Overview
EN ISO 105-E03:2010 - "Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part E03: Colour fastness to chlorinated water (swimming‑pool water)" is a CEN-endorsed ISO test method for evaluating how textile colours resist active chlorine concentrations typical of disinfected swimming‑pool water. The standard defines three alternative test conditions (20, 50 and 100 mg/l active chlorine) and specifies apparatus, reagents, specimen preparation, test procedure and reporting requirements for reproducible colour fastness to chlorinated water testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test scope: Applies to textiles of all kinds and forms exposed to active chlorine (break‑point chlorination) used in swimming pools.
- Chlorine concentrations:
- 100 mg/l and 50 mg/l active chlorine - intended primarily for swimwear testing.
- 20 mg/l active chlorine - intended for accessories such as beach robes and towels.
- Reagents: Preparation of sodium hypochlorite working solutions at specified mg/l levels and pH = 7.50 ± 0.05. Stock NaOCl composition and fresh preparation are required.
- Apparatus:
- Rotatable water‑bath device with radially mounted containers (specified dimensions) rotated at (40 ± 2) min‑1; bath temperature controlled to maintain test solution at (27 ± 2) °C.
- pH‑meter (accuracy 0.02 units), grey scale (ISO 105‑A02) and/or spectrophotometer/colorimeter (ISO 105‑A05).
- Specimens: Typical fabric specimen size (40 ± 2) mm × (100 ± 2) mm; special instructions for yarn and loose fibre samples.
- Procedure:
- Liquor ratio 100:1, immersion and agitation for 1 hour at (27 ± 2) °C in darkness.
- Remove, hydroextract or squeeze, then air‑dry in subdued light.
- Assess colour change by grey scale or instrumentally.
- Test report must cite EN ISO 105‑E03:2010, sample identification, grey scale/instrumental ratings, chlorine concentration used, and any deviations.
Applications and users
- Textile manufacturers and dye houses validating swimwear colour performance under pool chlorine exposure.
- Quality control and testing laboratories performing standardized colour fastness testing for regulatory compliance, product specifications and buyer contracts.
- Brand owners, retailers and specifiers assessing durability of towels, robes and pool accessories.
- Certification bodies and R&D teams comparing dye systems, finishes or fabric constructions for chlorine resistance.
Related standards
- ISO 105‑A01 - General principles of testing
- ISO 105‑A02 - Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105‑A05 - Instrumental assessment of change in colour
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use
EN ISO 105‑E03:2010 is essential when specifying or verifying colour fastness to chlorinated water in swimwear and pool textiles to ensure consistent, internationally recognized test results.