Monitoring of hygiene in swimming pools

The City of Helsinki Environmental Services monitor the hygiene and water quality of the city’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools and other public swimming facilities.

This is how we monitor swimming pools

We monitor the quality of the swimming water by taking regular water samples. Samples are taken from each swimming pool at least four times a year. The largest swimming pools are sampled every two weeks. The result of the latest sample is displayed on the noticeboard in the swimming hall lobby or in the pool area.

The quality of swimming pool water in Helsinki is good. In 2021–2022, more than 99 per cent of the pool water samples were of good microbiological quality and 88 per cent met all quality requirements.

In addition, we carry out inspections in all public pool facilities, monitoring the hygiene, condition and own-check of the premises.

We do not regularly monitor private pools, such as those used by housing companies. The operator of these pools has a special responsibility for hygiene and water quality. If a private pool is suspected of causing health damage, the city’s Environmental Services will investigate the matter.

If you have any questions about the hygiene of swimming pool facilities or water quality, you can send us an email to kymp.uimavesilaatuvalvonta@hel.fi

What to do if you suspect that you became ill because of swimming water?

If you suspect that you have become ill or have suffered other inconveniences from swimming pool water, you can submit a notification in the ilppa service.

Make a notification in the ilppa service

More information

Notifications and instructions for swimming pool operators (in Finnish)

Entrepreneurs must make a notification of public pool facilities in accordance with the Health Protection Act. Please also read the hygiene instructions for hot tubs and paddling pools.