Abstract:
This descriptive study was intended to determine the presence of bacterial
indicators and the physical-chemical parameters in swimming pool water samples.
100 water samples were collected from 5 semi-public swimming pools in Bangkok
Metropolitan from August to November 2005. The swimming pools were village,
hotel, membership clubs and university pools. Bacterial indicators including total
coliforms, fecal coliform (Escherichia coli), Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus
aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected by the membrane filtration
method and identified by biochemical reactions. Statistical analysis used was Chi
square test or Fisher’s exact test by computer program.
Results revealed that the most detected organisms were total coliforms at 69%
of water samples. The positive sample of C. perfringens was at lower rate (1%) than
E. coli (3%), and P. aeruginosa (2%). Also Staphylococci not including S. aureus
were found in this study. 90% and 98% of samples respectively had unacceptable free
chlorine residues and pH levels according to the standard water quality of Bangkok
Metropolitan swimming pools regulations. The statistical analysis revealed that the
factors association was not statistically significantly (P > 0.05) related to the presence
of bacterial indicators.
These findings suggest that pool staffs need to be aware of the importance of
adequate treatment and, in particular, ensure that adequate filtration measures are in
place following the standard. They should pay attention to the control of water
quality, in addition to having a strict system for monitoring of the water quality