What is the primary goal of disinfection in pool water treatment?

The primary goal of disinfection in pool water treatment is to kill or deactivate pathogens. This is essential for ensuring the safety of swimmers by minimizing the risk of waterborne illnesses. Contaminated water can harbor various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can pose significant health risks. Effective disinfection processes, such as using chlorine or bromine, target these harmful microorganisms, keeping the water safe for recreational use.

While maintaining clear water, enhancing water temperature, and reducing chemical usage are important considerations in pool maintenance, they do not align with the primary function of disinfection. Clear water is often a byproduct of effective filtration and balancing water chemistry, temperature control is focused on swimmer comfort, and reducing chemical usage might be a goal but does not directly relate to the core purpose of disinfection. Thus, the focus on eradicating harmful pathogens is foundational to ensuring health and safety in aquatic environments.