Swimming pool water quality remained good in Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen
In 2025, Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen had a total of nine public swimming pools, one large water park and 16 other pool facilities. During the past year, more than 700 pool water samples were taken, and over 7,000 individual tests were conducted. As in 2024, the water quality remained good.
Water samples are regularly taken from pools in Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Kauniainen, the results of which are monitored by Espoo Region Environmental Health Services. The water is tested for, among other things, bacteria and physico-chemical parameters, such as chlorine and pH. If the statutory quality requirements are not met, Espoo Region Environmental Health Services will, if necessary, instruct the owner of the pool in question to take corrective measures followed by a new sample. If necessary, the use of the pool may also be restricted.
The microbiological quality of pool water was excellent
In 2025, the microbiological quality of the pool water at the tested sites was better than in the previous year. The water quality in the swimming pools was excellent, and all the samples met the quality requirements.
Assessing the microbiological quality of pool water provides information on, among other things, microbes that have entered the water and survived disinfection, as well as on the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause, for example, skin rashes and ear infections.
The physical and chemical quality of water was good
The physical and chemical quality of the water remained good, as in the previous year. About 97% of the test results met the quality requirements. Deviations from the requirements occurred most often in turbidity and chlorine levels. These deviations were minor and were not considered to pose a health risk to swimmers.
One pool was temporarily closed due to high trihalomethane levels. Trihalomethanes are compounds that are produced when organic matter reacts with chlorine. The pool was reopened after corrective measures had been taken and follow-up testing confirmed that the trihalomethane levels were within the permitted limits.
According to the law, the most recent pool water test results must be made available to customers, for example on the facility’s notice board.
Espoo Region Environmental Health Services wishes to remind everyone to shower properly before entering the pool as swimmers can carry contaminants into the pool, thereby reducing the quality of the water.