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The water to the pools is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board, and
is a mixture from the Rivers Lea and Thames.
Continuous filtration and chlorination of the water is carried out during
the whole period the pools are in use,the period of complete turnover of both
pools being 3.5 hours. The pH value of the water is maintained between 7.6
and 7.8 while the chlorine content is maintained at 1,0 to 1.2 parts per million.
As soon as the last bather leaves the pool at the end of the day and for the
week-end closure of the establishment, the chlorine content is increased to
1.5 (or even more) parts per million to ensure sterile water when the pool is
re-opened.
Wallace and Tiernam Chlorinators supply the chlorine to the water and
the filtration equipment used is made by United Filters. Sulphate of Alumina
is used in required quantities in the filtering of the water and soda ash, or
similar, is used to assist in maintaining the necessary pH. value of the
water. Hourly tests are made of both pools to see that the correct pH. and
chlorine values are present. Periodical bacteriological examination of the
water is carried out by visiting pathologists from the London County Council
Public Health Department Pathological Services.
The water is maintained in such sterile condition that it is not
necessary to empty the pools. However, as the large pool is closed during the
winter season, and has to be drained down, the contents of the small pool are
used to thoroughly wash out the filters servicing this pool, and then, 50,000
gallons of water from the large pool is filtered through both sets of filters
into the small pool. This, in effect, means that both pools are emptied down
each year. While the pools are empty opportunity is taken to thoroughly scour
all sections of the pool steps that are under water, and all glazed tiling
cleaned down with an abrasive powder.
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