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Bengaluru state-run bus travels in opposite direction on busy road to avoid traffic, driver booked. Video  Hindustan Times

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A community swimming pool is one of the most pleasurable and easiest avenues of relaxation for most urban apartment dwellers today. And yet a number of very unfortunate incidents in the recent past have created grave concerns and stress around its use, maintenance and management. From Gurgaon to Hyderabad and of course, in Namma Bengaluru, several shocking incidents leading to fatalities in swimming pools have given a huge jolt to residents and management committee members.

The biggest jolt, perhaps, came in the recent instance, where following the tragic swimming pool death of a nine-year-old child in one of Bengaluru’s apartments, six office bearers were arrested and the Karnataka HC ruled that office bearers in owners’ associations are indeed liable for prosecution for criminal negligence, if there were no lifeguards at the scene or if safety measures were found to be inadequate.

All of these have created concern, confusion and very pertinent questions in the minds of all community residents and members of managing committees (MC). What is, however, straightforward is the fact that adequate attention to safety guidelines and preventive measures can go a long way in reducing accident risk, and therefore the legal risks for MC members too.

In part 1 of the guide, therefore, we look at the swimming pool’s operational, mechanical processes and usage guidelines.

Overview of swimming pool safety

Ensure that during the handover of the building these specifications are in place:

1. Design and Drawings of the Pool  
2. Plumbing/Pipelines
3. Inlet and outlet valve details
4. Capacity of the filtration based on the pool capacity
5. Specification of lighting system and electrical diagram
6. Spare tiles for replacement 

Pool Maintenance

Pool maintenance is a continuous process. A typical thumb rule of pool maintenance is:

• Regular usage = less maintenance
• Less usage = more maintenance.

Proper maintenance of your swimming pool filtration system is essential to ensure clean, clear and safe pool water. Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of your equipment, enhances water quality, and prevents costly repairs. There are 2 aspects of pool maintenance: 

1. Pool cleanliness: Filtration plant and physical cleanliness
2. Maintaining of chemical balance – Chlorine & Alum

Filtration plant and physical cleanliness 

• Regularly clean pump and strainer baskets to ensure optimal water flow, inspect and lubricate O-rings and seals to prevent leaks, and address unusual noises promptly.
• Monitor pump performance, adjust flow rates for even water distribution, and check for leaks in return lines and connections.
• Conduct routine inspections of the entire filtration system, including pipes, fittings, and electrical connections.
• Keep an eye on pressure gauges to determine when filters need cleaning or backwashing
• Maintain detailed logs of all maintenance activities and repairs to track system performance and anticipate future needs.

Swimming pool Filtration Unit servicing. Pic: KC Vinod

Plumbing System

• Mark all plumbing appropriately, indicating the flow direction and destination.
• Check the pipes regularly for leakages.
• The pipes are to/from the pump room.

Maintaining of chemical balance

Alum (aluminium sulfate) is a nontoxic liquid that is commonly used in water treatment plants to clarify drinking water. Add alum when the water is excessively dirty or its colour changes.

• Night before: Apply 10 kg of alum.
• Next steps: Allow the water to settle for 12 hours.
• Following day: Use the suction with the backwash valve open to drain the water. Then, top up the water and add chlorine.

Chlorine serves as a disinfectant and prevents algae growth in the pool. To maintain healthy water, keep the chlorine level between 1-1.5 ppm.

• Forms of Chlorine: use either liquid or granules.
  • Granules: When added directly, they sink to the bottom and dissolve slowly, but they are more expensive.
  • Liquid: To ensure proper distribution, add the liquid in 3 or 4 different spots in the pool..

Replenish the chlorine regularly since it evaporates from the water.

Maintenance of swimming pool involves disinfection, clarity, pH level and smell. pH or Potential of Hydrogen, measures the balance of hydrogen ions of pool water, indicating if it is basic, neutral, or acidic. If the pH is too acidic, it can damage grout, tiles and concrete. If too alkaline, it causes unsightly and costly scale buildup. Swimming in water with an imbalanced pH can also make hair brittle, skin itchy, and bleach bathing suits.

Swimming pool pH levels. Pic: KC Vinod External Precautions

External precautions are measures taken to ensure the safety of individuals around the pool area. These include: fencing to prevent unauthorised access, especially by children, proper lighting to avoid accidents during evening or night use and non-slip materials around the pool deck to prevent slips and falls.

Depth Indicators are crucial for informing swimmers about the varying depths of the pool. These indicators should be clearly visible above the water surface and marked at regular intervals and at points where the pool depth changes. Using contrasting colours with the pool background will ensure visibility 

Display warning boards with essential safety information and guidelines, such as: emergency contact information and supervision requirements for children – no running, no glass containers, etc. Clearly marked entry and exit points, locations of lifesaving devices such as life buoy rings, vests, first aid kits, etc. Install emergency communication devices like intercoms near life rings so that rescuers can quickly call for additional help if needed.

Swimming pool safety precautions. Pic: Vinod KC Swimming pool usage guidelines

Community pools cater to people of all ages and genders. To prevent mishaps, violations, or accidents, it’s essential to communicate clear guidelines for pool usage and etiquette to all users. Here are some model guidelines:

Swimming pool guidelines. Pic: K C Vinod Pool maintenance checklist 

Pool maintenance is a continuous process, this can be divided into daily, weekly, monthly, as required basis: 

Daily:

• Net Fishing: Remove leaves and other floating debris from the pool twice daily, in the morning and evening.
• Skimmer Cleaning: Clear the skimmers regularly.
• Brushing: Brush the pool bottom to remove settled dirt in the morning and during breaks. Also, brush the sides and steps.
• Suction: Use suction to clean the pool 
• Cleaning Chambers: Ensure the chambers are cleaned.

Weekly – Test Water Regularly: Use a pool testing kit to check the levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other chemicals at least once a week.

• Vacuum the dust settled at the bottom twice a week.
• Monitor the water level and notify for a top-up if needed.
• Add alum to help the dust settle.
• Perform a backwash.

Monthly

• Inspect the equipment for any leaks or signs of wear and tear.
• Monitor the filter pressure and recommend cleaning the filter at least twice a year.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Summer is a hub of activities around the pool, as it is the most sought after place as most associations hold swimming camps for both children and adults. This year, however, due to the severe heat and drought-like situation, BWSSB had curtailed the use of freshwater in the swimming pools, with a fine of Rs. 5000 on violations, which led to major debate and angst between MCs and residents:

1. What cost-effective strategies can be employed to maintain safety and reduce upkeep expenses?
   • Existing plumbers can be trained to be a swimming pool operator, Facility Management companies may be able to provide these workshops.
   • Energy Efficiency: Run the pool pump during off-peak hours to save on energy costs and ensure efficient filtration.
2. How frequently should a full pool be refilled?
   • On an average around 10 – 20% water is lost due to evaporation, regular filtration and cleaning; backwash process.
3. What would happen if the pool water is not replenished and left unused for long periods of time?
   • Do not drain out pool, as replenishing it will be very costly.
   • Regardless of whether the pool is in use, regular maintenance is essential to prevent algae growth and discoloration.
4. What precautions are necessary if the pool is temporarily closed, and is it safe to reuse treated water in this scenario? If so, what specific precautions should be followed?
   • Treated water is not recommended for pool use unless it has undergone tertiary treatment, as it comes into contact with the skin and can enter the body. In Bengaluru TZ Homes reuses treated grey water, which is potable quality for use in their pool. 
5. How can we protect pools that lack safeguards like fencing?
   • Ensure that only authorised individuals can access the pool area by using access cards.
   • Assign staff to monitor the pool area and ensure safety protocols are followed.
   • For pools with varying depths, especially those deeper than 4 feet, assign a lifeguard on duty.  
6. What permissions are required to operate a swimming pool in a society in Bengaluru?
   • Whilst there are NOCs for STPs/WTPs from KSPCB and for lifts and DG sets from CEIG, there are no specific agencies to certify swimming pools. Instead, swimming pools are included as part of the sanction plan approved by BBMP, without requiring specific permissions.

(With inputs from KC Vinod, Brigade Facility Management Services; ADDA-BAF-CM online workshop on Community Swimming Pool Risks & Liabilities.)

Also read:

• Safety an afterthought in many Chennai swimming pools
• Fire safety in apartments: Residents are also accountable under law

The post A comprehensive guide to maintaining a community swimming pool appeared first on Citizen Matters.

Bengaluru's Traffic Solution On Track: Two Key Suburban Rail Corridors Slated For 2026 Completion  Swarajya

Nilesh Shinde, the organiser of the Mumbaicha Samrat Ganpati at Khetwadi, is confused. Just as many other organisers of Mumbai’s famed Ganeshotsav, he has also been preoccupied with the Bombay High Court’s recent order. The Court, in its order, asked all civic bodies to intimate sarvajanik Ganesh mandals that they have to mandatorily follow the Central Pollution Control Board  (CPCB) guidelines of 2020 and shun PoP idols altogether. Yet, not all are aware of the rationale behind this.

“Why didn’t they put a ban on PoP for the past so many years? It is not as if people have started celebrating Ganapati recently or using PoP idols recently. We have been using PoP idols for so many years,” asks Nilesh.

CPCB’s guidelines and loopholes

The CPCB guidelines were the result of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmental activist Rohit Joshi with two other activists and nine idol-makers. Hearing the case of Janhit Manch vs the State of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court directed the central government in 2008 to formulate guidelines for idol immersion. Accordingly, the CPCB created guidelines in 2010, revising them in 2020. These include guidelines for idol-makers, pooja organising committees,  local authorities and for idol immersion in different water bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers and the sea.

The problem with the implementation of these guidelines lies in its slightly tricky language. For instance, the very first guideline says that the use of idols made of natural, biodegradable material free from Plaster of Paris, plastic and thermocol “should be ​​encouraged, allowed and promoted”. The very next line says, “Idols made up of Plaster of Paris (PoP) shall be banned.”

Similarly, the guideline about the use of paints states, “non-biodegradable chemical dyes/oil paints for painting idols should be strictly prohibited.” This is followed by “Enamel and synthetic dye-based paints on idols should be discouraged.”

The document is peppered with such language allowing leeway for non-compliance. Rohit confirms that such loopholes are being exploited. “It was MCGM’s counsel’s submission that those guidelines are not statutory, so you cannot force anyone to comply with those guidelines,” he says. 

Read more: Mumbai steadily moves towards eco-friendly Ganpati celebrations

BMC’s reaction to the court’s directive

In the wake of the recent High Court order to local civic bodies on August 31st, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking steps, though it may be too little, too late. 

An official from the office of the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 2) which is taking care of Ganesh Chaturthi preparations revealed that 3560 applications were received from sarvajanik Ganesh mandals this year, of which 1893 had received permissions last week. In all likelihood they have already installed their idols. Moreover, a total of 927 applications were under process, some were rejected, and others were under scrutiny.  

When asked what steps the BMC was planning to take if the mandals who have yet to get permission, install a PoP idol despite the court’s order, he said the matter was under discussion, and a decision would be taken in a day or two. Even Rohit is not expecting many changes this year, aware that it is too late for effective implementation, but is hoping things will be different next year.

What do sarvajanik mandals say?

Ganpati is worshipped as the ‘remover of obstacles’, vighnaharta. Unfortunately, there seem to be many obstacles in the implementation of the ban of PoP idols. Posing strong resistance to this are the mandals themselves. 

Officials at the K-east ward office said that the BMC has been carrying out awareness campaigns in every ward in keeping with the CPCB guidelines even before the court’s order came. They have also met mandal organisers asking them to make the celebration eco-friendly. Though organisers are ready for this, they claim eco-friendly idols such as those of shadu clay are not easily available. On the other hand, the BMC also says that they have provided 671 tonnes of shadu clay free of cost to idol-makers. 

Sarvajanik Ganpati idols are big; thus mandals say they cannot install idols of shadu clay. Pic: Shruti Gokarn

Why do a large number of mandal organisers insist on installing PoP idols? Vikas Sanmare, an artist who paints idols explains that at the workshop where he is employed, 80% of the idols are of shadu clay, but none are for sarvajanik mandals.

Private households adopt idols of shadu clay, a natural material that dissolves easily in water. But this very quality of the clay also makes it unsuitable for huge sarvajanik  Ganpati idols. Clay idols are more fragile and vulnerable to damage during transport and to rainwater. 

Read more: Ganpati 2023: Waste clean-up, sound pollution and eco-friendly initiatives

Nilesh says he is open to using other eco-friendly materials, provided they offer the advantages of PoP: “If we get a clay idol, it will develop so many cracks when we bring it. It is also heavy. Where a PoP idol is one and half tonnes, the clay one will measure 6 to 7 tonnes.” 

Vikas demonstrates this by easily lifting a light PoP idol, but shows that a shadu clay idol is heavy. He adds that a clay idol takes around two months to dry once it is made, whereas PoP dries and hardens within hours, making it not only easier to transport but a cheaper option.

Some idol-makers have started experimenting with materials other than PoP, such as this idol made of tissue paper, gum and some wires. Pic: Shruti Gokarn

Sunil Mayekar who hails from a family of idol-makers says that they use environment-friendly material at their workshop: a mixture of tissue paper and gum reinforced by wires. Not only do they install such an idol at their own mandal, but have provided these idols made of tissue paper to several other mandals too.

Mangesh Kawle, the organiser of the Subhash Road Shree Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal, questions how truly eco-friendly such idols are, considering that they use a binder such as gum. He also claims that such idols don’t dissolve, but float on water. Nilesh voices another problem with these tissue paper idols: they are too expensive to fit into their budget.

Mangesh’s mandal explored other options, especially during the lockdown, but could not switch from PoP because they have had the same idol which measures eight and a half feet years for the past many years. Such a big clay idol will prove too heavy and they do not want to break tradition by bringing a smaller idol in another pattern.

When asked what they would do if the government truly enforces the ban on PoP, mandal organisers said that they do not believe that it shall come to pass, given the history of the issue. The general attitude seemed to indicate that they will cross that bridge if and when they come to it.

Read more: Hot and thirsty? Let’s drink some…microplastics!

‘Green’ Ganesha: Need for firm policies and implementation Why are PoP idols harmful for the environment? 1. PoP is obtained from gypsum, the substance which allows it to harden when water is added to it.
2. Excessive quantities of gypsum turns water into hard water thus affecting life forms.
3. PoP makes the water murky with suspended solids and since it takes a long time to dissolve, water remains in that state long after the immersion.
4. Addition of PoP leads to the release of heat.
5. The oil paints used on idols contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

 When it comes to implementation, Rohit says, “They (the civic officials) are observing it, but they are doing nothing. They are issuing notices, again just to show that we are doing something about it. They are not taking any preventive actions. They are not stopping manufacturers from manufacturing PoP idols.”

To take concrete actions such as levying fines, the guidelines will have to be firmed up into policies. Moreover, the awareness programmes will have to be strengthened if mandals are to be convinced into compliance.

One of CPCB’s guidelines also refers to imposition of height restrictions of the idol. 

A multi-pronged approach is required to solve these problems. As Mumbai celebrates Ganpati with the same fervour, we can hope and pray that Bappa himself will show us the way.

Also read:

• This year, let’s celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Chennai the green way
• Raise a toast to these changemakers trying to protect urban environment
• Glimpses of how Mumbai celebrated Ganpati festival

The post Eco-friendly Ganpati celebrations: Will Mumbai’s sarvajanik mandals comply? appeared first on Citizen Matters.

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