98.6% of Taipei pools meet water quality standards

台北泳池水質達標率達98.6%

Non-compliant operators to face fines and mandatory improvements


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei’s Health Department said Tuesday that 98.6 percent of the city’s 139 swimming pools inspected between January and April met water quality standards, per CNA.

The pass rate improved from 94.5 percent in the same period last year and 89.8 percent in 2023, with the number of failing pools dropping from 14 in 2023 to two this year.

Operators of pools that fail an inspection will be fined between NT$2,000 (US$63) and NT$10,000 and required to make improvements within a set period; additional fines will follow if they fail a follow-up inspection.

Pools must collect monthly microbial water samples, and during the open season test pH and chlorine levels at least four times per month, with results publicly posted. Water quality standards specify a bacterial count below 500 CFU per milliliter, coliform below one CFU per 100 milliliters, chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm and pH between 6.5 and 8.

The department urged swimmers to shower thoroughly, remove makeup and wear clean swimwear and caps before entering. It also reminded individuals with contagious eye or skin conditions not to enter pools and to heed posted water quality information.

Last year, the Sports Administration inspected 429 pools nationwide, achieving a pass rate of about 92 percent; by October, 30 of the non-compliant operators had made improvements. Repeat violators may be ordered to suspend operations.

In April, Kaohsiung City Government launched Taiwan’s first AI-powered smart monitoring system at Gushan Swimming Pool to detect drowning incidents and issue alarms within 20 seconds.