Occurrence of P. aeroginosa in Children Swimming Pools in Hotels and Prevention

İçemer G., Yoldaş M., Özkaynak H. Ö.

6th International Congress on Engineering and Life Science (ICELIS), Girne, Kıbrıs (Kktc), 2 - 04 Eylül 2025, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Girne
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Kıbrıs (Kktc)
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

                                      

Occurence of P. aeroginosa in Children Swimming Pools in Hotels  and Prevention

Merve YOLDAŞ1, Gönül Tuğrul İÇEMER*1, Harun Ömer ÖZKAYNAK1

1 University of Akdeniz Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engiineering, Antalya, Türkiye

*Corresponding author: gicemer@akdeniz.edu.tr

Abstract

Turkey plays an important role in the world tourism sector and offers a wide range of five-star luxury hotels, boutique hotels, resorts and all-inclusive concept facilities, catering to every budget and taste. Antalya has been one of the most visited cities in Turkey, welcoming over 15 million foreign tourists in 2024. Pools in these hotels are artificial water areas widely used for entertainment, recreation and sports. However, pool water must be clean and safe, and microorganisms and pathogens in the water must be removed.

The hygienic conditions of hotel swimming pools have a direct impact on user health. Inadequate hygiene can predispose to the rapid spread of bacterial and viral infections. The proliferation of total Coliform bacteria, Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, Salmonella, Candida and Giardia can lead to health problems such as respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, especially skin infections. Therefore, regular maintenance, biofilm cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent microbial contamination in swimming pools. Moreover, these measures are even more critical for individuals who are sensitive to waterborne diseases.

Pseudomonas aeroginosa is the most important microbial risk causing ear infections, skin rashes and eye infections especially in children in children's pools of hotels. P. aeroginosa was investigated in this study because they form a biofilm layer on the pool walls and are resistant to routine disinfection. The presence of P. aeroginosa was analyzed in children's pools and aquparks of five-star hotels in Antalya.  According to the results obtained from the study, an increase in the presence of P. aeroginosa was observed with increasing temperature in summer. P. aeroginosa should not be present in the national swimming pool regulation limit values. Current disinfection methods were examined and recommendations were made for effective disinfection methods, biofilm cleaning and protection and monitoring methods.

Keywords : Children Swimming pool, Health risk, P. aeruginosa.

Acknowledgment : This study was supported by Akdeniz University Scientific Research Projects Unit with the project number FLY-2024-6526.