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.
The presence of organic contamination in recreational water systems directly relates to the production of toxic disinfection byproducts and also directly impacts air and water quality. The best way to reduce the production of disinfection byproducts is to reduce the organic load within the pool. It is the reaction of chlorine with the organics within the pool that are the source of the disinfection byproducts. Using The Moss™ can significantly reduce the organic contamination in swimming pools and spas leading to improved water and air quality.
The presence of organic contamination can also lead to an increased incidence of RWI. The organic load in the pool or spa filtration system is a great hiding place for cryptosporidium and legionella. When these organisms are embedded within the organic contamination they are protected from the action of biocides and can persist indefinitely within the filter media.
The use of PoolMoss® Pro reduces the organic load in the filtration systems of treated pools, lowering the chlorine demand, and thereby significantly reducing disinfection byproduct levels in the water of the pool and in the air of the facility. Lowering the organic load also has the additional benefit of potentially reducing the risks of RWI. By employing use of The Moss™ , in conjunction with periodic scouring of the filter media with BreakAway™, you can supply your customers with a pool or spa that provides the healthiest bather experience possible.