BIH: Have you filled your garden pools?

Were you surprised by the high temperatures in mid-June? We were all looking for ways to cool down, and trips to the sea or mountains are certainly among the best solutions.

For many who couldn't escape the city heat, garden pools are a quick way to cool off. For adults, and especially for children. That's why it's extremely important to ensure the pool water quality is satisfactory.

For this purpose, various chemical agents are used, some of which fall into the category of biocidal products.

With the increased demand for pool water hygiene products, manufacturers and importers are introducing new agents to their offerings. What needs to be done for these agents to be marketed?

First, obligations depend on the location of the manufacturer and importer and which part of the Bosnian market they sell their products in.

In Republika Srpska, products considered as chemical agents need to be registered in the Chemical Inventory. This group includes pH adjusters and flocculants.

Products considered as biocides need to be registered through a special procedure. Biocides are disinfectants but also algaecides – agents for removing or preventing algae growth.

In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poison regulations are still in effect. This means that for each pool hygiene product, it's necessary to check if it contains poisons. For products containing poisons, a special import permit is required.

The mentioned procedures apply to professional products, as well as hobby programs used by individual users in their own homes. Professional products are used by professional teams for maintaining hygiene in public pools, hotel pools, or other pools.

For products that have passed the prescribed procedure, we can say they meet certain conditions. Products must have adequate hazard labeling, and instructions for use should be available. This is especially important for products used by general users without prior training or special knowledge of using chemical agents.

For biocidal products, it's particularly important that their effectiveness against microorganisms and algae is confirmed. In Republika Srpska, you can verify this by checking the label: a registered biocide with proven effectiveness should have the solution number of the competent ministry listed.

Special attention should be paid to using multiple agents simultaneously. Chlorine-based disinfectants should not be used at the same time as acid-based pH adjusters. In such cases, a toxic gas may form, which can lead to breathing difficulties or lung damage.

Also, pay attention to the action time of the agents and the period during which it is not advisable to use the treated water. Follow storage recommendations to preserve product quality and protect children or pets.

Using garden pools or visiting public pools should be a pleasant experience that helps us cope with the summer heat. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the procedures for placing products on the market are followed and that users are provided with all necessary information.

And if you take care of your pool's hygiene yourself, read the labels! Use chemical agents responsibly to enjoy their benefits without harm to yourself or others.

Contact me at nina.pajovic@bens-consulting.eu if you need assistance in obtaining permits for various chemical agents.