Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
UV treatment and air quality in a pool facility
Therese Bergh Nitter1, Kristin V Hirsch Svendsen2
1Institute for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 7A, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
UV treatment in therapy pools reduced combined chlorine but increased airborne trihalomethanes (THMs). While UV had a limited effect on airborne chloramines (NCl3), it significantly impacted THM levels, with 30% of variability attributed to UV treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Water Chemistry
- Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Indoor swimming pools can release disinfection byproducts into the air.
- Trihalomethanes (THMs) and chloramines (NCl3) are common airborne contaminants in pool environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of UV treatment on airborne concentrations of THMs and NCl3 in a therapy pool setting.
- To determine the relationship between UV treatment, water chemistry, and air quality.
Main Methods:
- Collected 162 samples of total THMs (tTHMs) and 36 samples of NCl3 over 5 weeks.
- Samples were taken poolside and in the extract channel of a therapy pool room.
- Analyzed data using correlation and linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- UV treatment decreased combined chlorine in water by 58%.
- Airborne tTHMs increased by 37% when UV was on.
- Airborne NCl3 decreased by 15% with UV, but bather load was a stronger predictor.
- UV treatment explained 30% of the variability in airborne THMs.
Conclusions:
- UV treatment in therapy pools increases airborne THM concentrations.
- UV treatment has a limited effect on airborne NCl3, with bather numbers being a more significant factor.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing indoor air quality in swimming facilities.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Quality of Water
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Testing Water Quality
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...

