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[Legionella pneumophila in pool water]
C Jeppesen1, L Bagge, V F Jeppesen
1Alfred Jørgensen Laboratorium A/S, Frederiksberg.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 4, 2000
Summary
Legionella bacteria were not found in cold water pools. Hot water pools, especially their activated carbon filters, showed significant Legionella pneumophila contamination, posing a risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health microbiology
Context:
- Legionella bacteria pose a significant health risk, particularly in aquatic environments.
- Pool water systems, especially those with higher temperatures, require careful monitoring for microbial contamination.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of Legionella in different types of swimming pool water and identify potential hotspots for bacterial growth.
- To assess the risk associated with Legionella contamination in relation to water temperature and filtration systems.
Summary:
- Legionella was absent in cold water pools (< 28°C) but detected in 10% of hot water pool samples (> 32°C).
- Significantly, 80% of samples from activated carbon filters in hot water pools were contaminated with Legionella pneumophila.
- Highest Legionella concentrations were found in filter samples, indicating filters as prime growth sites, though pool water concentrations were not alarming.
Impact:
- Hot water pools with activated carbon filters present a potential risk for Legionella proliferation.
- Maintaining high disinfection levels (≥1.0 mg/L free chlorine, pH 7.2) is crucial for preventing Legionella in warm pool water.