The build up of organic contamination in swimming pools and spas has significant effects on water quality, air quality and chemical usage, all of which makes maintaining a healthy and safe water environment very difficult. As organic contaminants are introduced into the pool water by swimmers and other sources, organic contamination accumulates in the filter media thereby continually increasing the overall organic load of the pool. This accumulation of surface-bound organic contamination results in increased backwashing frequency, reduced water quality, increased chemical and water usage, and increased production of disinfection byproducts (DBP). Swimmers are exposed to these toxic DBP by being in contact with the water and by inhalation from the surrounding air and it is now well established that many DBP have adverse health effects on swimmers. The agitated water found in spas and pools with water features can actually increase the accumulation of DBP in the air.
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Water Quality, Air Quality and RWI Were Topics at the 2019 World Aquatic Health Conference
The 2019 World Aquatic Health Conference was held in Williamsburg, VA on October 16-18 and it continues to be the premier science and education conference of the aquatic industry. My presentation on “Health Effects of Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) & Strategies to Reduce Exposure” was just one of many talks about disinfection byproducts in recreational water and the surrounding air. Again this year, there were numerous presentations about the importance of maintaining water and air quality. Another important topic at the conference was the control of recreational water illness’ (RWI) such as cryptosporidium and legionella.
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Water and Air Quality Were Featured Topics at the 15th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference
The World Aquatic Health Conference was held in Charleston, SC on October 10-12 and it continues to be the premier science and education conference of the aquatic industry. My presentation on “Surface-bound Organic Contamination, Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) and Swimming Pool Filtration” was just one of many talks about disinfection byproducts in recreational water and the surrounding air. Again this year, there were numerous presentations about disinfection byproducts, water quality and air quality.
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Managing Legionella in Building Water Systems Conference
I recently had the opportunity to attend the “Managing Legionella in Building Water Systems” conference, which was held from May 9th – 11th in Baltimore, MD. The conference was organized by NSF International and the National Science Foundation, with the goal being “to raise awareness and encourage positive, coordinated actions to combat legionellosis”. The conference was filled to capacity with stakeholders from all aspects of water treatment and water safety. There were numerous presentations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as numerous academic institutions, state health agencies, and engineering firms.
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It’s Outdoor Pool Season!
Now is the time that your customers are anticipating opening their outdoor pool facilities and getting their pools and spas ready for the summer. Starting out the season with clean filters will help them have the best quality water throughout the pool and spa season. The use of Breakaway® Flush to clean sand filters can rid the filters of organic contamination that has accumulated during the previous season and over the winter months. Accumulated organic contamination in sand filters degrades filter performance and can significantly reduce water quality.
Breakaway® Flush treatment at start-up will make start-up easier, help stabilize water chemistry and provide superior water quality and clarity.
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