Poolwerx warns aquatic centres and swim schools over faecal dangers

Australia's largest pool and spa maintenance brand, Poolwerx, is urging commercial pool operators to prioritise the health of their pools following a string of Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in recent months.

The infection commonly presents as gastroenteritis and is caused by swallowing Cryptosporidium, a chlorine-resistant parasite. One common way for infection is by swimming in contaminated pools, spas or waterparks.

Urging commercial pool operators to prioritise their pool care as we head into the cooler months, Poolwerx Clarence Valley Franchise Partner, Shauna Brigden advises “the most effective way to minimise the risk of Cryptosporidiosis to swimmers is to prevent Cryptosporidium contamination in the swimming pool, and regularly check the health of your pool water.

“If you notice any of the following, we recommend consulting your local pool specialist team about how to improve your water quality and reduce your risk.”

Brigden suggests operator answer questions such as:

• Do you have Rust or Corrosion in your indoor pool room?

• Do your combine chlorine levels exceed health regulations of 1ppm?

• Do your bathers complain about itchy or dry skin?

• Are you swimmers protected against Cryptosporidium and other chlorine resistant parasites?

• Can you smell chlorine in the air?

Brigden adds “the most effective water treatment technology to combat all the above is AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process). This destroys organic waste and chlorine-resistant parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.”

Background
Recent data from the Victorian Department of Health reported a 600% year on year increase in Cryptosporidiosis cases in the first quarter of this year, totalling 607 reported cases.

Similarly, Queensland recorded more than 1,500 cases of the water-borne parasite, cryptosporidium, in January and February - more than for the whole of 2023.

Click here to view Poolwerx’s factsheet on Cryptosporidiosis.

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