ABSTRACT

In spite of the importance and popularity of swimming pools in dry season, they have been identified as posing some public health risks to users due to either chemical or microbiological contamination. This study was carried out to investigate the water quality and microbial assessment of swimming pool water samples collected from four private hotels in Oredo Local Government, Benin City, Nigeria, during the dry season (January to February 2024). Physicochemical as well as biological examination of a total of 16 samples, were carried out using standard analytical methods. Of the 15 physicochemical parameters assessed, all were within the stipulated maximum permissible limit by World Health Organisation and Environmental Protection Agency for recreational waters except for pH, 4.53 - 5.6 and residual chlorine 0.1 - 13mg/L and dissolved oxygen 4.97 – 7.75mg/L. The results indicated overall poor compliance with the standards. Heavy metal analysis revealed low concentrations of chromium, cadmium, and lead, with no significant differences among sites. The calculated water quality index values indicated outstanding water quality for swimming across all sites. The best water quality was in sp 4, 4.11 followed by sp 3, 4.45, followed by sp 4.71 and the least is sp 1, 6.99.  The total bacteria count, total coliform count and Escherichia coli counts of the pool water samples were higher than the WHO limits suggesting potential issues with disinfection or filtration efficacy. Total coliform and Escherichia coli counts indicated fecal contamination concerns, emphasizing the importance of effective sanitation measures.