Aquarius Technologies: Cryptosporidium and Giardia – Action Plan

July 1, 2025

Recently, cryptosporidiosis has been making waves in the worst way, with a cluster of cases reported recently in a New Zealand toddler pool.

3d illustration of gardia lamblia parasite in the intestine

It’s an unpleasant truth that pool owners need to be prepared for the presence of pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Follow these steps to be ready to respond effectively!


Easy Guide: What to Do If Your Pool Might Have Cryptosporidium or Giardia


🦠 What are Cryptosporidium and Giardia?
Cryptosporidium (“Crypto”) and Giardia are tiny parasites that can make people very sick, especially with diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. These germs are found in faeces (poo) and can survive in pool water — even in normal chlorine levels.

Cryptosporidium protozoan microscopic image. Crytosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the Cryptosporidium protozoan in the vertebrate animal.

If someone with diarrhoea swims in your pool, these germs can spread easily to others. That’s why it’s very important to close the pool immediately if there’s been a diarrhoea accident or if you know someone with Crypto or Giardia has been in the water.

Step-by-Step: How to Safely Clean the Pool

1.Train your team
Make sure all pool staff know this procedure and where to find your risk management plan.

    2. Close the pool right away
    No one should swim until the pool is cleaned and safe again.

    “Swimming pool remodeling, under construction.”

    3. Remove any visible poo
    Use gloves and a scoop. Try not to break it up, as that spreads germs more.

    4. Shock the pool with high chlorine (hyperchlorination)
    – Raise chlorine to 20 ppm (mg/L)
    – Keep pH at 7.5 or lower
    – Keep water 25°C or warmer
    – Maintain these levels for 12 hours and 45 minutes. (For Pools that do not use chlorine stabiliser (cyanuric acid)
    Consult local regulations for pools using cyanuric acid as these will require maintaining high chlorine levels for lengthier periods. This kills the Crypto and Giardia.
    Use your ULTIMA to set a SuperChlorination timer to assist with this purpose.

    human hand on circulating pump

    5. Backwash and clean the filter
    After disinfection, backwash the filter properly. Replace filter media if needed.

    6. Let chlorine drop back to normal
    Wait until chlorine is back to normal (usually 1–3 ppm) before reopening.

    Two water filter cartridges are placed upright by the edge of a swimming pool. One cartridge is clean and white, while the other is dirty and brown, illustrating the difference between a new and used filter. The blue water of the pool in the background emphasizes the importance of clean filters for maintaining water quality.

    7. Record everything
    Note down what happened, what you did, and when. Contact your local health unit if needed (required under the Public Health Act 2005 in Queensland).

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