Membrane filtration in swimming pools – case study

Abstract

Rational water and wastewater management in water-intensive public facilities is the basis for sustainable develop ment in the 21st century. Considering that Poland is one of the countries with a high risk of water deficit, the use of membrane technologies for water recovery from washings in highly water-intensive swimming pool facilities is a complementary solution to two environmental engineering problems currently identified in Poland, the need for optimal water management and the reduction of operating costs of public facilities. Membrane filtration makes it possible to reduce water demand, reuse different water streams, and close water and wastewater management in one system. This paper presents the environmental and financial benefits of using the membrane ultrafiltration (UF) process to recover water from washings, using the example of one of Europe’s most modern aquaparks, “Suntago”. The analysis of water parameters before and after the UF membrane process was the main scope of this study. Separation of pollutants by membrane systems, in conjunction with a reduction in disinfection costs of reclaimed water, is an undeniable advantage of this technology. Selecting the appropriate water recovery system and controlling the parameters of  the filtration process, filter bed washing, and membrane cleaning allow optimal operation of the system used, with the relatively highest operating profitability related to the need to replace the membranes in relation to the amount of recovered water.