Why Buildings with Swimming Pool Areas Need a Special Cleaning Routine

Swimming pools are enticing gathering places on hot summer days. Whether used for spending outdoor time with children, relaxing with a cool drink after work, or catching up with friends and neighbors, pools in residential buildings are a coveted A-list amenity.

But swimming pools and the high-traffic areas surrounding them can get grimy within a matter of days. Bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas and showers need routine maintenance to prevent the spread of microbes that can lead to illness.

Infections can arise when a sick person uses a common area, depositing germs that will multiply and cross-contaminate other nearby surfaces. Dirt, sweat, urine and fecal matter are big culprits when it comes to spreading pathogens. For example, E. coli, norovirus and Cryptosporidium can lead to diarrheal illnesses. Wart viruses and HPV, as well as fungi, such as the fungus responsible for Athlete’s Foot, can also be found lurking.

Another scenario is when microbes that naturally live in wet, humid environments grow to dangerous levels and cause infections. Legionella bacteria, for instance, can be a problem in pool areas, where they grow and multiply, leading to respiratory sickness in children and adults.

In a study led by Lorna Suen of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, researchers collected and studied samples from 55 public bathrooms on the island. They found 52 bacterial species, including E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, S. aureus and S. saprophyticus. Substantial concentrations were found on paper towel dispensers, hand dryers and door handles. The researchers noted that contaminated jet-powered hand dryers were particularly problematic as they could easily disperse small particles of water containing the pathogens across multiple surfaces.

“The importance of frequent cleaning and maintenance of public washrooms to promote safe hand hygiene practices for the public must be emphasized,” the study concluded.

Often pool bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas and showers are cleaned with string mops, sponges or microfiber mops. While mopping may leave the surfaces looking clean, they can actually do more damage by spreading pathogens from surface to surface. Further, mops, sponges and buckets are breeding grounds for bacteria, helping germs reproduce and colonize more and more surfaces each time these tools are used.

At Avery Cleaning, we use an advanced spray and extract method that many researchers recommend as a more effective approach than the traditional “mop and bucket.” Hot water and soap are also good tools for tackling dirty floors. We avoid using harsh disinfecting chemicals, which can lead to the release of volatile organic compounds for a few days after application. Inhaling these compounds can pose additional health problems, especially for sensitive individuals.

We also recommend preventative steps to help apartment and condominium buildings reduce contamination levels between cleanings. Reminders to patrons to stay out of pool facilities if they are ill, wash hands, wear flip flops and change diapers often can go a long way in reducing the spread of pathogens in swimming pool areas.

Avery Cleaning will work with you to develop a cleaning schedule tailored to your facility’s size and number of occupants. Call us today at (860) 503-8333 to learn more about our pool-area cleaning expertise.