Assessment of the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Public Swimming Pool in Selected Hotels in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The physicochemical and bacteriological assessment of pool water samples from selected hotels in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 10 pool water samples were collected from five pools before and after use following standard procedures. Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were performed using standard methods. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out according to CLSI procedures. Physicochemical analyses showed that the pool water samples were clear and colourless. The different parameters examined for each of the hotel showed varying degree of values. On the average, it was observed that values for turbidity, temperature and total dissolved solids were above the WHO and EPA permissible limit after use. The total bacterial, coliform and Escherichia coli counts of the pool water samples were higher after use than before use. A total of 21 isolates were recovered and presumptively identified as Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From among the 21 isolates, 14 (66.7%) were Escherichia coli, 5 (23.8%) were Enterococcus faecalis while only 2 (9.5%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the isolates tested for antibiotic sensitivity showed considerable resistance to some of the antibiotics used. Findings from this study showed that some of the pools sampled did not meet up to WHO and EPA standards. Hence, the need for an effective and urgent intervention in constant monitoring of recreational facility to safeguard the health of the pool users.