The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 13th that three out of 20 public indoor swimming pools located in the metropolitan area exceeded the legal limits for disinfectant-related chemicals.
As a result of an investigation of 20 public indoor swimming pools in the metropolitan area, the Consumer Agency found that three of them had residual chlorine levels exceeding legal standards. One pool reported a free residual chlorine level of 1.64 mg/L, which is above the standard.
Free residual chlorine is a substance that remains in the water after disinfecting pool water with chlorine. High concentrations can cause eye pain, eye diseases, throat irritation, vomiting, and skin disorders. Low concentrations cannot effectively suppress the proliferation and spread of harmful bacteria, so it must be managed at an appropriate level.
In two pools, combined residual chlorine concentrations of 0.52 mg/L and 0.57 mg/L, respectively, exceeded the standard. Combined residual chlorine is a type of disinfection byproduct (DBPs) formed by the combination of sweat and contaminants, and high concentrations can reduce the disinfecting effectiveness of the pool water. Additionally, it can cause unpleasant odors or symptoms such as eye and skin pain and vomiting.
In response, the Consumer Agency has advised the managing bodies of the swimming pools that do not meet legal water quality standards to make improvements. A representative from the Consumer Agency noted, "The relevant managing bodies have responded that they plan to strengthen water quality management in response to this."
Meanwhile, all 20 swimming pools were found to be compliant with standards for total coliform bacteria, potassium permanganate consumption, hydrogen ion concentration, and turbidity.