A recent article published online ( Dubai Pools Infested with Bacteria ) reported that many of the privately owned swimming pools in Dubai tested positive for potentially harmful strands of bacteria such as Coliforms, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Fecal Streptococcus.

In a word, “Yuck!”

We imagine that the United Arab Emirates has sanitation rules for its public swimming pools similar to those found in the United States but also just like here in the United States, those rules and regulations probably do not extend to privately owned swimming pools.

So, the next time you find yourself about the hop into a private Dubai swimming pool — or a private pool here in the US for that matter — take a few seconds beforehand to test the water for basic (and important!) pool water quality parameters such as Free Chlorine, pH and Alkalinity. The Pool Check 3-Way Test Strip costs very little, requires no chemicals, and gives accurate test results almost immediately.

Pool Check 3 Way Test Strip Color Chart

Two years ago, an outbreak of illness caused by a germ called Cryptosporidium (“Crypto” for short) made at least 69 people ill in Dubuque. Health officials said Flora Pool was the probable origin of the outbreak.

“Those illnesses can last for weeks,” said Mary Rose Corrigan, public health specialist with the city of Dubuque.

Such illnesses also can lead to hospitalizations. Roth recalls a recent incident involving a diarrhea illness originating at a parish festival.

“We had people in the (intensive care units) at both hospitals because the diarrhea had put their electrolytes out of balance,” Roth said.

“The general public thinks you get diarrhea for a couple days and that’s it, but what happens for some people is this can be a near-death experience. It’s not always a benign situation.” ( source )

Still not convinced? Think of it this way: The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Ground Water Association urge private well owners to test their water on a regular basis because the slightest contamination can cause massive illnesses in the users of the wells… so what do you think they say about pool water, huh? They say things like…. this.

How can you test you pool water? Check out the new Swimming Pool & Spa Testing Supplies Web Site.