National swimming coach and Head Coach of Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre (BAC) Pradeep Kumar says, in an interview with Rohith B R, that complaince with international guidelines for pool management and water chemistry goes a long way in ensuring quality service to pool users.
Excerpts
What’s your take on maintenance of public swimming pools in Bangalore?
Almost all public pools in the City have been leased out to private organisations by the government. As far as I know, more or less these pools are being maintained well. There are experienced pool managers in some of these pools. However, each pool has its own guidelines for management and there is no standard set for overall maintenance.
Doesn’t the lease agreements have directives?
Lease agreements do have some guidelines, but they are very general in nature and doesn’t match international standards.
Factors that need to be ensured for maintaining quality of service.
Water chemistry and pool management are two crucial factors. Water chemistry means changing pool water at regular intervals, type and method of chemical usage for cleanliness etc. And effective pool management can only be ensured by qualified operators and pool managers.
What’s your opinion on pools located in private clubs, apartments and establishments?
Starting from design of a pool, there are no set deadlines for monitoring pools inside private establishments. Local authorities like Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should inspect such pools. There is an urgent need to standardise certain guidelines for their management. In fact, there is no clarity on who has control over these private pools.
What kind of risks are such private pools prone to?
Many. Mainly, responding to situations like drowning and other accidents. Whether there are qualified people deployed to respond to such situations; what parameters are being followed in recruiting pool managers; whether infective materials are being used as chemicals for pools; is there a filtration plant for pool are some of the questions that need answers.
How do you compare the status of public pools in Bangalore with other parts of the country and the world?
As far as other cities in the country is concerned, the situation is no different. There are no standard rules for pool maintenance.