Operational analysis and conclusions from the implementation of membrane technologies in public swimmings pools
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17512/INSTAL.2026.08.06Keywords:
swimming pools, membrane technologies, water reuse, membrane fouling, sustainable swimming pool managementAbstract
Public swimming pool facilities are characterized by high water consumption associated with technological processes such as filter backwashing, pool water renewal, and compensation of operational water losses. To reduce the consumption of potable water and minimize technological wastewater discharge, membrane-based water recovery systems are increasingly implemented. This study presents an operational analysis and comparison of the water recovery systems implemented in three public swimming pool facilities (SP1, SP2, and SP3), differing in technological configuration, membrane type, and integration with swimming pool water treatment systems. The research included analysis of technical documentation, on-site inspections, and evaluation of operational parameters related to water recovery and consumption. The results obtained confirmed the high effectiveness of membrane technologies in reducing the consumption of potable water and the discharge of technological wastewater. In facility SP1, the recovery system covered approximately 91.7% of the water demand associated with filter backwashing, whereas in facilities SP2 and SP3, the recovery capacity exceeded the technological water demand of the facilities. Membrane fouling, particularly in wastewater streams containing surfactants, cosmetics, and organic compounds, was identified as the main operational limitation. The results indicate that membrane technologies constitute an effective solution supporting sustainable water management in swimming pool facilities. However, their long-term operational efficiency strongly depends on appropriate wastewater stream selection, effective pre-treatment, and optimization of membrane cleaning strategies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anna Mika, Edyta Kudlek-Tymoszuk, Joanna Wyczarska-Kokot, Anna Lempart-Rapacewicz (Autor)
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