizyme – Spa treatment over night, on a monthly basis. The pool or spa must be closed during this treatment for obvious reasons.

Heavily loaded public pools would need to do this exercise at least once a year, while Hydrotherapy and Learn To Swim pools would need two to three treatments per year, to keep them safe. Domestic heated pools should find that an annual Multizyme treatment (during a noliday break) would keep it safe from contamination. Multizyme is pH neutral and does not act as a biocide. Its job is to break down the organic compounds binding the bacteria to one another and to the interior of a spa or pool or the plant surfaces.

Alan Lewis email : aquazure34@gmail.com

Swimming has always been regarded as the best form of exercise to keep oneself fit and swimming pools are always a value addition for the owners’ home. Professional pool builders and contractors help offer the best way out to build a swimming pool though few enthusiastic homeowners could also undertake the ambitious task.

Though hiring a pool builder helps get away with most of the work for building a swimming pool, the first step has to be undertaken by the owner. The pool contractors need to be aware of the marked out area for building the pool. The pool ideas begin with the landscaping of the area where the pool would be. While the pool builders then outline the perimeter of the swimming pool, if an owner is building the pool all by oneself s/he could spray paint to demarcate the edges of the pool. Before the process of soil removal pool builders ensure they scrutinize the blueprints for cables and pipes that may be a barrier during the removal of soil for building the swimming pool. Pool builders and contractors use machinery to proficiently excavate the area in the best possible way. Pool services from builders also help owners to install pool pumps and necessary plumbing in a day’s time following specific instructions needed.

The beautification of the pool is a bonus to the sport of swimming as it enhances the whole experience. Ensure your pool contractor helps you get the feel of a resort at your own swimming pool with by building a deck around it for you. To build your swimming pool, contractors and pool builders are always recommended to ensure they watch through the entire process, right from the type of the pool to the digging until you get to have the plunge. There are a number of benefits of hiring a professional for building a swimming pool than adopting the do-it-yourself procedure and try to pull over a skilled job which requires time, equipments and expertise too. One of the most crucial reasons to have a pool contractor or pool builder is also to help you provide satisfaction while diving into your dream luxury pool.

To get the latest updates about spas, stay connected to us on Facebook and Twitter. Join these free social networking sites to get expert advice from trained professionals and help yourself in building and maintaining a spa.

When my friend broke his back in a car accident he was advised by his physiotherapist to walk in the swimming pool. I found this strange, to walk in the pool? That is when I came to know about water exercises. Water exercises also known as hydro therapy is not only good for a broken back, it also helps to keep fit and lose weight. World over specialists are of the opinion that diet and exercise are the two most important factors for healthy living. When you float in water in a swimming pool you feel light and weightless. That helps to relax the muscles and exercising in water, even with a condition, becomes easy. Many feel that water exercises are the only answer to arthritis. That is indeed true. If you can heat up your pool lightly, warn water exercises are a great boon to people inflicted with arthritis. Also you feel you can exercise in water better than on land. I’ve also heard that doing yoga inside the swimming pool in the mornings helps in keeping you agile and fresh through out the day. Surya Namaskar is a time tested exercise that helps in alignment of all the seven chakras in the body. This helps in proper blood circulation to all parts of the body. Obesity can be controlled and even shed a few kilos if you can undertake water exercises. The deep intake of breath helps the stomach muscles to clench and release helping in getting a flat stomach. Continuous movement of legs and hands helps in toning the thigh and shoulder muscles. Water aerobics is fast catching up and people are eagerly taking to it. Punches and jabs are great exercises to add to a weight loss regimen. Crunches are an excellent cardio vascular exercise that helps in total fitness. Water exercises are also known as aqua fitness workouts. Even pregnant women can undertake water exercises. This is much better than walking or aerobics as being in the pool is fun and less stressful for the body. Lateral raises are the most basic pool exercises that help in a good work out routine for pregnant women and senior citizens. Instead of heading for a gym and waiting for your turn simply build a swimming pool or install one in your home for complete fitness solutions. Be it summer or winter your swimming pool is the best place for your workout and fitness routine. Join us on Facebook and Twitter to get latest updates about what is new and trendy about swimming pools.

Keeping your pool clean through out the year is a daunting task for many of us. In fact this is more important than buying and installing one. Maintenance is the major issue as all of us are busy working through out the week. There is no time left for house hold chores let alone cleaning the pool. I would suggest that you outsource this work. There are pool companies who will do the work for you and keep your pool clean and ready for you to use it whenever you want. These pool companies are run by professionals who are experts in their job. The pool company will assess the size of the pool and what are your requirements for maintenance work and sign up an annual contract with you for a fee. Every week their person will come over and clean your pool and refresh the water. Adding Chlorine to the water is the most important part of maintenance. The exact amount should help you in keeping the water clean as well as safe for swimmers. Else you may end up with burning eyes and rashes on your skin. After all it is for enjoyment that you install a pool at your premises. Not to complicate life. To keep your pool clean the first and foremost requirement is a pool cover. Pump and filter liners are also essential along with pool chemicals. If you do not wish to go in for annual maintenance then you can call up the pool service and repair person only when necessary. But I would suggest that you should go in for regular maintenance so that the water doesn’t turn green with dirt and moss. Though green pools are in vogue today the water should be clean and pure. Only regular maintenance can ensure that. The filtration plant should be cleaned once in 3 months at least and the under water lights need to be changed from time to time. If you have a solar paneling system for lighting and heating then you need to get the maintenance done for it as well. Though there are DIY kits that can guide you to clean your pool yourself it is advisable to go in for pool company annual contracts. To know more about the advantages of hiring a pool company and to get latest updates about swimming pools you can join us on Twitter and Facebook. We’ve a Facebook forum where all new ideas and latest technology advancements are discussed that will help you to learn more about your swimming pool. After all it is an investment of a life time, isn’t it?

Having a swimming pool at your home is surely a luxury for you. If you have a traditional swimming pool then you can surely covert it into a modern one with the help various swimming pool decoration materials that are available on the internet. If you want to remodel your pool completely then you can also take the help of remodeling specialists who would really add a magical touch to your old pool. 

In this article, my main focus would be give you some brilliant ideas with the help of which you can get your swimming pool remodeled. 

1. Surfacing

People who want to change the appearance of their swimming pool can use the option of a vinyl pool. Before you think about changing the interior of your pool it is highly essential for you to consider your budget. For a new appearance and look, you can just purchase a new liner in a completely different colors and designs. People who want to consider the plaster option can use the plaster surface that is available in various different vibrant colors and textures. You must know that pool tiles are very expensive but they can really give an excellent look to your pool. 

2. Remodeling the exterior of your pool

Adding different landscaping options can really enhance the exterior of your simple swimming pool. If you want to organize parties near your pool area then you can create a lounge area or a gazebo. 

Planting some trees and shrubs and adding some new furniture can also beautify your pool area. A slide and diving board option can really add some charm to your pool area. If you want to create a deck area around your swimming pool then you can use different brick and granite tiles. Water features like fountains and rock ponds can really cost you a fortune they would surely add an attractive appeal to your pool area. If you are interested then you can also create rock mountains at your pool area with the help of special flowers and rocks. 

3. Adding decorative features

These days various modern swimming pool decorative pieces are available in the market that are used for enhancing the all over appeal of your pool. These products are extremely cool and they can really give a new dimension to your pool area. If you want you can also take the help of the various online websites to gather more details on swimming pool remodeling ideas. 

Well these are some brilliant swimming pool remodeling ideas that you can surely use for remodeling your swimming pool.

In order to keep your pool clean and fresh always it is highly essential for you to pay a lot of attention to its maintenance. A swimming pool can really give a luxurious appearance to your house. If you have maintained a deck area or a lounge area near your pool then you can surely organize various parties and functions in that area. If you really want to maintain your pool in the proper manner then it is essential for you to take the help of the specialists. The specialists would be able to tell you about filtration and chemical treatment programs. 

This article would mainly focus on various new techniques that can really help you to maintain your swimming pool.

1. Sanitizing your pool

You must use good chlorine products to sanitize your swimming pool. Chlorine will really help in keeping your swimming pool safe from bacteria attack. You will see that the chlorine products usually come in the form of tablets and sticks which you can add into your filter pump that is located in your swimming pool's distribution system.

2. Ph balance

Maintaining the PH balance of the water in your swimming pool is highly essential. You must keep in mind that the Ph balance of your pool water should be between 7.6 and 7.8. If it is too high then you will see the scale formation in your pool area but if it is too low then water would get corrosive gradually. Chlorine should always be added gradually to the pool water. This will make sure that the proper amount of chlorine is added to the water. 

3. Algae Preventive Products

In order to protect your swimming pool from algae formation it is highly essential for you to use the algae preventive products. The liquid algae product should be poured into the filter pump so that it can be distributed evenly. 

4. Check the quantity of calcium in your pool

It is a known fact that calcium causes cloudiness and corrosion in your pool that is why its level should always be maintained between 150 and 250 ppm. You must hire a professional who can check the calcium level in your pool at least once a year. 

5. Check your filter and pump on a regularly basis

In order to ensure the proper distribution of water you must check your filter and the swimming pool pump on a regular basis. You must replace the diatomaceous earth and sand from the filter. 

Well these are some highly important things that are very essential for the proper maintenance of your pool area.