The Kuusankoski swimming hall in Finland remains closed for intensive cleaning after Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria was detected in the facility. City officials have launched a thorough disinfection process targeting all surfaces in the shower areas, changing rooms, saunas, and pool areas.
Sports facility manager Kirke Roos explained the cleaning strategy. "We are conducting intensive surface cleaning to prevent bacteria from spreading to the pools when the hall reopens," Roos said in a statement. The chlorine levels in pool water have been raised above normal concentrations as an additional precaution.
This marks the second closure in recent months for the Kuusankoski swimming facility. The hall was previously shut down and cleaned in October following similar bacterial findings. The repeated closures raise questions about the building's maintenance protocols and long-term solution needs.
Water samples collected last Wednesday revealed bacteria on surfaces but not in the pool water itself. Contamination was found in both men's and women's shower facilities and passageways. New samples will be taken on Wednesday, with results determining whether the hall can reopen as planned on Monday.
The cleaning process requires careful timing. "After cleaning, the hall needs adequate drying time," Roos noted. "The bacteria cannot survive on dry surfaces."
Financial impacts are mounting for the municipality. The two cleaning operations have cost just under 2,000 euros for cleaning supplies alone, with additional thousands spent on sample testing. The city is also losing entrance fee revenue during the closure period.
The facility's gym remains closed this week to minimize movement within the building. "If we allowed customers to use the gym, there would be a risk of them also using toilets or changing rooms," Roos explained.
Swimming hall employees have been reassigned to temporary duties during the closure. Some staff are supervising swimming activities at other facilities, while others participate in pool safety training. A portion of employees are using vacation days or annual leave.
The facility employs six workers across swimming supervision, cashier duties, and property maintenance, plus additional cleaning staff. The repeated closures demonstrate the challenges municipalities face in maintaining public swimming facilities to modern hygiene standards.
Finland's public swimming halls operate under strict health regulations, with regular water quality testing required by law. The repeated bacterial issues at Kuusankoski suggest either persistent environmental conditions favoring bacterial growth or inadequate cleaning protocols between closures.
Local residents await Friday's test results to learn when they can resume aquatic activities. The situation highlights the balance municipalities must strike between public health protection and maintaining access to community facilities.