Extent of validity of swimming pool water for purification and Salah

Q: Kindly, be informed that we have assumed responsibility for administrating, maintaining, and operating the swimming pool of Jeddah Municipality. This communal facility is frequently visited at different times by many Muslims who face difficulties when performing Wudu' (ablution) for a number of reasons: First: The shortage of water. Second: Insufficient Wudu' stations for perhaps 600 persons or more. They all swim in the pool and want to perform Wudu' at the same time. Therefore, is it acceptable to use this water for Taharah (ceremonial purification) of Salah? In brief, there are two swimming pools; one has 2340 cubic meters (585000 gallons) of water and the other has (Part No. 5; Page No. 78) 1955 cubic meters (490000 gallons) of water. About 10000 - 15000 gallons are added daily to compensate for the water lost due to evaporation, filtering, and sanitizing. Moreover, the pools are sanitized daily with stabilizing products such as chlorine to provide protection against bacteria and other microbes. The said amount of water in the pools is very pure in natural color, smell, and taste of the water. Would you please give us your legal opinion regarding this issue? This will make it easier for those visiting the pool to manage the affairs related to Salah which we are keen to perform at the due time.


A: All Praise is due to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and companions. To commence: If the case is as mentioned; the pool has such a pure amount of natural water in color, smell, and taste supplied daily with fresh water and free from any tinge of Najasah, then the water is suitable for Wudu' and ghusl of Salah and other religious obligations requiring Wudu' or Ghusl.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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