Physicochemical characteristics of the water in selected hotel swimming pools in Awka, Anambra State Capital, Nigeria

Background: Water is vital for survival of humans and other life forms. It is required for human daily activities including drinking, cooking, washing, bathing and for agricultural, industrial, and recreational purposes. A swimming pool is a structure designed to hold water to enable swimming or other leisure activities. 
Aim: This study aimed at assessing the physicochemical characteristics of selected swimming pools in Awka, Anambra State Capital, in Nigeria. 
Methods: A total of 40 water samples were collected from ten swimming pools located within popular hotels and suites in Awka capital territory. The samplings were made during the weekend when the pools were usually busy. In situ measurements were carried out for pH and temperature. The physicochemical characteristics were assayed using standard laboratory methods. 
Results: The results obtained showed that the temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solutes, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate and heavy metals were within the specification 21 – 30 °C , ≤ 2000 µS/cm, ≤1000 ppm, ≤6 NTU, 1- 5 ppm, 1-10 ppm and ≤360 ppm respectively of WHO and Environmental Protection Agency standards for recreational water. While pH, alkalinity, Ca-hardness, free chlorine were out of specification 7.1 – 7.8, 80 – 120 ppm, 200 – 300 ppm, 1 -3 ppm, 1 – 10 ppm and ≤5 ppm respectively. 
Conclusion: In conclusion, the water qualities of the various swimming pools were fit for recreational usage although more effort should be applied to improve some of the physicochemical properties. Proper pool water treatment and training of operators might reduce health risks in the pools water.