Australian University Discussion Paper highlights public health risks associated with unmaintained swimming pools and spas.
The Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia (SPASA Australia), representing the largest body of industry professionals across the nation has commissioned Griffith University to author a Discussion Paper on the risk to public safety caused by not maintaining their pools and spas.
In summary, Professor Hunt and Stratton highlight:
- Pools require vigilant and rigorous maintenance for water quality and physical safety reasons
- From a microbiological perspective, water quality maintenance and disinfection reduces risk of exposure to harmful pathogens that may cause ear infections, gastroenteritis or skin irritation.
- Inappropriate storage, handling and mixing of chemicals can result in erroneous chemical reactions and water balance.
- Lack of fence, pump, and filter maintenance may result in physical injury and death.
- Without investigation, the members of the household may assume the cause of illness as something that was consumed, rather than the family swimming pool.
- Lack of pump, and filter maintenance may result in physical injury and death.
- Government must adhere to these laws and owners should not be prevented from undertaking service and maintenance of their private owned pool/spa under any circumstances.
The Griffith University Discussion Paper can be viewed HERE.
SPASA Australia acknowledges the difficulties that communities are facing during COVID-19, but the swimming pool and spa industry is a contactless essential service industry provider and we do not want to replace one virus with another.
Industry dialogue and a rational approach throughout this unprecedented national health and safety crisis is important so that industry can continue to provide essential services for pool and spa owners and keep them safe and well.
