The hospitalization of 15 people affected by a gas leak during pool maintenance at a hotel in Bodrum has once again brought to the agenda the risks that can be posed by chemicals used in swimming pools.
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, stating that in addition to chemical risks, swimming pools, which see increased usage during summer months, pose significant dangers such as drowning, electric shock, slipping, and falling, said, “The primary responsibility for ensuring the minimum conditions for swimming pools lies with operators, and for common swimming pools in communal living areas, with site managements.”
Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Program pointed out that improper storage, transport, or application of chemicals used for pool water disinfection can lead to serious health risks, stating, “Keeping acid and chlorine on the same shelf or in the same cabinet poses a serious reaction risk. Chemicals should not be transferred to another container; they should be stored in their original containers, with their labels and caps intact.”
The hospitalization of 15 people affected by a gas leak during pool maintenance at a hotel in Bodrum once again revealed that pool safety is not limited to precautions taken during swimming; maintenance, cleaning, chemical storage, and dosage processes must also be managed professionally.
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, and Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Program, evaluated the measures that should be taken in pools, from chemical safety to electrical installations, and from the risk of drowning to slips and falls.
What are the risks in pools?
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that in addition to chemical risks, swimming pools, which see increased usage during summer months, pose significant dangers such as drowning, electric shock, slipping, and falling.
Dr. Uçan noted that despite the increase in user numbers and frequency of use, neglecting regular maintenance and safety measures can pose a serious threat to human health, adding, “Swimming pools entail responsibilities such as regular inspections, periodic maintenance, and taking safety precautions around them. The primary responsibility for ensuring the minimum conditions for swimming pools lies with operators, and for common swimming pools in communal living areas, with site managements.”
Children should not be left unsupervised by the pool for even a moment
Dr. Uçan, emphasizing that measures to prevent drowning are vital, stressed that children must be under adult supervision around the pool.
Dr. Uçan stated that rescue equipment such as lifebuoys should be readily available near pools, first-aid kits should be complete, and means of communication for emergencies should be present, adding, “’Pool Usage Instructions’ that are visible and readable by everyone should be displayed around the pool.”
Wet floors can cause serious injuries
Dr. Uçan, stating that slips and falls around the pool should not be overlooked, said, “Information signs warning of potential dangers must be displayed around the pool. Pool depths should be clearly marked for users to see, and safety signs should be used in areas where diving is prohibited.”
Dr. Uçan stated that walking areas, shower zones, and the flooring around the pool should be made of non-slip materials, and added that drainage systems and grates should also be regularly checked.
Electricity around the pool can pose a deadly risk
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, pointing out that electrical safety in pools is one of the most critical issues, stated that electrical installations should be regularly checked for compliance with regulations.
Dr. Uçan said, “It must be ensured that the electrical current in or around the pool meets the condition described as harmless voltage, below 50 Volts. 12-volt AC lighting and appropriate cleaning robots should be used in pools. A residual current device must be present.”
Chemicals in pool maintenance should not be used randomly
Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Program also pointed out that improper storage, transport, or application of chemicals used for pool water disinfection can lead to serious health risks.
“The most critical point during storage, handling, and dosage of pool chemicals is never to mix them,” said Gezen, adding that chemicals should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas.
Chlorine and acid should not even be stored side-by-side
Gezen, emphasizing that products containing acid and chlorine should be kept separate, said, “Keeping acid and chlorine on the same shelf or in the same cabinet poses a serious reaction risk. Chemicals should not be transferred to another container; they should be stored in their original containers, with their labels and caps intact.”
Gezen also stated that precautions should be taken against spills and leaks, noting that spill containment trays should be present under packaging.
Gezen also emphasized that pool chemicals should be stored in locked storage areas inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons.
Workers handling chemicals should not operate without protective equipment
Gezen stated that direct exposure of pool maintenance workers to chemicals should be prevented, adding, “Appropriate gloves, protective goggles, and masks should be used. There is a risk of inhaling toxic fumes, especially when opening the packaging of chlorine products. During transport, storage, and use, uncontrolled contact of chlorine products with water must be prevented.”
Gezen stated that chlorine products should be applied using appropriate methods in tablet or granular form, as a diffuser, or in solution, and added that shock chlorination can be performed when necessary after heavy use or rain, preferably in the evening.
Do not enter the pool immediately after shock chlorination
Gezen stated that not only the chemical application but also the post-application control is important for pool water, adding that the pH value should be kept in the range of 7.2–7.6.
Gezen said, “After normal dosage chlorination, one should wait at least 30 minutes before entering the water. After shock chlorination, it is generally recommended to wait 8–12 hours; the pool should not be entered without measuring the water's pH and chlorine levels with test kits.”
Gezen also recommended showering with clean water after exiting the pool, adding that chemical residues can cause quicker irritation, especially on children's sensitive skin.
