BATHER LOAD BACTERIAL SLOUGHING EXPLANATION |
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![]() Whenever a person swims in a pool, bacterium and viruses from their skin and hair (not to mention any incontinent accidents) are left behind and the vast majority of these microbes will be eradicated by the chlorine (Cl) in the pool. The bacteria, which live on the skin of healthy people, are not necessarily harmful unless the person already has lowered immune defenses. Those who typically fall into this category include young children, seniors, pregnant women, AIDS patients, and those on immunosuppressant medication. |
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Encouraging a multipronged approach to pool water sanitation, with proper attention to disinfection, clarification, and filtration, as well as emphasizing the role of personal hygiene measures for all bathers, will likely lead to more enjoyable recreational water experiences. Properly implemented, these pool water management practices work; the aquatics industry strives to achieve the safest environment and this is how it should be perceived.
Dr. Jeff Williams is the chief technology officer and senior vice-president of R & D for Halosource Inc., a clean water technology company based in Bothell, Wash. He is an emeritus professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University, where he was a teacher and biomedical researcher for almost 30 years before founding Halosource in 1998. Williams can be reached via e-mail at jwilliams@halosource.com.
Nathan Kenney is a water microbiology specialist for Halosource’s product development division. He joined the company in 2012 and is involved in development and testing. He received his bachelor of science (B.Sc.) in microbiology from the University of Washington. He can be reached via e-mail at nkenney@halosource.com.