An assessment of indoor swimming pool chlorine levels and its perceived health effects on the human body

Abstract

Objectives: Different objectives have been undertaken in order to verify the levels of chlorine in hotel indoor pools and its effect on the human body. This study is an attempt to try and identify and model the potential risks prevailing in Maltese indoor pools. Methodology: A number of guests and employees (n = 47), representing 74% in-house guests and 26% employees making direct use of the indoor pool in one chosen hotel, where interviewed face to face to confirm the physical effect of chlorine on the human body. The questionnaire was developed to ensure the best possible data related to the probability of the effect of chlorine on the human body, how this is effected and to what extent. Other related data of the indoor pool water, affecting directly the chlorine effects such as the levels of Chlorine, PH, Conductivity, water temperatures and number of guests using the indoor pool, was studied and collected. Results: All related samples collected revealed that the methods used are all according to legal obligations as dictated in LN 129 of 2005, Swimming pools regulations 2005 and the results of such showed that the levels matched to this same legal obligation. On the other hand, the face to face interview and questionnaire revealed that although the levels mentioned are all according to legal obligations, the effect of chlorine on the in-house guests and employees was positive. A high 81% of the interviewees' were affected by the odour of chlorine. 51% effected the throat, 49% effected the nose and 23% of the interviewees' had strong effect on their eyes. Conclusion: the results obtained confirm that the required standards and guidelines are being followed in the chosen hotel, and this is confirmed via the samples taken. The interviews reveal that the expectable levels of chlorine are still a risk factor for guests and employees.