Inadequate cleaning and safety procedures at public swimming pools could be exposing millions of people to harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea and other illnesses, according to a report by the U.S. government’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Last summer in Florida, California, and three other states, more than half the public and semi-public swimming pools tested had at least one serious problem with either water quality, filtration systems or staff training. Almost 10% of the pools were polluted enough to be closed immediately.
Harmful bacteria were found mostly in children’s wading pools. Medical and therapy baths ranked second, followed by hotel/ motel bathing areas.
The use of silver-based sanitation devices could be the solution. Silver is non-corrosive, cheaper than chlorine, and does not bleach clothing.
The quest for healthy, odourless swimming pools began in the 1930s. The discovery that silver and copper ions generated by a mild electric current can adequately sanitize private swimming pools led to interest in silver-based sanitation.
Silver-based sanitation systems are especially useful for indoor pool owners as they offer an alternative to caustic and odoriferous chlorine. Bactericidal silver and copper do not evaporate in the summer heat, or over long periods during the winter when pools are usually inactive.
Interestingly, pool owners looking for an alternative to chlorine are turning to silver-copper ion systems approved by government agencies or industry associations.
The report is available on the CDC’s web site at www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/
Be the first to comment on "Silver protects swimmers"