In swimming pools heavily used during summer months, risks associated with drowning, electric shock, slips and falls, and pool chemicals are increasing. Experts emphasize that leaving children unsupervised, regular inspection of electrical installations, using residual current devices, and conscious application of pool chemicals are vitally important.
OHS Expert Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan: “It is absolutely essential to ensure that the electrical current in or around the pool meets the condition of being below 50 Volts, which is classified as safe voltage. A residual current device must be present.”
Chemical Engineer Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen: “After normal dosage chlorination, one should wait at least 30 minutes before entering the water. After shock chlorination, waiting 8–12 hours is generally recommended; one should not enter the water before pH and chlorine levels are measured with test kits.”
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, and Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Program, made important evaluations regarding pool safety and the correct use of pool chemicals.
Regular control of swimming pools is important
Asst. Prof. Uçan stated that with the warming weather, people's demand for wet area usage increases, and when regular maintenance and safety measures are not taken into account in wet areas with increased users and usage frequency, it poses a threat to human health.
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan noted that 'swimming pools' are among the most preferred wet areas, adding, “Swimming pools bring with them responsibilities such as regular inspections, periodic maintenance, and taking safety measures around them. While the primary responsibility for ensuring the minimum conditions for swimming pools lies with the operators, in common swimming pools belonging to communal living areas, the site management is held responsible.”
Pay attention to these measures in the pool!
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan drew attention to the minimum requirements in swimming pools, listing them as follows:
“To prevent drownings, a lifeguard must be present if the pool depth exceeds 1.50 meters. Children's pools should not be more than 50 cm in height. If a suitable area is not available, a safe usage area can be created by designating a corner of a deep pool as a children's pool. Here, an adult family member must always be with the children. To ensure life safety against any risk of drowning, rescue equipment such as lifebuoys must be kept readily available near the pool. In addition to rescue equipment, a first aid kit equipped with all necessary materials for potential injuries should be kept ready. A telephone should be available by the swimming pool for use in emergencies.”
The pool surroundings must be made safe
Emphasizing that the measures to be taken around the pool are also extremely important, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said, “Safety barriers/railings at least 120 cm high should be created around pools. Thus, the pool should be visibly separated from other common use areas. The gate designated as the pool entrance should have a lockable mechanism outside of usage hours. Clearly legible ‘Pool Usage Instructions’ should be posted around the pool, visible to everyone. Especially open-air pools should be covered with safety nets when not in use or when empty. Falling into or injuries in pools must be prevented.”
Wet floors can invite serious accidents
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan emphasized that slips and falls caused by wet floors can lead to serious problems, warning, “Therefore, informational signs against potential dangers must be posted around the pool. Depth information signs should be written on the pool edge in at least 4 directions visible to users, and safety signs indicating that diving is prohibited should be utilized. The walking area, shower area, and surrounding floor of the swimming pool must be made of smooth, non-slip material. The drainage grate must always be closed. Especially in residential pools, discharge pipes should be covered with round caps, and there should be no cracks or missing screws in the caps.”
Electrical installations and pool lighting should be regularly inspected
Emphasizing that the pool material must also be insulated, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that the compliance of the electrical installation with regulations should be regularly checked annually by authorized companies or the Chamber of Electrical Engineers, and this should be monitored by the operator or site management.
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said, “It must be ensured that the electrical current in or around the pool meets the condition of being below 50 Volts, which is classified as safe voltage. 12-volt (AC) lighting and cleaning robots should be used in pools. The filter covers in the pool (they should not be broken, cracked, or gapped) used for internal pool cleaning should be regularly checked for suitability, and filter systems should be implemented in a way that does not create a vacuum for water purification. There should be no electricity within 3 meters of ornamental pools or inflatable children's pools whatsoever. Especially in ornamental pools, lighting should be 12-volt (A.C). A residual current device must be present.”
Pool chemicals should not be used randomly
Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen of the Occupational Health and Safety Program stated that the incorrect use of chemicals for pool water cleaning can also lead to serious health problems, adding, “The most critical point during storage, handling, and dosing of pool chemicals is never to mix chemicals with each other, to store them in a cool, dry environment, and not to enter the pool without waiting at least 30 minutes after dosing. It is always recommended to shower with clean water after exiting the water.”
Gezen pointed out that a ventilated, cool, and dry storage area, away from moisture and sunlight, should be chosen, 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; labels and caps should be kept on the original containers. In case of spills, containment basins should be placed under the packaging to prevent spreading and mixing on the floor. Chemicals should be stored in locked storage areas to prevent access by children and unauthorized persons.”
Protective equipment must be used
Gezen stated that gloves, protective goggles, and a mask must be used when working with chemicals, saying, “Appropriate gloves, protective goggles, and a mask should be used. There is a risk of inhaling toxic fumes, especially when opening the packaging of chlorine products. Contact of chemicals with water should be prevented during transport, storage, and use (especially chlorine products). Chlorine products should be applied in tablet or granular form, or as a diffuser or solution. After heavy use or rain, shock chlorination should preferably be done in the evening hours.”
Wait at least 30 minutes before entering the pool
Gezen emphasized the importance of maintaining the pool water's pH value within the 7.2-7.6 range, stating, “After normal dosage chlorination, one should wait at least 30 minutes before entering the water. After shock chlorination, waiting 8–12 hours is generally recommended; one should not enter the water before the water's pH and chlorine levels are measured with test kits. To prevent eyes from being affected by pool chemicals, the use of swimming goggles is recommended. After exiting the pool, it is recommended to shower with clean water to prevent skin and eye irritation and to remove chemical residues. Chemical residues have a faster effect, especially on children's sensitive skin.”
