Efficacy Tests for Pool and Spa Disinfectants
Pool and spa disinfectants should be disinfectants proven to be effective on human pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa and viruses) commonly found in swimming pool and spa pool water.In addition to efficacy equivalent to hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite as demonstrated in laboratory and field testing, a swimming pool or spa pool disinfectant or disinfectant treatment should have the following general performance characteristics.
- An effective disinfectant residue concentration can be maintained in the body of the pool to ensure continuous disinfection in the water. Although not a requirement, there should be an automatic dosing system for disinfectant.
- Efficiency should be in a pH range compatible with swimmer safety and comfort, and the presence of ions and other solute concentrations commonly found in pool water where proper water quality maintenance is applied.
- A practical method for measuring disinfectant concentration should be available. If the disinfectant is intended for use in home pools, the concentration of the residual disinfectant (or its main ingredients, if more than one active ingredient) should be measurable using a field test kit or other simple method that can be applied.
- If the measured concentrations are found to be below the recommended effective concentration, or if accidental microbiological contamination requires remedial treatment, the disinfectant should have additional dosing capability.
- For disinfectants containing more than one active ingredient, the relative contributions of each main active ingredient to the overall efficacy should be defined.
- The disinfectant has sufficient algaecide properties on its own or must be compatible with one or more proprietary algaecide products.
- It is the applicant's responsibility to prove, through independent scientific testing, that a disinfectant or disinfection treatment can meet these criteria.
