The Queensland Health Swimming and Spa pool Water Quality and Operational Guidelines (October 2004) set out recommended water quality and operational standards for swimming and spa pools in Queensland to ensure safe bathing water is provided for users. The guidelines outline the three swimming and spa pool categories, recommended monitoring frequency, suitable sampling locations and sampling method.
Microbiological criteria
Micro-organism
|
Desirable level
|
| Heterotrophic Colony Count (HCC), 35-37°C / 48 hours |
< 100cfu/mL |
| Thermotolerant (Faecal) Coliforms or Escherichia coli |
Not detected in 100 mL |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
Not detected in 100 mL |
Chemical criteria
Chemical parameter
|
Indoor pool
|
Heated indoor pool
|
Outdoor pool
|
Heated outdoor pool
|
Spa |
| Water Temperature (°C) |
|
> 26.0°C
|
|
> 26.0°C |
Ideal: 35-37°C
Max: 40°C
|
| Free Chlorine (mg/L or ppm) |
1.5 |
2
|
1.5
|
3
|
3
|
| Total Chlorine (mg/L or ppm) |
Free chlorine level + 1 (10 max)
|
Free chlorine level + 1 (10 max)
|
Free chlorine level + 1 (10 max) |
Free chlorine level + 1 (10 max) |
10.0
|
| Bromine (mg/L or ppm) |
3.0
|
4.0 |
3.0
|
4.0
|
4-6
|
pH
|
7.2-7.8
|
7.2-7.8 |
7.2-7.8
|
7.2-7.8
|
7.2-7.8
|
Alkalinity (mg/L or ppm)
|
80-200
|
80-200
|
80-200 |
80-200 |
80-200 |
We can assist you to meet the requirements of the guidelines.
- Sampling and on-site testing
Water temperature, chlorine or bromine, pH
- Bacteriological testing
Heterotrophic plate count (also known as heterotrophic colony count), thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
- Chemical testing
pH, alkalinity, conductivity, total dissolved salts (TDS), hardness, silver, chlorine
If you prefer to collect your own sample, we can provide you with the appropriate sample containers. Sample containers are free and can be collected from our laboratory. Alternatively, sample bottles can be posted to you for an additional charge.
When taking the sample, it is very important to follow the instructions provided especially for the microbiological tests, so that no contamination occurs. We recommend that samples are chilled after collection and delivered to our laboratory on the same day. You will also need to complete a Sample Submission Form to submit with your water samples.
Standard turn-around time for results is 10 business days, however results for pool samples are generally available within three business days.
Please contact us for sampling and analysis pricing.