From Which

Which? Magazine

From Which? June 2002. This paragraph is also at http://trial.which.co.uk/health_beauty.php?p_id=64&roi=1000064&index=;

"Many pools have good water quality and hygiene standards. You can spot them by looking out for these signs: Easily visible notices reminding bathers to shower before entering the pool, well-maintained showers and toilets, plenty of helpful staff, the smell of chlorine in the water should be mild and the water should look clear, bright and sparkling."

The full article, which identified Dorking Leisure Centre as having the only swimming pool out of 40 surveyed rated " potentially serious health risk", can be accessed by the above link by signing up for a 30 day free trial.

At least LC allowed the inspection at Dorking. Some centres operated by Cannons, Center Parcs, David Lloyd, and Holmes Place refused as did Esporta in Gloucester, Llanishen Leisure Centre in Cardiff, Spirit at Milton Keynes Holiday Inn and Wigan International Pool.

The Which? article makes clear that swimming pools have no specific legislation, only general health and safety regulations. The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group provide industry guidelines but there is no way of ensuring compliance. Over half the 61 samples taken from pools and spas for the Which? survey fell outside acceptable standards. Nine posed a health risk and three, Dorking and two spa pools, posed a potentially serious risk.

The Chair of the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group Chair is quoted as saying, "We need regulation if ever we are to ensure standards of pool water quality in the same way we have standards for drinking and even coastal water...Regulations would help to ensure that all pools and spas are operated to certain standards, with competent and qualified staff. This should be the right of every pool user, particularly when you consider the potential for harm caused by incorrect operation."