The Pressure on Local Swimming Pools: Why Cost-Effective Water Testing is Essential

Across the UK, community swimming pools are under growing pressure. Rising energy costs, staffing challenges, and supply chain issues have pushed many facilities to the brink of closure. The BBC recently reported that more than 60 public pools have shut down in the past three years, with many more at risk. The consequences extend far beyond leisure, as pools play a vital role in public health, rehabilitation, and water safety education.

Despite these challenges, solutions exist to help pools operate efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of water quality and safety. One key area where pools can optimise their operations is in water testing—an essential but often overlooked aspect of pool management.

The Non-Negotiable Need for Regular Water Testing

Regardless of financial pressures, water testing is fundamental to the safe operation of any swimming facility. Pools that fail to maintain proper water quality risk health hazards, reduced customer confidence, and regulatory penalties. Bacteria, imbalanced pH levels, and incorrect chlorine dosing can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even serious waterborne illnesses. Effective testing ensures that water remains safe for swimmers and that chemical dosing is optimised, reducing waste and unnecessary expenditure.

Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity. UK swimming pools must adhere to stringent guidelines set by authorities such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG). Ensuring compliance requires accurate, consistent water testing, but this can be a challenge for pools with limited resources.

The Role of Efficient Water Testing Solutions

Traditional water testing methods can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to human error. With pool operators already stretched thin, finding reliable and efficient ways to manage water testing is crucial. Automated and digital testing solutions can help pool operators reduce workload while maintaining water quality at the highest level.

For example, the Lumiso Pooltest Expert from Palintest offers an easy-to-use, highly accurate water testing solution tailored for commercial and community pools. Designed to simplify the testing process, it provides rapid results and reduces the margin for human error. This enables pool operators to make quick, informed decisions about chemical dosing, helping to optimise costs while ensuring swimmer safety.

One of the key benefits of modern digital pool testing is its repeatability and accuracy. Unlike traditional test strips or manual colour-matching methods, digital testers provide precise readings, ensuring that chemical levels are balanced correctly every time. This not only improves safety but also helps pools manage their chemical supplies more efficiently, reducing unnecessary spending.

Balancing Cost Pressures with Long-Term Gains

With many pools operating on tight budgets, investing in reliable water testing may seem like an added expense. However, poor water management can lead to higher long-term costs. Overuse of chemicals due to inaccurate testing wastes money and can contribute to equipment corrosion, leading to expensive repairs or premature infrastructure failures. Underuse, on the other hand, increases the risk of bacterial outbreaks, potentially forcing temporary closures that result in lost revenue and reputational damage.

By implementing a structured and reliable testing regime, pools can prevent these costly issues. Digital water testing solutions allow operators to detect and address problems before they escalate, ensuring long-term savings and operational stability. More accurate chemical management also reduces environmental impact, a growing concern for pools striving to improve sustainability.

Supporting Community Pools with Best Practice Approaches

Community-run pools, such as Birtley Community Pool in Tyne and Wear, demonstrate how effective management strategies can help facilities not only survive but thrive. Birtley faced closure due to funding pressures but was successfully reopened by the local community. Now operated as a non-profit, it has become a model for other struggling pools, showing how smart operational decisions, including efficient water testing, can make a tangible difference.

Birtley Community Pool uses the Lumiso Pooltest Expert from Palintest to maintain safe water quality while optimising chemical usage. By embracing innovative water testing solutions, the pool has reduced wastage, ensured compliance, and maintained a safe and welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages.

A best-practice approach to water testing involves regular monitoring, proper staff training, and the use of high-quality testing equipment. While some pools still rely on basic manual testing methods, switching to digital solutions can streamline the process, freeing up staff time for other essential tasks. Automated data logging also ensures that records are accurate and readily available for compliance checks, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

In a sector where every cost-saving measure matters, the adoption of efficient, modern water testing technologies should be seen as an investment in sustainability rather than an unnecessary expense. Reliable testing prevents larger financial and operational setbacks down the line, making it an essential component of pool management.

The Future of Water Quality Management in Public Pools

The landscape for public and community-run pools is changing rapidly. While energy costs and funding challenges remain significant obstacles, technological advancements in water testing offer a practical way to mitigate some of these pressures. Digital water testing solutions, like those provided by Palintest, enable pool operators to manage water quality proactively, reducing waste, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a safe environment for swimmers.

As the industry moves forward, embracing best-practice water management strategies will be key to keeping pools open and thriving. Local authorities, community groups, and private operators must prioritise water quality as a fundamental part of their operational strategy. Investing in smart, reliable water testing solutions isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that pools remain safe, welcoming, and financially viable for years to come.