STA POOL PLANT – WATER TREATMENT
Future-Proofing Pool Water Treatment In 2026 In this latest issue, Chris Bateman, STA Pool Plant Tutor looks at tackling Cryptosporidium and cutting carbon footprints through the use of smarter filtration – measures which will also future-proof pool water treatment in commercial environments for the year ahead and beyond
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s the industry moves into 2026, pool operators face two challenges that continue to define commercial aquatic facilities: protecting bathers from Cryptosporidium and reducing the environmental footprint of day-to-day operations. Both issues were at the centre of technical debate throughout 2025 and they will remain prominent as we enter a new year shaped by rising energy costs, tighter sustainability expectations and increased scrutiny around water quality management. Against this backdrop, filtration efficiency is once again under review. For many operators, the question is no longer whether to modernise, but how to adopt systems that provide measurable improvements in safety, performance and sustainability. This focus was reflected at the recent STA Conference in October, where industry expert Jimmy Lamb presented a seminar on ‘How to Help Prevent Crypto and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint’. Lamb, UK and Ireland Sales Manager for Dryden Aqua and former ISPE President, helps operators understand technologies such as AFM® and integrated filtration approaches that support more efficient, sustainable pool operation. His message is clear: filtration is a primary barrier against contamination and a key factor in environmental performance.
THE CRYPTO CHALLENGE FOR 2026 Cryptosporidium remains one of the most significant risks in public pools. The parasite’s oocysts are highly chlorine resistant, very small and able to survive for long periods. Outbreaks can lead to illness, facility closures and substantial remediation costs. While disinfection continues to play an essential role, as discussed in the last issue, inadequate filtration increases the likelihood of oocysts remaining suspended in the water. The industry consensus is that crypto defence must be based on improved physical removal, not simply increased chlorine dosing. Lamb’s session highlighted that traditional sand filtration often fails to deliver the finegrade performance needed. Issues such as channelling, biofouling and uneven filter beds restrict its ability to capture very small particles consistently.
WHY AFM® IS GAINING GROUND AFM® (Activated Filter Media) has seen
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Jimmy Lamb
cultural change within the sector, one that prioritises prevention, long-term performance and engineering-led decision making.
THE ROLE OF TRAINING IN SUSTAINING THIS PROGRESS
growing adoption as a more robust alternative to sand. Made from recycled glass and activated through a catalytic process, AFM® has a self-sterilising surface that prevents biofilm formation, a major contributor to reduced filtration performance. Without biofilm, filters operate more predictably and can achieve finer filtration. AFM® systems can typically capture particles down to around 1 micron in size when configured correctly, improving the removal of contaminants, including crypto oocysts. Improved particle capture also reduces the pressure on disinfection. Many sites report lower chlorine demand, reduced combined chlorine levels and clearer water, resulting in a safer and more comfortable environment for bathers.
A MORE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO FILTRATION Dryden Aqua’s DAISY® approach (Dryden Aqua Integrated System) combines AFM®, coagulation, flocculation and effective hydraulic design to support finer, more consistent filtration. By limiting the amount of material that dissolves into the water, it increases the chance that contaminants are removed mechanically rather than chemically. For operators considering upgrades in 2026, this type of integrated setup can help maintain clearer water, steadier chemical balance and more efficient overall plant performance.
PREPARING FOR 2026: A SMARTER OPERATIONAL MINDSET The start of the year is often when operators review maintenance schedules, plant investment and sustainability goals. Highperformance filtration is increasingly viewed as central to both bather protection and environmental responsibility. As Lamb emphasised, the shift towards more efficient filtration represents more than a technical upgrade. It reflects a wider
One factor underpins the success of any filtration system: well-trained plant staff. STA’s pool plant qualifications are designed to support this need by giving operators an up-todate understanding of filtration, hydraulics, water chemistry and risk management. This helps ensure issues are identified early and systems remain safe and efficient. As technologies evolve, investment in high-quality training remains essential. STA’s CIMSPA-endorsed qualifications help bridge the gap between innovative systems and dayto-day operational demands.
MEET THE STA POOL PLANT TEAM AT SPATEX 2026 To support operators further, STA’s Pool Plant team will be at SPATEX 2026 from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 February for the show’s 30th anniversary edition. This year introduces a new Industry Hub, bringing STA together with other sector bodies on one large shared stand adjacent to Seminar Arena 2. The hub will provide operators with a central point for technical guidance, standards discussions and expert support as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of 2026. STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk
...filtration efficiency is once again under review. For many operators, the question is no longer whether to modernise, but how to adopt systems that provide measurable improvements in safety, performance and sustainability” www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 15/12/2025 09:01