The recent news of a Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Wellington is a timely reminder of just how important it is to maintain proper pool water balance—not just for sparkling water, but for the health and safety of everyone who uses your pool.

So far this year, more than 59 confirmed cases of the illness have been reported, many of which have been linked to public swimming pools. In response, several facilities have had to be closed, drained, and deep cleaned—an expensive and disruptive process that no one wants to deal with at home.

The culprit? A parasite called Cryptosporidium, which causes severe stomach illness and can survive in pool water for days if it’s not properly treated.

Why Does This Happen?

Cryptosporidium is introduced into pool water when someone who is infected swims while still contagious—even if they feel better. The parasite is highly resilient and can pass through many standard filtration systems. It also has a strong outer shell, making it resistant to normal chlorine levels. Without correct sanitiser levels and balanced water chemistry, your pool becomes a perfect environment for germs to spread. That’s why even private pool owners need to take outbreaks like this seriously and stay on top of their water care.

What This Means for Home Pools

While the outbreak is centred around public pools, it’s a wake-up call for all pool owners to ensure their water is balanced, sanitised, and safe. Cryptosporidium is highly resistant to standard chlorine levels, especially in pools where the water balance is off or the sanitiser is being overworked.

This is why maintaining proper chemical levels and using the right products is more important than ever.

BioGuard Products That Help Keep Your Pool Safe

At The Spa Shop, we stock the full BioGuard range, trusted by professionals and home pool owners alike. These products go beyond basic chlorine to help you manage your pool water effectively:

✅ BioGuard Salt Pool Stabiliser – Helps maintain consistent chlorine levels in saltwater pools, ensuring your sanitiser is working at its best.
✅ BioGuard Polysheen Plus – A powerful clarifier that helps your filter capture even the tiniest contaminants, including parasites.
✅ BioGuard Oxysheen – A non-chlorine oxidiser that destroys organic matter quickly, helping prevent cloudy water and contamination.
✅ BioGuard Balance Pak Range – Maintain correct pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness so your chlorine can do its job properly.

Not Sure Where to Start? We’ll Test It for You

Bring a sample of your pool water into our store and we’ll run a free water test using our professional-grade system. You’ll get:

• A full breakdown of your current water balance

• Expert advice and tailored product recommendations

• Peace of mind knowing your pool is safe for swimming

Hygiene Still Matters

Even with perfect water chemistry, hygiene plays a major role in keeping your pool safe. Here are a few key habits to encourage:

• Always shower before swimming

• Avoid swimming for at least two weeks after symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea

• Wash hands with soap and water—hand sanitiser won’t kill Cryptosporidium

These small actions can make a big difference in stopping the spread of harmful bugs.

Keep Your Pool Safe, Clear, and Healthy

A well-balanced pool isn’t just easier to look after—it also provides a safer swimming environment for your family. With a little help from BioGuard and the team at The Spa Shop, you can swim confidently all season long.

Visit us in store for a free water test, speak to our knowledgeable team for advice, or shop your favourite pool products in-store or online. We're here to help.