Englanninkielinen uima-allasmateriaali kouluttajille

1. SSTL Puhtausala ry – DEVELOPER OF THE INDUSTRY
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene
competence
Trainer’s material v. 08, updated 02/2020

2. Content of the training
• Legislation
• Swimming halls as promoters of healthy exercise
• Swimming pools and wet rooms as an operating
environment
• Cleaners as part of the pool area work community
• Customer safety
• Pool water hygiene
• Reducing contamination
• Surface materials
• Dirt
• Cleaning agents, equipment and machinery
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 2

3. Content of the training
• Cleaning facilities
• Changing room cleaning
• Toilet facilities cleaning
• Shower room cleaning
• Sauna cleaning
• Pool area cleaning
• Quality control
• Cleaner’s work in the pool area and wet rooms
• Safety at work and ergonomics
• Protective equipment
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 3

4. Other material
• Uimahallien ja kosteiden tilojen hygieniaopas. Suomen Ympäristö- ja Terveysalan Kustannus Oy
• Leivo, Virpi. 2009. Ohje uimahallien ja kylpylöiden lattioiden liukkauden ehkäisemiseen.
Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto. Rakennustekniikan laitos. Rakennetekniikka. Tutkimusraportti
145.
http://www.suh.fi/files/288/Tutkimusraportti_145_Lattioiden_liukkaus.pdf
• Valvira. Allasvesiasetuksen soveltamisohje.
http://www.valvira.fi/documents/14444/261239/Allasvesiasetuksen_soveltamisohje.pdf/f6bc9
091-304e-49d3-a9ac-019bd7573db0
• Valvira. Tarkastusohje TO 3: Uimahallit, kylpylät ja uima-altaat.
http://www.valvira.fi/documents/14444/1451645/TO+3_2017/1d6b8474-524a-cb22-b6ee-
e66b75938ce1
• Valvira. Uimahallien, uima-altaiden ja uimaloiden valvontatarpeen arviointi.
http://www.valvira.fi/documents/14444/1451645/TO+3_2017/1d6b8474-524a-cb22-b6ee-
e66b75938ce1
Uima-allas- ja märkätilojen hygieniaosaaminen 4

5. Other material
• RT 91-11249. Hygienia sisätiloissa. Yleiset perusteet. 23.02.2017.
• RT 91-11250. Hygienia sisätiloissa. Tilasuunnittelu. 23.02.2017.
• RT 103059. Uimahallien suunnittelu. 25.6.2019.
• KH 60-00632. Hygienia sisätiloissa. Siivous ja huolto. 25.8.2017.
• Siivoustyön käsikirja. SSTL Puhtausala ry:n julkaisuja
• Siivoustyön menetelmäkortit. SSTL Puhtausala ry:n julkaisuja
• Uimahallien puhtaus. Puhtaustiedon tietopaketti 14.
• Uimahallibarometri 2012. Suomen Uimaopetus- ja Hengenpelastusliitto, www.suh.fi
• Uimahallien ja kylpylöiden turvallisuuden edistäminen. Tukes-ohje 1/2015.
Turvallisuus- ja kemikaalivirasto.
• Physical activity pie. UKK Institute, Liikuntapiirakka. UKK-instituutti.
Uima-allas- ja märkätilojen hygieniaosaaminen 5

6. Other material
• Tule uimahalliin! Opas uimahallien asiakkaille, henkilökunnalle ja järjestöille edistämään
kaikkien mahdollisuuksia käyttää uimahallipalveluja. Suomen Uimaopetus- ja
Hengenpelastusliitto ry 2013
• Koskinen, Marita. 2012. Pintahygienia osana uimahallihygieniaa ja uimahallien
palveluliiketoimintaa. Opinnäytetyö. Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu.
• Javanainen, Jesse. 2011. Siivousvälinedesinfektio Miele G 7859 pesuautomaatilla.
Opinnäytetyö. Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu.
• Talli, Pauliina. 2011. Pintahygienia uimahallissa. Opinnäytetyö. Tampereen
ammattikorkeakoulu.
• Pernu, P. & Kuurne, V. 2016. Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö. Liikuntapaikkajulkaisu no 110.
Uimahallien ja kylpylöiden suunnittelu – käytännössä toimiviksi todettuja ratkaisuja. 112 s.
Rakennustieto Oy.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 6

7. Legislation
• Health protection regulations concerning swimming halls and spas
• Health Protection Act (763/1994)
• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree (1350/2006) on the facility-technical and pool
water hygiene competence and testing required of people who work in swimming halls,
spas or similar facilities
• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree (315/2002) on the quality requirements and
monitoring examinations of pool water in swimming halls and spas
• Government decree (1365/2011) on the investigation of epidemics that spread via
foodstuffs and water
• Monitoring performed by the municipal health protection authority
• Plans required by the legislation
• Hygiene
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 7

8. Health Protection Act:
Operator’s general obligations
• Section 1: Objectives of the Act
- To prevent, decrease and eliminate such factors in the living environment
that may cause health hazards.
- A health hazard means a human illness or, for example, the appearance
of a factor or circumstance that may decrease the healthiness of the
living environment.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 8

9. Health Protection Act:
Operator’s general obligations
• Section 2: General principles
- Activity that affects the living environment must be practised in such a way
that the emergence of health hazards is prevented where feasible.
• Section 13: Mandatory reporting
- An operator is liable for filing a written notice to the health protection
authority concerning the establishment of a swimming hall intended for
public use or an essential change in the operation of such swimming hall.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 9

10. Municipal health protection authority:
Inspection of facilities involves, for example:
• The quality of pool water and quality monitoring, the adequacy of water treatment
• The competence of personnel
• Contingency plans for disturbances
• Cleaning plan and monitoring of cleaning efficiency
• The cleanliness and suitability of cleaning equipment storage facilities, locking systems of the
facilities
• The cleanliness and adequacy of the facilities, the suitability of the materials
• Cleaning the equipment used in pools (floats, buckets, water jogging belts etc.)
• Users’ showering instructions
In further detail
http://www.valvira.fi/ymparistoterveys/terveydensuojelu/ymparistoterveydenhuollon_laatujarjest
elma_-_terveydensuojelun_valvontaohjeisto
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 10

11. Municipal health protection authority:
Examples of aspects considered in connection with the inspection of
facilities:
• The used materials and surfaces must be easy to clean.
• The cleaning of structures must be possible, and the structures must prevent the accumulation of
standing water in the corners of the room, for example.
• The shower rooms and pool area must be separated from the areas where outdoor clothing and
shoes are used.
• The cleaning equipment must have an appropriate, separate and lockable storage room which is
equipped with a sink, a sewer, a tap with both hot and cold water, a warmed drying rack and
adequate shelf and rack space for the substances and equipment used for cleaning. The facilities
need to be adequate, considering the wet and dry areas, other functions of the swimming hall,
and the equipment required for cleaning the pools.
• Attention must be paid on intensified monitoring of cleaning, particularly in new swimming halls,
so that the possible problems are noticed; for example, the applicability of equipment for
cleaning elevated floor tiles, cleaning the water line etc.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 11

12. National health protection monitoring programme 2015–
2019
• Public pools are classified in risk class 3 and are inspected 1–2 times a year.
- Risk class 3 includes locations whose operation is likely to cause health
hazards: for example, the number of people who are exposed to the health
hazard is large, the activity is sensitive to disturbances or the impacts on
health are significant.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 12

13. Health Protection Act:
Operator’s general obligations
• Section 28: Design and maintenance
- A swimming hall, spa, sauna or any similar facilities must be
designed, equipped and maintained in such a way that the health
of those using the facility is not harmed.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 13

14. Health Protection Act:
Operator’s general obligations
• Section 28 a: Pool water hygiene competence (Water hygiene card)
- The operator must, at its own expense, ensure that people, who work at swimming halls,
spas, or other similar facilities and whose duties include carrying out tasks that affect the
quality of pool water, must have a certificate granted by the National Supervisory Authority
for Welfare and Health (Valvira).
- The certificate is granted to a person who has successfully passed a test evaluating skills in
technical utility operations and pool water hygiene. The certificate is valid for a period of five
years.
- Cleaners are not required to have a Water hygiene card.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 14

15. Water hygiene card
• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree (1350/2006) on the facility-
technical and pool water hygiene competence and testing required of people
who work in swimming halls, spas or similar facilities
Adequate elementary knowledge of:
- microbiology
- pool water chemistry
- pool water cleaning technology
- ventilation
- personal hygiene
- sanitation
- pool water monitoring
- legislation related to pool water quality
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 15

16. Health Protection Act:
Operator’s general obligations
• Section 28 a: Pool water hygiene competence
- The amendment of 1 January 2017 complemented Section 28 a with another paragraph that
provides for the following matters concerning the competence of workers who clean pool
facilities:
"The operator must ensure that in order to decrease the stress on the pool water, those
involved in sanitation and cleaning of pool areas and wet rooms must have adequate
knowledge on how the facilities’ hygiene affects the pool water’s hygienic quality. In addition,
they must have sufficient competence in the cleaning and sanitation of these facilities."
- One way of proving one’s competence is to pass the pool area and wet room hygiene
competence test.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 16

17. Health Protection Act:
Pool water quality control
• Section 29: Regular inspection of swimming water
- The municipal health protection authority is obliged to regularly inspect the
water quality in public swimming halls and spas as well as in public recreation,
rehabilitation and massage pools.
- The health protection authority may prohibit the use of a public pool if the
water does not meet the hygienic quality standards.
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decrees provide for more detailed
regulations.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 17

18. Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree
(315/2002) on pool water
• Pool water must not contain micro-organisms, parasites or any substances in quantities that may
constitute a health hazard.
• The operator must prepare a monitoring inspection programme jointly with the health
protection authority.
- Periodic regulatory control of water quality: what is inspected and how often
- Pool water monitoring: how does the operator monitor the effectiveness of water treatment
and water quality
- Cleaning plan: how the facilities are kept clean and hygienic
- Contingency plan: how to operate in exceptional circumstances (for example, excrement or
vomit in a pool, chlorine leak)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 18

19. Application guide for Decree 315/2002
• ANNEX 3: Cleaning programme
• operators responsible for cleaning
• cleanliness requirements for facilities
• cleaning plan
• self-monitoring
• http://www.valvira.fi/documents/14444/261239/Allasvesiasetuksen_soveltamisohje.pdf/f6bc9091-304e-49d3-a9ac-
019bd7573db0
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 19

20. Government decree (1365/2011) on the investigation of
epidemics
• Municipalities have a designated group for the investigation of epidemics.
- epidemics transmitted by foodstuffs, domestic water, swimming water and
pool water
• Objective
- laboratory examinations on affected people
- examining the water suspected to have caused the epidemic
- epidemiological examinations
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 20

21. Government decree (1365/2011) on the investigation of
epidemics
• Notifications
- Notification concerning a suspected epidemic: National Institute for Health and
Welfare, Regional State Administrative Agency, National Supervisory Authority for
Welfare and Health (Valvira), Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira) and the hospital
district
- The following bodies must be notified about the investigation on the epidemic as
early as possible and no later than 3 months after the conclusion of the
investigation: Evira, Valvira and the Regional State Administrative Agency
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 21

22. The most common pathogenic microbes that cause
diseases which spread via pool water and damp areas:
Symptom Pathogen Method of exposure
Ear inflammation Pseudomonas aeruginosa Direct contact with water
Skin inflammation Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Staphylococcus aureus
Mycobacterium
Direct contact with water
Eye inflammation Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Protozoa
Direct contact with water
Inflammation of the intestines Faecal microbes Swallowed water
Legionellosis Legionella pneumophila Inhalation
Skin inflammation, pimples Viruses (adeno, molluscipox, papilloma) Direct contact with surfaces
Inflammations of feet and nails Fungi Direct contact with surfaces
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 22

23. Swimming halls as promoters of healthy exercise
Swimming is suitable for almost everyone, from child to grandparent, and it is an
important form of health-enhancing physical activity.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 23

24. Swimming halls as promoters of healthy
exercise
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 24
Swimming halls aim at offering services to as many user groups as possible.
• infants (infant swimming and infant swimming pools)
• children (swimming instruction)
• youths, adults, pensioners
• people from various cultures (possibly separate swimming times)
• people with disabilities
• water sports athletes (use outside of the opening hours)

25. Swimming halls as promoters of healthy exercise
Because the pool areas are used by several
user groups and large numbers of visitors, the
opening hours are generally long and the
swimming time per person is limited (1.5–2
hours).
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 25
Cleaning must be arranged for the entire opening
time.

26. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 26
Microbial
growth
Air temperature
and humidity
Surface materials
Wet and inclined
surfaces
slipperiness
Diving towers, diving
boards, starting blocks,
slides, pool ends,
poolside channels
Steel parts/corrosion
Equipment and
furniture
Pool water
temperature
and volatile
chemicals
Ventilation and
pressure ratios
Lighting
CUSTOMERS
Machinery
and
equipment

27. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 27
Lighting
The indirect lighting of wall and ceiling surfaces.

28. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 28
Lighting
In the pool area, the lights must be placed above
the areas between the pools — not above the pools.

29. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 29
Lighting
The illumination levels of areas must comply with the EN-12464-1 standard.
The illuminance above the starting blocks and at both ends of the pool must be at
least 600 lx.
The lighting in shower rooms and saunas must comply with the standard SFS 6000
Sections 701, 701.415.1, 701.512.3 and 703; residual current protection is required.

30. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 30
Lighting
Cleaning light is controlled from the cleaning station through the automation
substation.
The facilities are equipped with presence sensors and with switches that turn on
full illumination for a set period of time for cleaning/maintenance.
The lights must have a manual control option for maintenance procedures.

31. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 31
Ventilation and pressure ratios
Pool level facilities Technical facilities
->= pressure ratios, lower pressure in the arrow’s direction
-->= direction of air movement
KLOORITILA CHLORINE
FACILITIES
OTSONITILA OZONE
FACILITIES
FLOKKI JA pH FLOCK AND PH
SÄHKÖTILAT ELECTRIC
APPLIANCES
FACILITIES
MÄRÄT TILAT,
TASAUSALTAAT
WET FACILITIES,
EQUALISING
TANKS
MUUT ALLASTEKNI-
SET TILAT
OTHER POOL-
TECHNOLOGY
FACILITIES
KUIVAT TILAT DRY AREAS
ALLASTILA POOL AREA
PESUHUONE SHOWER
ROOM
ALLASTILA POOL AREA
PUKUHUONE CHANGING
ROOM
KUIVAT TILAT DRY AREAS
SISÄÄN-
TULOAULA
ENTRANCE
HALL
KAHVIO CAFETERIA
LIIKUNTATILAT EXERCISE
FACILITIES
JNE. ETC.

32. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 32
Ventilation and pressure ratios
Air movement above pool

33. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 33
Ventilation and pressure ratios
Air movement on window surface

34. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 34
Wet and inclined surfaces > slipperiness
Pooling water is a risk to safety
and hygiene!

35. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 35
Wet and inclined surfaces > slipperiness
Skid-resistance testing at the design stage

36. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 36
Steel parts/corrosion
Corroded railing Cleaned railing treated with ceramic
coating

37. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 37
Epoxy film
Can be seen with the naked eye or in UV light

38. Effects of the operational environment
on cleaning and the cleaner’s work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 38
The epoxy work can be performed
properly as well.

39. Swimming hall changing rooms are wet rooms
Wet room is a room whose floor surface is exposed to water because of the
room’s purpose of use, and whose wall surfaces are exposed to splashing or
condensing water.
Swimming hall changing rooms are classified as wet rooms because the floor has
high exposure to moisture (water carried by wet customers and cleaning). The
floor must have drains, and according to the new recommendations, inclinations
should be made for the entire floor area instead of using local inclinations as has
been done in the past. Because of this, the floor structure must include a
waterproofing layer.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 39

40. The foundations of pool water hygiene
• Swimmers’ hygiene
• Professional cleaning
• Water treatment
• Mechanical water purification and chemical treatment
• System capacity design, maintenance and monitoring
• Chlorine
• The objective is to use only a small amount of free chlorine, and the
chlorine must be in the correct state; it is used only for microbe control.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 40

41. Water treatment is required because
• The water is contaminated by swimmers as well as detergent solutions and dirty
water that ends up in the pool. The pool water is contaminated by:
• impurities
• urea (in urine and sweat, for example)
• microbes
• Microbes may cause diseases. Therefore, they must be eliminated already in the
pool.
• The pool water is disinfected with chlorine.
• The effectiveness of disinfection with chlorine depends on:
• the amount of impurities in the pool water
• the pH level of the water
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 41

42. Chlorine and impurities
The free chlorine in the pool water is highly reactive to urea and other organic
impurities.
• When chlorine reacts with impurities, it loses its disinfection properties and
generates compounds that have harmful health effects
Some of the organic impurities occur in the so-called colloidal form (as large
particles).
• Impurities in the colloidal form protect the microbes which hinders disinfection
with free chlorine.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 42

43. Water treatment
Removal of impurities and harmful compounds
• Coarse-grain filtering
• Filtering (nowadays using quartz sand filters)
• Double-layer filters have a carbon layer.
• Filtering is often made more effective using chemical coagulants.
• Activated carbon: activated carbon filter or powder feed
• Other methods for making the filtering more effective: ozonising, UV light
• Pool bottom vacuuming, cleaning the waterline and the poolside channels
• Circulation flow rate of filtering: 2 m3/swimmer
• Replacement water (fresh water) 30 litres/swimmer
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 43

44. Chemicals used for water purification
Chlorine-based chemicals:
• sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite
Chemicals for adjusting the pH level:
• acids for lowering the pH level:
• hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium bicarbonate
• alkalis for increasing the pH level:
• soda, baking soda, lye
Chemical coagulants:
• aluminium sulphate, aluminium chloride
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 44

45. Pool water quality standards
Strict standards have been set for the quality of pool water
• for ensuring that the water is disinfected with chlorine
• for controlling the amount of harmful organisms and substances
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 45

46. Swimming pool water quality control
The municipal health protection authority is obliged to monitor the pool water set
out in the Decree on pool water (Decree 315/2002) with regular inspections.
A facility-specific monitoring inspection programme is prepared for regular monitoring. The
programme includes:
• information about the responsible persons, authorities, laboratories
• information about the pools, attendance rates, water treatment
• sampling plan
• plan for special circumstances
• monitoring log
• cleaning plan
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 46

47. Monitoring inspection samples
Sampling intervals are determined by attendance.
• Samples can be taken also by the personnel of the facility. In that case, the results
are reported to the authorities without delay.
The facility administrator must inform the pool users of the pool water quality (test
results publicly displayed).
A summary on the pool water quality is delivered to the health protection authority
annually.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 47

48. Cleaner as part of the pool area work community
Personnel
• cashier, customer service
• pool attendant(s)
• technical personnel
• cleaners
are collectively responsible for
the safety of customers.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 48
As for hygiene, this means that someone takes responsibility
for cleaning throughout the opening hours, even outside of
the cleaner’s shift.

49. Customer safety
Users
• cleanliness
• behaviour
Personnel,
guardians
• clean shoes
Structures
• safety
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 49
Floors
• cleanliness
• safety
Water and swimming
equipment
• cleanliness
from the point of view of cleaning and cleaning work involves ensuring that the water and
surfaces are clean, that surface materials are safe as well as practising customer guidance.

50. Safety dossier
Every swimming hall and spa must have a safety dossier with which every
employee must be familiarised.
The purpose of the dossier is to provide guidance for considering safety aspects in
practical circumstances.
It contains a plan for identifying possible dangers, for risk control and for providing
information about them.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 50

51. Safety dossier
The cleaning programme is also recorded in the safety dossier.
• operator responsible for cleaning
• cleaning plan which contains cleaning methods and times
• instructions on the safe use and storage of the machinery and equipment used
for cleaning
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 51

52. Rules and regulations
The objective of the rules and regulations
is to increase the general pleasantness of
the swimming pool facilities.
Their implementation is supervised by the
facility’s personnel.
More detailed codes of conduct and
instructions can be prepared to
complement the rules and regulations.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 52

53. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 53
SWIMMING HALL CODE OF CONDUCT
ALWAYS WASH YOURSELF BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL
AREA. DO NOT WEAR YOUR SWIMSUIT WHEN SHOWERING
OR IN THE SAUNA.
REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HAIR.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO WET YOUR HAIR, USE A
SWIMMING CAP. LONG HAIR SHOULD BE TIED WHEN
SWIMMING.
MOVE AND ACT CALMLY WITHIN THE FACILITIES.
USE AN APPROPRIATE SWIMSUIT IN THE POOL AREA. IF
REQUIRED, THE PERSONNEL WILL PROVIDE FURTHER
INSTRUCTIONS.
ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO DO NOT BELONG IN A SWIMMING
HALL. IT IS FORBIDDEN TO TAKE CHEWING GUM OR SWEETS
TO THE POOL AREA.
DIVING TO THE FITNESS POOL IS ONLY ALLOWED FROM THE
DESIGNATED LOCATIONS.
IF THE SWIMMING HALL HAS DIVING TOWERS, THE
PERSONNEL MANAGE THEIR USE.
CHILDREN WHO CANNOT SWIM OR WHO USE FLOATS OR
SWIMMING RINGS SHOULD SWIM IN THE CHILDREN’S POOL,
NOT IN THE FITNESS POOL.

54. Rules and regulations
The rules and regulations may include instructions and information about, for
example:
• hygiene and showering
• age limits on the use of certain services
• behaviour
• dressing (swimsuit)
• rentable equipment
• customers’ own safety
• valuables and lost property
• storage of personal items
• customers’ own foods
• liability for damages
• the use of mobile phones
• photography
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 54

55. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 55
PLEASE DO NOT WEAR YOUR SWIMSUIT IN THE SAUNA
WE RECOMMEND
USING A SAUNA
SEAT COVER.
THIS SIGN MEANS THAT THE USE OF A SWIMSUIT IS ALLOWED IN THE
SAUNA.

56. Customer guidance
The entire staff is responsible for the
operation, safety and customer service in
the swimming pool facilities.
Customer guidance is everyone’s duty.
Cleaning personnel spend the most time in
the wet rooms and can observe the
customers’ behaviour.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 56
Wash your hair before
entering the pools!
Or use a swimming
cap.

57. Customer guidance
• Guidance should be based on the rules and regulations as well as
instruction posters.
• The rules and regulations should be visible to everyone.
• Instruction posters may include, for example:
• showering instructions
• instructions on swimsuit use
• prohibitions: do not run, do not dive
• instructions on the use of equipment
• information regarding maintenance
procedures
(no admittance, slippery floor...)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 57

58. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 58
REMEMBER TO...
...MOVE AND ACT CALMLY
WITHIN THE FACILITIES.
...TIE LONG HAIR OR USE A
SWIMMING CAP.
...SWIMSUITS AND
SWIMMING EQUIPMENT
SHOULD BE CLEAN AND
APPROPRIATE

59. Instruction posters
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 59
Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation has prepared instruction
posters that can be downloaded from their website
www.suh.fi/materiaalipankki?fid=71.
No food in the changing
and shower
rooms or the pool area
No running
No
diving
Floor may be
slippery

60. Instruction posters
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 60
Do not wear a swimsuit in
the sauna
Do not wear a swimsuit in
the shower
Shower with a door or a
curtain
Shower before swimming
Shower before going to the sauna
Using a towel
is allowed in the sauna

61. Breaking the rules and regulations or the code of
conduct
If a customer does not comply with the rules and regulations, the cleaner, too, is
responsible for addressing the issue.
Actions that violate the rules and regulations include, for example:
• indecent behaviour
• abstaining from showering
• wearing a swimsuit in the sauna
• hair dying and shaving
• eating own foods
• disturbing behaviour (aggressive behaviour)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 61

62. Breaking the rules and regulations or the code of
conduct
How to address issues:
• Discussion with the customer, explaining the rules and regulations
• If necessary, other personnel or authorities may be called.
At every work place, it is advisable to agree on how to act if a disturbance is
encountered, and train the entire personnel to comply with the agreed practice.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 62

63. Surface materials
All swimming pool and wet room surface materials must be moisture resistant
and be easy to clean.
Floor surface materials must decrease the slipping hazard. The appropriate
friction coefficient for wet floor surfaces is 0.7 < µ < 0.8.
• If the friction coefficient is below 0.7 → the floor is slippery.
• If the friction coefficient is over 0.8 → heavy to clean.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 63

64. Ceramic tiles: the most common material
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 64

65. Ceramic tiles: cleaning
• Withstand acidic and alkaline detergents and detergents with high solvent content.
• Periodical use of an acidic detergent is necessary to prevent calcium deposits.
• Glazed ceramic floor surfaces may be seriously damaged by acidic detergents.
• Thorough maintenance cleaning of floors using machinery is necessary because uneven tile
surfaces gather impurities and water salts that bacteria use as growth platforms.
• Using the cleaning machine alternately with floor pads and brush decreases the formation of
biofilms.
• Thorough rinsing is necessary for the removal of impurities.
• Drying the wall, furniture and floor surfaces after wash decreases the formation of deposits on
the surfaces.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 65

66. Tile seams: cleaning
The seams of ceramic floor and wall tiles may be
• epoxy
• cement-based
• silicone
There are differences in how easily the materials can be cleaned.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 66

67. Epoxy seams
• A seaming material used in swimming
pools, walls and floors
• endures detergents and mechanical
cleaning well.
• Generally, the maximum water
temperature is 60
o
C
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 67

68. Cement-based seams
• Because of their roughness, seams gather
impurities and are difficult to keep clean.
• Acidic detergents corrode the seams.
• Cannot endure heavy mechanical cleaning or high-
pressure washing.
• When removing deposits, the seam must be first
moistened with water.
• At the end of cleaning, neutralising, rinsing and
drying
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 68

69. Silicone seams
• Because of its flexibility, silicone is used in wall corner and expansion joints, for example.
• Cannot endure heavy mechanical washing as well as ceramic tiles can.
• Standing water and soap solutions damage the
seam.
• Disinfectant detergents destroy the silicone’s
anti-mould compound making the silicone a good
growth platform for microbes.
• Must be replaced approximately once every two years.
• detaches from the surface
• gathers impurities
• moulds
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 69

70. Austenitic stainless steel
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 70

71. Austenitic stainless steel
• Used in pool area railings, ladders and as pool material, for example
• Stainless steel cannot endure the conditions in the wet rooms of swimming
halls and spas.
Cleaning
• Wiping with a wet microfibre cloth
• Chlorine compounds and acidic detergent residue may damage the surface.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 71

72. Glass
Glass is used in wall and door surfaces, for example.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 72

73. Glass
Cleaning glass surfaces
• Clean with water or neutral detergent solution.
• Drying the surface properly prevents droplet marks.
• Cannot endure strong acidic or alkaline detergents or detergents that contain
abrasive components.
• If the glass surfaces are close to the pools, they must be cleaned at the splash
level daily or weekly.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 73

74. Wood
Sauna seats are often made of
untreated wood.
Wood can also be used for wall, door
and furniture surfaces.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 74

75. Wood: cleaning
• Wood surfaces are often untreated or oiled.
• The detergents and cleaning equipment to be used may depend on the type of
wood and its treatment.
• Cannot endure strongly acidic or alkaline detergents.
• It is important to let wood surfaces dry regularly, as rot fungi thrive on moist and
warm surfaces.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 75

76. Plastic
• Plastic can be used as floor cover,
furniture and wall surface material.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 76

77. Plastic: cleaning
• Strong detergents and abrasive cleaning equipment may damage the surface.
• Floor surfaces are often embossed or grained, which makes machine-cleaning
necessary.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 77

78. Painted surfaces
• Lockers may have painted steel surfaces, for example.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 78

79. The materials of WC facilities
• The furnishings of WC facilities may have glazed ceramic, porcelain, solid surface
or steel surfaces, for example. Door material can be laminated wood, for
example.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 79

80. Reducing soiling
• Customer guidance: customers are the main cause of impurities in the pool water.
• Decreasing the amount of dirt carried into the facilities
• Material choices
• Passages
• Cleaning
• Personnel’s hygiene and practices
The stress on the facilities affects the amount of soiling.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 80

81. The amount of stress varies daily even
within the same swimming hall
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Attendance between 6 am and 9 pm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 81
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Attendance between 6 am and 8 pm
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Attendance between 6 am and 8 pm
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Attendance between 6 am and 9 pm

82. Reducing soiling:
Customer guidance
General instructions
- Showering and removing make-up before entering the pools and saunas
o Showering before entering the pools decreases the amount of sweat, cosmetics residual
and organic impurities that are sources of nutrition for bacteria. Impurities decrease the
effectiveness of the chlorine in the pool water; its capability to eliminate microbes
declines, and reagents, that are harmful when inhaled, are generated.
- Long hair should be tied, a hair should be washed or a swimming cap should be used.
o The amount of hair, hair care products and impurities from the scalp in the pool is
decreased; impurities hinder the cleaning of the pool water.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 82

83. Reducing soiling:
Customer guidance
o Exception: the right-to-wear symbol
A license mark on a swimsuit or bracelet in hand indicates that a
swimmer may wear a swimsuit in a swimming pool even in
situations where the rules direct them to operate without a
swimsuit. The reason can be, for example, an illness, a stent or
something else.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 83
- Swimsuits are not allowed in the sauna.
o Chlorine carried within the swimsuit evaporates in the sauna,
producing aerosols.
o Swimsuits absorb sweat, which is then carried to the pools.

84. Reducing soiling:
Customer guidance
- Swimsuit:
Tight-fitting, no pockets, tight sleeves and legs, no underwear under the swimsuit, long-
sleeved and -legged tight-fitting swimsuits are allowed if they meet the material, hygiene
and safety requirements
o The swimsuit may not spread lint, impurities or any substance into the pool.
- Shorts or loose-fitting clothing are not allowed for swimming
o The more folds the cloth has, the more impurities are carried to the pool water.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 84

85. Reducing soiling:
Customer guidance
- The use of sauna seat covers in the sauna and washing hands after using the WC
o Less bacteria carried to the surfaces and pools
- Clean swimsuits, belts, equipment, canoes etc.
o No additional microbes derived from people the environment should be transferred
to the pool area
- Swimming halls should not be visited when ill.
o In order to protect others from exposure, contagious diseases should be treated,
and appropriate safety periods adhered to.
o Damaged skin is a means of transmission that works both ways.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 85

86. Reducing soiling
Entrance
• Proper and well-cleaned hallway and door mats
• Additional mats during seasons when more mud is carried on shoes
Surface materials
• Appropriate and easy-to-clean surface materials that endure damp and warm conditions
Passages
• Clean and dirty traffic separated if possible
• No direct passage from the hall to the pool area (no shoes to the pool area)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 86

87. Reducing soiling
Touch-free solutions contribute to surface hygiene
For example:
• Touch-free taps and showers in the shower room: determine how the manual control is
operated (so that the tap/shower automation can be turned off for the duration of
cleaning)
• Dispensers
• Automatic doors
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 87

88. Reducing soiling
Antibacterial surfaces
• Can be used on lockers, furniture and floor covers, for example.
• The cleaner should know which surfaces are antibacterial -> must be included in the
cleaning guide.
• The manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning an antibacterial surface must always be
read -> must be included in the cleaning guide.
• In the case of construction and renovation projects, the antimicrobial treatments are not
applied until the guarantee period ends.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 88

89. Reducing soiling
Cleaning
• sufficient frequency depending on the number of visitors and the
condition of the surfaces
• properly timed cleaning, preferably immediately after use
• identifying and targeting critical objects and surfaces to be cleaned
• intermediate cleaning as needed, depending on number of visitors and
use
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 89

90. Reducing soiling
Working aseptically
• Clean the cleanest surfaces first and the dirtiest last.
• Work systematically and calmly.
• Use facility-specific cleaning equipment in the pool area.
• Only use clean cleaning equipment and machinery.
• Use protective gloves as per the employer’s instructions.
• Hand hygiene
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 90

91. Reducing soiling
Cleaning the cleaning equipment
• After the operation or when the equipment becomes dirty
• Cleaning towels, mops and floor pads are machine washed.
• Heat resistant cleaning equipment and cleaning machine brushes are
washed in a disinfector. If a disinfector is not available, the
equipment can be soaked in a disinfectant solution or wiped with a
disinfectant detergent solution.
• Heat disinfection is more environmentally compatible than the use of
disinfectants.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 91

92. Reducing soiling
Cleaning personal protection equipment
• Protective gloves
• Working clothes and shoes
• It is recommendable to use a disinfector for cleaning working
shoes used in the shower and pool facilities.
• Protective aprons
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 92

93. Reducing soiling
Personnel who work in wet rooms
• Personal hygiene
• Long hair should be tied
• No nail polish or acrylic nails
• Do not use rings, wrist-watches or bracelets
• Clean working clothes
• Do not enter the wet rooms wearing outdoor shoes
Facility-specific shoes or shoe covers
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 93

94. Impurities in the pool area and wet room
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 94
Dry and
wet
loose dirt
Microbes
Biofilm
Secretion
stains
Grease Deposits

95. Loose dirt
Examples of loose dirt:
- Dirt carried from outside on footwear: sand, salt, pollen
- Impurities from people: hair, body hair, dandruff
- Impurities from clothing: textile fibres
Removal
• Sweeping with a squeegee or damp wiping or mopping
• Water or neutral or mildly alkaline detergent solution
• Microfibre cleaning towel or mop
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 95

96. Grease
Examples of grease:
• From people: cosmetics products, skin grease
• From outdoors: mineral oils and greases
Removal
• Moist wiping or mopping and wash
• Mildly alkaline or alkaline detergent solution
• Microfibre tool, scrubbing brush, scrubbing mop, scrubbing pad, or cleaning
machine
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 96

97. Deposits
Examples of deposits:
• Calcium, rust and calcium
soap deposits
Removal
• Washing
• Acidic or strongly acidic
detergent solution
• Rinsing or neutralising
• Scrubbing brush, scrubbing
pad, cleaning machine
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 97

98. Secretion stains
Excrement, urine, blood, vomit etc.
Removal:
• Must be removed without delay, as soon as they appear.
• Instructions for secretion stain removal must be provided.
• Removal in two stages
• Peroxygen/chlorine disinfectant as cleaning agent
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 98

99. Required for cleaning secretion stains
- Instructions for removing secretion stains (laminated document)
- Hand sanitizer
- For protection, use disposable
- Protective gloves
- Respirator (vomit)
- Apron (vomit)
- For removal
- Disinfectant solution
- Disposable cleaning towels
- Waste bags
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 99

100. Preventing the formation of biofilm and removing it
Biofilm is a layer that contains impurities derived from people, microbes and
mucous compounds secreted by microbes. Biofilm protects microbes from
detergents and disinfectants.
• Should be cleaned when the dirt is easiest to remove, for example immediately
after closing the facility.
• Thoroughly rinse and dry the surfaces, especially floor drain surroundings, after
washing them.
• Dry water from uneven spots on the surface.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 100

101. Preventing the formation of biofilm and removing it
• The correct dosing of detergents
• Too little: dirt is not removed.
• Too much: detergent residue gathers dirt and microbes.
• Allow the detergent to work on the dirt for a sufficient time, especially when
using disinfectants.
• Mechanical washing is always required when removing biofilm.
• Do not use a high-pressure washer as splashing water spreads dirt.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 101

102. Microbial dirt
• Microbes thrive in damp and warm conditions
• Microbes live and reproduce in dirt, which makes cleaning the surfaces particularly
important in pool areas and wet rooms.
• Examples of microbial dirt:
• Mould that forms on the wall surfaces of shower rooms
• The harmful bacteria, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, in the water and on the
surfaces. If detected, the pool area must be temporarily closed.
• Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), which spreads via people
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 102

103. Removing microbial dirt
• Thorough and regular mechanical cleaning
• General purpose detergent
• Select the cleaning equipment and machine
to use depending on the cleaned surface.
• If necessary, use a disinfectant.
• Dry the surface.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 103

104. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Tested from samples of pool water
• If detected, the pool must be closed.
• If found in water, it can usually be found on
floor surfaces as well.
• The bacteria is moderately resistant to pool
water chlorine.
• The surfaces require thorough mechanical
cleaning.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 104

105. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Commonly found in all natural waters, waste water, soil, vegetation and in human
and animal intestines
• Reproduces rapidly
• It is often difficult to determine the source of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa
contagion
• The bacteria may be contracted from the environment, other people, or
contaminated objects.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 105

106. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• The cost of closing a pool depends on the use of the pool area.
• For example, closing a certain swimming hall partially decreased income from
swimming tickets by EUR 2,000.00/day.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 106

107. Cleaning agents – detergents
Water
• Cleaning stainless steel surfaces
Neutral detergents
• Cleaning glass and mirror surfaces
Mildly alkaline detergent
• For maintenance cleaning of wet room furniture and floors
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 107

108. Cleaning agents – detergents
Alkaline and strongly alkaline detergents
• For the maintenance cleaning of wet room furniture, walls and floors
Mildly acidic detergents
• A general purpose detergent that prevents the formation of calcium deposits and
used for cleaning wet rooms
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 108

109. Cleaning agents – detergents
Acidic and strongly acidic detergents
• For the removal of calcium, rust and other deposits
• Not for daily use
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 109

110. Cleaning agents – disinfectant detergents
Detergents with high chlorine content and peroxygens
• For periodic cleaning of critical targets prone to microbial growth
• For periodic cleaning of the seats of a cold sauna
• For the removal of secretion stains
Detergents with high quaternary ammonium cation (quat) content and peroxygens
• For disinfectant washing and stain removal in warm saunas
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 110

111. Which microbes are affected by which
disinfectants
Disinfectant Effect
Chlorine compounds Strongly effective on: Bacteria, fungi, viruses
Peroxygens Strongly effective on: Bacteria, fungi, viruses
Quats Strongly effective on: Bacteria in dry areas
Weak effect on: bacteria, fungi and viruses in wet
rooms
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 111
All disinfectants are more effective if the surface is cleaned
before disinfection.

112. Detergent dosing
In high hygiene areas, the correct dosing of detergent and the time that the detergent is
allowed to work (not too short nor too long) are particularly important.
Too little detergent
• Surfaces are not cleaned.
Too much detergent
• Increased need for rinsing
• Unnecessary environmental load
• The surface may be left slippery after treatment.
• Detergent residues provide good growth platforms for microbes.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 112

113. Maintenance and protective agents
In order to prevent floors from becoming slippery, floor maintenance
products and floor waxes are not used in wet rooms.
However, floor and furniture surfaces may be treated with various
surface treatment agents when it is necessary to improve the surface
material’s properties and cleanability.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 113

114. Surface treatment agents
Can be used
• for preventing/decreasing the adhesion of dirt
• for increasing the friction of floor surfaces
• for preventing the corrosion of steel
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 114

115. Cleaning equipment
A basic requirement is that the cleaning equipment is hygienic, durable, and can be
used for multiple purposes. Only clean cleaning equipment may be used in the pool
area and wet rooms.
• Cleanability
• Cleaning textiles should endure a machine wash of at least 10 minutes in a
temperature of 70o
C; in practice, a higher temperature is often required.
• Other equipment should be cleaned in a disinfector or soaked in a disinfectant
solution.
In order to minimise the physical burden of work, the cleaning equipment must be
ergonomic.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 115

116. Cleaning equipment: basic equipment
• Microfibre cleaning towels
• Mops and floor wipes, telescope
shafts
• Floor brush with a semi-long
shaft and dustpan
• Floor and window squeegees
• Various brushes, scrubbing pads and friction mops
• e.g. tank brush, floor drain brush, grout brush,
dishwashing brush
• Foaming gun
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 116

117. Cleaning machines
• From the electrical safety point of view, wet rooms are either hazardous or
very hazardous environments.
• Plug-in cleaning machines must have protective grounding or coating and must
be splash-proof.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 117

118. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Scrubber dryer
• For the daily cleaning of wet room floors
• Alternating use with brush and floor pad
Low speed single disc machine
• For floor cleaning
• Alternating use with brush and floor pad
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 118

119. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Stair cleaning machine
• For cleaning narrow floor surfaces and wall surfaces
Water and dust vacuum cleaner
• For drying surfaces
• A long suction hose eases the cleaning of diving towers, for example.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 119

120. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Steam generator
• For removing deposits
• For cleaning small surfaces
Pool vacuum cleaner
• For cleaning the pool bottom
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 120

121. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Pressure washing system
• Maximum pressure 25 bar; to prevent damaging the surfaces
• For foaming and rinsing floor and wall surfaces as well as furniture
and equipment in connection with cleaning
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 121

122. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Pressure washing system types
1. A separate pump station in, for example, the cleaning facilities and
- remote units and the attachable hose and nozzles in the areas to
be cleaned
- hoses stored on a hose reel or rack or in a hose cart
- detergents in the pump station facility, in the area to be cleaned or in
the cart
2. Low pressure washer in the facility to be cleaned and
- the attachable hose and nozzles
- hoses stored on a hose reel or rack or in a hose cart
- detergent stored with the machine or in the cart
3. Portable low pressure washer and its hoses as well as detergents
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 122

123. Cleaning machines: basic equipment
Customer safety in detergent use and storage
- If detergents are stored on the remote unit rack or in its cart in areas
accessible to customers, you must ensure that the customers cannot access
the detergents.
- Determine the correct and sufficient dosing of the detergent. Regularly
inspect the functionality of the dosing and the used machine.
- If detergent solutions are used, make sure that their storage life is adequate.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 123

124. Cleaning facilities
• The cleaning facilities play an important role in maintaining the
hygiene of the swimming pool area.
• The cleaning facility should be located in a central area, it should be
sufficiently large, the equipment should be versatile and it must be
well ventilated.
• There must be a separate cleaning facility in the immediate vicinity of
the sauna and pool areas for area-specific cleaning equipment that is
used in maintenance and intermediary cleaning.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 124

125. Cleaning facility equipment
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 125

126. Cleaning facility equipment
Cleaning facilities should have separate clean and dirty areas in order to guarantee hygiene.
• A washing machine for washing cleaning textiles and a dryer for drying them
• A disinfector for disinfectant washing of cleaning equipment
• A water supply point, a large sink
• A floor drain with a sand trap
• Equipment racks for storing cleaning equipment that have handles
• Shelf space for cleaning equipment and detergents
• Working surface
The cleaning facility must be lockable in order to guarantee customer safety.
To prevent unauthorised access, the waste room must be lockable as well.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 126

127. Changing room cleaning
High hygiene standards
- Impurities carried on outdoor
footwear; bare feet
Critical targets:
- Floor
- Seats
- Contact surfaces
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 127

128. Changing room cleaning: dirt
• Secretion stain impurities
• Dirt carried from outdoors on footwear, such as sand, clay, soot, road salt,
pollen, mineral oils and greases
• Impurities from clothing, such as textile fibres
• Impurities from people, such as hair, dandruff and the microbial impurities
they carry
• Particles that fall off of surface materials
• Biofilm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 128

129. Changing room maintenance cleaning
• Removing loose dirt with a squeegee or a damp mop
• Use a general purpose detergent, a neutral or a mildly alkaline detergent.
• It is recommended to use a scrubber dryer for the moist cleaning of floor covers, as it
removes the dirt also from the seams between the tiles.
• In addition, it is easier to clean anti-friction floors and micro-coarsened floor covers
with a scrubber dryer.
• A flat mop improves the ergonomics of swiping flat surfaces. It also makes cleaning
faster and contributes to indoor air purity.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 129

130. Changing room maintenance cleaning
• Pay attention to the following things:
• Rooms with floor drains can be washed using a foaming gun and a nozzled water hose from
time to time. Be careful with furniture and door frames as they cannot endure large
amounts of water. All surfaces must be thoroughly dried after washing.
• Dust on high surfaces in the changing rooms should be regularly wiped; daily or as required.
Use a tool that has a shaft.
• Use a microfibre cleaning towel for wiping mirrors.
• Changing room mats and grid mats are conducive to the growth of microbes, and
consequently their use is not recommended. If mats are used, they should be regularly
cleaned with a disinfectant detergent solution in order to destroy the microbes.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 130

131. Changing room intermediary cleaning
• As required, depending on the amount of use
• Floor: removal of loose dirt and washing
• Cleaning fixed flat surfaces
• Emptying and cleaning
waste bins
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 131

132. Changing room: challenges and thorough cleaning
The challenges of cleaning
• Cleaning the lockers
• Cleaning the interior and the bottom
• Grid mats
• Furniture legs
Thorough cleaning
Maintenance cleaning should be good that thorough cleaning is not
needed frequently.
• Wiping/washing the lockers
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 132

133. Toilet facilities cleaning
High hygiene standards
Critical targets:
• Floor
• Contact surfaces
• Toilet paper, paper, or hand towels
and dispensers
• Waste bins, emptying
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 133

134. Toilet facilities cleaning: dirt
• Secretion stain impurities
• Impurities from people, such as hair, body hair, skin grease, dandruff, skin
proteins, urea
• Microbial dirt, such as bacteria, mould and yeast
• Impurities caused by water, such as calcium deposits, calcium soap, iron,
manganese etc. deposits
• Particles that fall off of surface materials
• Biofilm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 134

135. Toilet facilities cleaning
Maintenance cleaning
• Use a general purpose detergent, or if necessary, a disinfectant
detergent (with chlorine content).
• The floor is washed because it is usually wet.
• Lidded waste bins pose a challenge.
Intermediary cleaning
• Check paper and soap dispensers, waste bins.
• Clean floor and furniture surfaces if necessary.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 135

136. Toilet facilities cleaning
Thorough cleaning
• Wall washing
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 136

137. Shower room cleaning
High hygiene standards
• High attendance
Critical points:
• Passages
• Surfaces interfacing other facilities
• The area under and in front of showers;
also for safety reasons (slipperiness)
• Floor drains
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 137

138. Shower room cleaning: dirt
• Secretion stain impurities
• Impurities from people, such as hair, body hair, skin grease, dandruff, skin
proteins, urea
• Impurities from cosmetics products, such as skin creams and lotions, mascaras,
lipsticks and other pigments, haircare products
• Microbial dirt, such as bacteria, mould and yeast
• Impurities caused by water, such as calcium deposits, calcium soap, iron,
manganese etc. deposits
• Particles that fall off of surface materials
• Biofilm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 138

139. Shower room maintenance cleaning
Detergent
• Mildly alkaline and alkaline detergents
• Acidic detergents if deposits have to be removed
• (Chlorine-based) disinfectant detergent for periodical
decrease of microbes
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 139

140. Shower room maintenance cleaning
The challenges of cleaning:
• Sock lint
• Motion sensor showers
• Floor drains
• Deposits
• Pigeonhole racks for towels
• Shower gel dispensers and their
surroundings
• Mould in the seams
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 140

141. Shower room maintenance cleaning
• Rinse loose dirt from surfaces and dry excess moisture.
• Rinse and foam the walls.
• Scrub the foamed surfaces using a shafted scrubbing pad, brush or scrubbing mop.
• Rinse and dry the wall surfaces using a squeegee.
• Spread the detergent on the floor using a foaming gun.
• Scrub thoroughly with a low speed single disc machine,
a scrubber dryer, or a scrubbing pad, a brush or friction mop.
• If the floor drain is to be washed, do it before washing the floor.
• Rinse using a nozzled water hose and warm water.
• Dry the surface with a clean squeegee.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 141

142. Washing the floor drain
Wash before floor washing
• replacement covers make it easier to clean floor drains
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 142

143. Shower room intermediary and thorough cleaning
Intermediary cleaning
• As required, depending on the attendance
• Remove the loose dirt from the floor, rinse or wash the floor using a scrubber
dryer.
Thorough cleaning
• Maintenance cleaning should be so good that thorough cleaning is not needed
frequently.
• Wash all wall surfaces.
• Remove deposits.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 143

144. Sauna cleaning
Saunas are cleaned daily if they have been
used. Let the sauna cool down as much as
possible before cleaning.
High hygiene standards
Critical points:
• Floor passages
• Sauna seats, the lowest seat
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 144

145. Sauna cleaning: dirt
• Secretion stain impurities
• Impurities from people, such as perspiration
• Microbial dirt, such as bacteria, mould and yeast
• Particles that fall off of surface materials
• Biofilm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 145

146. Sauna maintenance cleaning
Detergents
• Mildly alkaline and alkaline detergents
• If required, use a disinfectant detergent.
• A detergent with chlorine content can be used if the sauna is cold; warm
surfaces cause more chlorine evaporate into the air, which is a health risk.
• If the sauna is warm, use a peracid-based detergent or a detergent with high
quat content.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 146

147. Sauna maintenance cleaning
The challenges of cleaning:
• Wooden sauna seats that cannot be lifted
• Sauna seats made of large elements
• Temperature
• Ergonomically challenging working positions
• Lighting
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 147

148. Sauna maintenance cleaning
• Rinse the sauna seats with warm water.
• Spread the detergent on the surfaces using a foaming gun and let it work.
• Scrub the foamed surfaces using a shafted scrubbing pad, brush or scrubbing mop.
• Remove the cleaning solution with a squeegee.
• At the end of cleaning, rinse the surfaces with warm water and wooden sauna seats with cold water
in order to close the pores on the wood surface. Dry the surfaces using a squeegee.
• Spread the detergent on the floor using a foaming gun.
• Scrub the floor with a low speed single disc machine, scrubbing pad, a brush or a friction mop.
• Rinse the floor using a nozzled water hose and warm water.
• Dry the floor with a clean squeegee.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 148

149. Sauna intermediary and thorough cleaning
Intermediary cleaning of a hot sauna
• Rinse with warm and cold water and dry.
Thorough cleaning
Maintenance cleaning should be so good that thorough cleaning is not needed
frequently.
• Wash walls thoroughly.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 149

150. Cleaning a steam sauna
• The temperature and humidity conditions of steam saunas are
favourable for microbial growth -> pay attention to cleaning
frequency and the use of appropriate mechanics.
• Apply the same cleaning methods as in general sauna cleaning.
• If required, wash more than once a day.
• Apply disinfectant cleaning depending on the facility stress and
surface testing results.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 150

151. Infrared sauna cleaning
• If the sauna has a floor drain, apply the same cleaning methods as
in general sauna cleaning.
• Pay attention to the location of the heating elements and to how
they affect cleaning.
• If there is no floor drain, the sauna is a “dry room”. This poses
challenges for cleaning.
• Apply protective agent treatment for wooden surfaces.
• Sauna seats and floor surfaces should be protected (sauna seat cover, towel,
mat).
• Customers should wear a towel in the sauna.
• Moist wiping as cleaning method.
• If the sauna seats are detachable, wash them in the shower room.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 151

152. Smoke sauna cleaning
• Dirt may also be carried from the outdoor
environment.
• For fire safety reasons, the removal of soot and dry
leaves is important (if sauna whisks have been
used).
• The temperature of a properly heated smoke sauna
rises up to 140–150 degrees; the heat kills microbes.
• Alkaline detergents
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 152

153. Special saunas in spas
Cleaning methods depend on the materials and attendance
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 153

154. Pool area cleaning
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 154
High hygiene standards
Critical points:
• Passages
• Contact surfaces
• Floor drains

155. Pool area cleaning: dirt
• Secretion stain impurities
• Impurities from people, such as hair, body hair,
skin grease, dandruff, skin proteins, urea
• Microbial dirt, such as bacteria, mould and yeast
• Impurities caused by water, such as calcium
deposits, calcium soap, iron, manganese etc.
deposits
• Particles that fall off of surface materials
• Biofilm
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 155

156. Pool area maintenance cleaning
Detergents
• Mildly alkaline and alkaline detergents
• Use a low-foam detergent in the scrubber dryer and for cleaning the water line.
• Spread the foamy detergent on the surfaces carefully so that the solution does
not get into the pool water. After spreading the foam, the surface can be washed
using a low speed single disc machine or manually.
• If required, use an acidic detergent for the removal of deposits.
• Disinfectant detergent (algae removal)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 156

157. Pool area maintenance cleaning
The challenges of cleaning:
• Algae growth
• Water pools on the floor
• Slippery floor
• Performing the work safely
• Floor drains
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 157

158. Pool area maintenance cleaning
• Wash the floor surfaces using a battery-powered scrubber dryer.
• Clean austenitic steel railings and ladders using a micro fibre towel moistened
with water.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 158

159. Pool area intermediary cleaning
• Wash the floor using a scrubber dryer.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 159

160. Cleaning swimming pools, hot tubs, and cold water pools
• Clean the swimming pool bottom using a pool vacuum cleaner regularly or as
required.
• Clean the water line with a shafted brush, a scrubbing pad or a friction mop from
the pool side, or from the pool using a round scrubbing brush or other scrubbing
tool.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 160

161. Cleaning swimming pools, hot tubs, and cold water pools
• Wash the poolside channels using a scrubbing brush.
• Wash the grids either with a cleaning equipment disinfector or with a scrubbing
brush.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 161

162. Pool area thorough cleaning
• The swimming pool bottom and walls are washed when the pool is emptied.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 162

163. Cleaning diving towers, diving boards and starting blocks
Detergents
• Low-foam, mildly alkaline or alkaline detergents
• If required, use a disinfectant detergent.
Maintenance cleaning
• Wash the surface with a brush, a scrubbing mop, a friction mop or a scrubbing
pad weekly or as required.
• Dry using a water and dust vacuum cleaner; using a long suction hose in open
staircases improves safety.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 163

164. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 164

165. Waterslide cleaning
Detergents
• Mildly alkaline or alkaline detergents
• If required, use a disinfectant detergent.
Maintenance cleaning
• Wash the surface with a brush, a friction mop or scrubbing pad.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 165

166. Swimming equipment cleaning
• Read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
• Generally, use a general purpose detergent and a soft brush.
• Good ventilation is important when drying.
• Do not store the equipment on the floor.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 166

167. Washing canoes before the start of the inside paddling
season
• Wash the canoe with cool water.
• Spread detergent solution with chlorine content on all
surfaces.
• Allow the solution to work as instructed in the product
manual.
• Brush the surfaces.
• Rinse using a water hose.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 167

168. Cleaning technical facilities
Facilities for chemical treatment, ventilation machine rooms
• Usually the technical personnel take care of cleaning these facilities as they know
how to do it safely.
• If cleaning these facilities is part of the cleaner’s duties, separate induction is
required and maintenance personnel must be present during cleaning.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 168

169. Quality control
The quality control requirements of pool areas are provided for
• in the Health Protection Act and
• the Act on consumer safety (920/2011).
These laws require that swimming hall surface hygiene meets standards that prevent
health hazards and guarantee user safety.
The surface cleanliness requirement is met when there are no impurities caused by
microbes that are harmful to health or biofilm produced by the microbes on the surfaces.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 169

170. Quality control
There is no legislation on the cleanliness of swimming hall surfaces or on the surface
cleanness limit values.
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) guideline 1/2015 “Uimahallien ja kylpylöiden
turvallisuuden edistäminen” (Promoting the safety of swimming halls and spas) also provides
guidelines for cleaning:
• p. 8: Uimahallin kokonaisturvallisuus ja toiminnanharjoittajan huolellisuusvelvollisuus (The
overall safety of swimming halls and the operator’s duty of care)
• p. 35–36: Siisteys, hygienia ja altaiden puhdistus (Cleanliness, hygiene and pool cleaning)
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 170

171. Quality control
Quality may be controlled by
• the personnel: self-monitoring
• the health protection authority: regulatory control
• not obligatory but recommended 1–2 times a year
Why should the quality be self-monitored?
• Critical points can be identified.
• The adequacy and targeting of cleaning can be assessed.
• Provides an opportunity to start fast corrective measures without delay.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 171

172. Planning the self-monitoring
The preparation of a self-monitoring plan which contains:
• Quality control methods
• Sampling targets
• Sampling dates
• Sampling frequency
• Determination of limit values
• Reference points for action
• Sample takers
• Documentation
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 172

173. Self-monitoring
How is quality monitored?
• Visual inspection: visible impurities
• Objective measurements: microbial impurities
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 173

174. Objective measuring instruments in self-monitoring
• Contact plate methods
• For example, Hygicult TPC: measures
the surface’s bacteria level.
• Test results in three days
• Indirect methods
• For example, ATP testing, which uses a luminometer for determining the amount of
organic impurities
which bacteria use as growth platforms.
• Immediate test results
• Protein residue tests
• For example, Orion Clean Card Pro, Hygiena Pro-Clean
• Immediate results
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 174

175. Sampling targets
Samples are taken from targets that affect the pool area or wet room
hygiene.
Targets may include, for example:
• Poolside channels
• Passages
• Floor drain surroundings
• Sauna seats
• Cleaning equipment
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 175

176. Taking samples
Sampling dates and frequency
• After cleaning, from a clean and dry surface
• Frequency depends on the utilisation rate; recommended frequency at least
once a month
• In the case of exceptional situations, as required by the situation
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 176

177. Sampling: limit values
The limit values indicate the level of surface cleanliness.
The reference point for action indicates whether actions need to be taken because of the measured
levels.
The cleaning service provider must have a plan on actions that are taken if exceptional levels are
measured.
• For example, if the microbiological or surface cleanliness threshold for action is exceeded or there
is reason to suspect the outbreak of an epidemic.
The facility administrator is notified of any exceptional levels and the required actions are agreed
upon.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 177

178. Sampling: limit values
Generally used wet room reference points for action:
• Hygicult TPC: 100 CFU/Hygicult half
• ATP testing: limit values are metering instrument-specific.
How to determine the limit values?
• For example, by collecting test results from the facility’s targets after normal and
intensified cleaning for a month, and setting functional limit values based on
these measurements.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 178

179. • Operation as per the plan prepared in advance, the facilities are re-
cleaned.
• For example,
• A more effective detergent is applied.
• The surfaces are cleaned first, the clean surfaces are disinfected.
• Increased use of mechanical cleaning, for example, the use of scrubber dryer is
replaced by using a low speed single disc machine.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 179
If the reference point for action is exceeded

180. Sampling: sampler and documentation
The sampler is instructed on the use of the measuring system and the measuring
instrument.
Quality control-related actions are archived.
• Results
• Actions that need to be taken:
• Notifications to the facility administrator
• Actions taken as a result of exceeded limit values
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 180

181. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 181

182. Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 182

183. Cleaner’s work in the pool area and wet rooms
Special characteristics of cleaning:
• Conditions (temperature, humidity)
• High hygiene standards
• Working hours (evening and night work)
• Challenging cleaning targets (diving towers, slides)
• Naked customers
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 183

184. Cleaner’s work in the pool area and wet rooms
High hygiene standards and challenging working conditions
Required of the cleaner:
• Good technical cleaning competence
• Aseptic conscience
• Customer service skills
• Skill to guide customers and other personnel to comply with the right
hygiene practices
• Courage to address disturbing behaviour
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 184

185. Cleaner’s work in the pool area and wet rooms
Customer safety is important in the pool area and wet rooms
Ensuring customer safety includes, for example:
• Reporting broken and damaged surface materials
• Reporting broken equipment
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 185

186. Cleaner’s work in the pool area and wet rooms
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 186
• Addressing unhygienic behaviour, for example if:
- Other personnel are about to enter the shower rooms or pool area wearing
outdoor footwear
- Family members or guardians are about to enter the shower rooms or pool
area wearing outdoor footwear
- A customer does not shower before going to sauna
- Customers behave in an inappropriate or indecent manner

187. Cleaning times
The pool area and wet rooms can be cleaned:
• During the opening hours
• After the opening hours
• Both during and after the opening hours
For the best hygiene, maintenance cleaning should be performed
immediately after the closing time or after ending the use of the facilities.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 187

188. Cleaning times
The cleaning times are affected by:
• Opening hours
• Attendance
• Amount of dirt
• Work and customer safety related matters
• Legislation, collective agreements and working time pattern
• The Working Hours Act does not allow swimming hall cleaning only as night
work (between 11 pm and 6 am) without a separate permission granted by
the Regional State Administrative Agency.
• Two-shift work with shifts that do not last later than 1 am is possible.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 188

189. The burden of work
The burden of the cleaning work in the pool area and wet rooms can be increased
by:
• Air humidity
• High temperature (shower room and saunas)
• Working times (morning or evening work)
• Performing work duties in the presence of customers
• Cleaning methods that require hard mechanics
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 189

190. The burden of work
The burden can be eased by:
• The timing of cleaning, allowing sufficient time for cleaning
• The use of cleaning machines
• Ergonomic working equipment, adjustability
• Good guidance
• Ventilated work clothes
• Taking breaks and micro-breaks
• Taking care of personal physical and mental health; aerobic endurance should be trained also at a
level that causes strain.
• Work rotation
• Right amount of work
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 190

191. Safety at work
Safety at work challenges:
• Cleaning of diving towers, diving boards, starting blocks and slides
• Structural solutions for pools
• Slippery floor surfaces
• Warm and humid areas
• Water
When cleaning difficult targets at the edge of a pool or above a pool, it is
important that another person is present for safety reasons.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 191

192. Required protective equipment
The use of protective equipment is based on risk mapping.
Protective equipment used in the pool area and wet rooms include:
• Protective gloves
• Face shields, protective goggles
• Protective aprons
• Protective footwear
• Protective equipment against falls from a height
• Life jacket
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 192

193. Protective gloves
Multiple use protective gloves
• Use protective gloves if it is likely that the target
of cleaning contains microbes or if the used
detergent solution or equipment may damage the skin.
• Protective gloves are only worn for the required duration.
• The recommended uninterrupted time of use is 30 minutes.
• Each person should have personal protective gloves.
• Multiple pairs can be used simultaneously.
• Mark your name and the date of use on the protective gloves.
• Do not use the same pair of gloves for more than one month.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 193

194. Protective gloves
Multiple use protective gloves
• Protective gloves are washed during the working day when moving
from one facility to another and the inside at least once a day.
• The under-gloves are washed daily.
Disposable protective gloves
• Used when removing secretion stains.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 194

195. Eye and face shield
• Used in situations in which
detergent or a detergent solution
may splash onto the eyes.
• For example, when dosing
detergents or performing foam
cleaning
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 195

196. Multiple use protective apron
• In situations in which a detergent solution
may splash on the body.
• For example, methods including washing,
foam cleaning
• Cleaned daily, changed regularly
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 196

197. Protective equipment against falling
Life jacket
• If there is a risk of falling into the water
• For example, when cleaning pool edges or
diving boards
• There must be an attachment point for a
safety rope.
Safety harness with a safety rope
• If there is a risk of falling onto a hard surface
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 197

198. Work clothing
Work clothes
• Should be ventilated and flexible.
• The material must not cause sweating and it must feel
comfortable on the skin.
• The material must endure high washing temperatures.
Work shoes
• Wash resistance; the shoes are washed after each shift.
• Wear different shoes in the pool area and shower rooms
than in other facilities.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 198

199. Personal hygiene
• Hand hygiene:
• Hands are washed with water and liquid soap always when coming to work, when
moving from one facility to another and when they are dirty.
• Hand disinfection is the most important hand hygiene method. Hands are disinfected
before putting on protective gloves and after taking them off, when moving from a
dirtier working phase to a cleaner one, and when moving from one facility and task
to another. Furthermore, hand sanitizer is always used after removing a secretion
stain and at the end of a shift.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 199

200. Personal hygiene
• Nails
• For successful hand hygiene, nails should be cut short and nail polish should not be used.
Acrylic nails and gel nails are prohibited because of the infection risk.
• False eyelashes and jewellery
• When working, the use of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions, jewellery (rings,
bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other piercings) and watches is forbidden.
• Skin and hair
• Skin and hair should be kept clean and long hair neatly tied.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 200

201. Important to remember:
Guiding users on hygienic practices (instructions, instruction posters, announcements,
displays, addressing issues...)
Passages and “passers”
Facilities, materials, coatings and floor drains must be cleaned according to the high
hygiene standards.
Detergents, equipment, machinery and methods => environmentally friendly cleaning
A clean result can only be achieved using clean equipment => intermediary disinfection,
also for footwear
Test results for surface cleanliness determine the need for cleaning.
Cleaning times
Instructions for exceptional situations
Collaboration with other professional groups
Induction and training
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 201

202. Version administration and rights
Version:
Authors:
Copyright:
Copyright to images:
Rights to materials:
08_22/1/2018 – updated 16.12.2020
Marita Koskinen, Sastamalan Ruoka- ja Puhtauspalvelut Oy Servi
Veikko Kuurne, Raahen Seudun Uimahallisäätiö
Elina Lähdeaho, Urheiluhallit Oy
Jarkko Rapala, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Tarja Valkosalo, SSTL Puhtausala ry
Authors and SSTL Puhtausala ry
Marita Koskinen, Veikko Kuurne, Tuija Lemivaara/Antti Ojala, Elina
Lähdeaho, Tarja Valkosalo, Siivoussektori Oy
All rights to changes reserved. Use allowed only for those who have
purchased the material.
Swimming pool and wet room hygiene competence 202
All rights to changes are reserved. Use is only allowed to those who have purchased the material.