Swimming Pools – Brief Outline of Water Treatment and Management

A brief history of the development of swimming pool water treatment and management has been discussed, applicable to both large and small pools. An outline of typical bathing loads and current methods of water treatment has been presented with particular emphasis being given to disinfection. Chlorine has been the traditional sole disinfectant used since the 1920's but alternatives are continually being sought. Chief amongst the alternatives to date has been ozone, used in conjunction with chlorine. Ozone acts as a powerful oxidiser and disinfectant but has little residual effect. Chlorine is therefore used to provide a residual in the pool. Current British trends in pool design and treatment have been noted.