Photo from the Beaverlodge Recreation Centre Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Beaverlodge

Users asked to follow rules after closure at Beaverlodge pool

Jun 18, 2019 | 5:30 AM

People at the Beaverlodge Recreation Centre say they want pool users to follow the rules to prevent further closures.

The pool was recently closed for two weeks for cleaning after high levels of a bacteria that can cause various infections were detected.

Seasonal Aquatics Coordinator Alexandra Gould says they want swimmers to shower before using the pool.

“We’re just still having issues with patrons not showering. So we decided that the best way to get the public on board is to be transparent with them about what’s been going on at the pool here and we’re hoping that by being transparent with them, we can get everybody showering so that we don’t have to deal with this bacteria again.”

She adds the cleaning meant using heavy amounts of chlorine.

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“So we had to add granular chlorine into the pool and you have to get the levels up to about 30 to 50 parts per million. So that people know how high is, we usually have the chlorine around a one to two parts per million. Then it has to sit at that level for about 12 hours to ensure that the bacteria is all killed.”

Gould says the pool then had to be what she calls back-washed so the chemical would go into the pipes and clean the bacteria out of them as well.

She says showers have to be taken at the pool, not at home.

“This bacteria is found in soil, in water, and on people’s bodies. Not all people are carriers for the bacteria, but some people are natural carriers, and that’s totally fine. That’s why we have to ask people to shower and we also have the rule that you’re not allowed to wear shoes on the pool deck or in the change rooms.”

The bacteria detected, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can cause infections in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems and the urinary tract. It can also lead to skin irritations.