Bacteriological Examination of Swimming Pool Water in Selected Hotels in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Swimming pools in hotels and recreational facilities serve as potential vehicles for waterborne infections if not properly maintained and monitored. This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of swimming pool water from ten hotels and recreational centers in Abuja, FCT, North Central Nigeria. Water samples were collected monthly for three consecutive months from each facility, yielding 90 samples in total. Standard membrane filtration and pour plate methods were used to determine total coliform counts, fecal coliform counts, heterotrophic plate counts, and the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Residual chlorine levels and pH were simultaneously measured at point of collection. Results indicated that 40 percent of sampled pools failed to meet WHO recreational water quality guidelines. The most frequently isolated organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43%), Staphylococcus aureus (28%), E. coli (18%), and Klebsiella species (11%). Significant correlations were established between inadequate chlorine residuals below 0.5 mg/L, elevated pH, and increased microbial loads. Pools in smaller boutique hotels demonstrated consistently higher contamination rates than those in larger establishments with dedicated maintenance staff. These findings signal the need for regulatory bodies to enforce routine microbiological testing of recreational water facilities in Abuja and to standardize disinfection protocols. Keywords: swimming pool water, bacteriological quality, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Abuja, chlorine residual.