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Swimming Pool & Spa Pool Water Testing

Testing microbiological parameters in swimming pool and spa pool water.

Taking a Sample | Guides and Supporting Information | Contact us Today

About this Testing

Microbiological testing of public swimming pool and spa pool water is governed by NZS 5826:2000 Pool Water Quality, as detailed in the following table:

Test

Microbiological Water Quality Criteria

Comment

Standard Plate Count (SPC)

< 200 per mL

Compliance for SPC may not be appropriate for geothermal or open air pools, depending on the environmental setting. High levels may indicate that the disinfection system is not in good working order.

Faecal Coliforms or Escherichia coli (E.coli)

< 1 per 100mL

Indicator of faecal contamination

Staphylococcus aureus

< 100 per 100mL

Bacteria that can cause skin irritations, or sickness if swallowed or inhaled.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

< 10 per 100mL

Bacteria associated with eye and ear infections when dunking the head in swimming pools, or with rashes on the body in spa pools.

Contamination of swimming pools or spas occurs as a result of various oral or nasal discharges and skin shedding, and usually results in the accumulation of micro-organisms, some of which are harmful to humans. Non-compliance with any of the microbiological tests in the table above should be considered along with Free Available Chlorine (FAC) and pH values, as their presence will be indicative of poor performance of the disinfection system of the pool.

Taking a Sample

When taking the sample, it is very important to follow the instructions provided. This requires a sterile container (square plastic 400mL) containing a sodium thiosulphate tablet which must not be lost on sampling. Also note that we need the samples back with 24 hours and between 2-6°C. For clients who are not within easy driving distance from Hamilton or Christchurch, we suggest taking your sample in the early afternoon and sending it overnight to the laboratory.

Unsure about the correct container to use to submit a sample? Consult our container guide

Guides and Supporting Information


Contact Us Today