The Kuusankoski swimming pool in Kouvola, Finland has closed again due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria detection. This marks the second closure in recent months for the same issue.
The city announced the closure on Wednesday through social media channels. Pool reservations have been canceled through Saturday morning while authorities address the contamination.
Suvi Virtanen, chairperson of Kouvola Swimmers Association, received notification Wednesday morning. "The person responsible for pool shifts called and said reservations are canceled from Wednesday through Friday due to bacteria concerns," Virtanen stated.
The Timmi reservation system shows the pool will remain closed until Saturday morning. Virtanen now must find alternative swimming times for club members at pools in Valkeala and Inkeroinen.
"During the last closure, some shifts went unreplaced," Virtanen noted. "This definitely adds extra pressure during lunch hours."
The pool previously closed for nearly two weeks in October when the same bacteria was found in the small pool. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause illnesses through pool water contact.
This bacteria typically causes skin rashes or outer ear canal infections. It poses particular risks for people with weakened immune systems.
Pseudomonas bacteria easily transfers to pool surfaces via users and enters pool water when pre-swim showering is inadequate. The bacteria's chlorine resistance makes elimination challenging in pool environments.
Finnish pool water quality regulations prohibit any presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in swimming water.
During October's closure, the city chlorinated, emptied, and cleaned the small pool. Workers performed intensive cleaning in changing rooms, shower facilities, and pool areas. The whirlpool and all customer swimming equipment also underwent disinfection.
Kouvola subsequently implemented enhanced swimmer monitoring across all city pools. The program aims to ensure proper pre-swim showering. Cashiers now remind visitors about showering before pool access, while lifeguards monitor compliance.
This enhanced monitoring will continue for six weeks through November's end.
This repeated closure raises questions about whether current cleaning protocols sufficiently address the underlying contamination issue. The pattern suggests more comprehensive solutions may be needed beyond temporary closures and enhanced monitoring.