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24
Swimming Pool.
The water is sampled regularly and the results have been uniformly
satisfactory.
It might be appropriate—if somewhat provocative—to refer to the
question of verrucas or plantar warts in relation to swimming baths.
It is human nature to demand that a precise cause should be
assigned to every ailment. Since verrucas occur very often within the
same age group as the attenders at swimming baths it is a commonplace
that the two should be associated. It might, however, be interesting to
consider how far this association can in fact be proved. So far as I
am aware the actual cause of plantar warts has not yet been determined
with any precision. It is. thought that a very long time may well elapse
between a sufferer being exposed to the possibility of infection and the
actual condition occurring. There is no reason to establish that
circumstances conducive to the spread of this condition are peculiar
to swimming baths—if in fact they exist in the latter at all. Demonstrably
the standard of hygiene at baths (with the unlimited supply of chlorinated
water) is very high.
However tempting dogmatism may be it should be reserved for
circumstances far less equivocal than those pertaining to plantar warts
and swimming baths.
I am indebted to the Bath Superintendent for the following contribution:—
Set in the pleasant surroundings of Harrow Lodge Park this modern
building houses a pool 110 feet in length and 42 feet wide. It varies
in depth from 3 feet at the shallow end to 12 feet 6 inches at the deep
end to accommodate diving facilities of 1 and 3 metres spring boards
and 3 and 5 metres firm boards. There is capacious spectator accommodation
and a popular modern buffet bar for service of refreshments to
patrons.
The source of the water supply is the South Essex Waterworks
Company and it is treated in the building by the continuous circulation
system with a plant comprising six vertical filters, chemical tanks,
chlorinator and heating calorinator. The normal turnover period of the
pool is 4 hours and regular wastage of water via the overflow channels
and backwashing of the filters with the subsequent topping up ensures
that an adequate supply of fresh water is added periodically.
Despite the very poor weather experienced during 1960 the Swimming
Pool has again proved a popular venue, well over 300,000 having
taken advantage of the facility during the year. Following the exceptionally
good weather in 1959 a drastic reduction in patronage was
anticipated but only 10,500 fewer patrons were recorded. The advantage
of a modern, well heated building is now becoming obvious as the
winter patronage continues to rise, whereas summer admissions are
mainly controlled by weather conditions. A good, deal of the upward
trend of winter patronage can be attributed to the commencement in
October of "Adult Learn to Swim" classes which not only taught many