Warning on pool disease risk in heatwave

AS temperatures soar nationally, health experts are warning about an increased risk of waterborne amoebic disease linked to domestic swimming pools and spas.

The West Australian Health Department is cautioning owners of pools and spas to be particularly vigilant with pool water quality and disinfection to reduce the risk of exposure to amoebae and other waterborne bacteria.

WA’s Director of Environmental Health, Jim Dodds, warned that amoebae thrived in water temperatures between 28 and 40 degrees Celsius, some of which can cause life-threatening and fatal disease such as amoebic meningitis.

"Pool and spa owners are advised to closely monitor chlorine and pH levels over summer, particularly when there are several consecutive days of high temperatures," he said.

Spas should be emptied periodically to ensure they are maintained clean and disease free, he added.

The Department of Health detected 28 incidences of amoebae in public and commercial pools during 2009 in WA.