Even a Clean Pool Can Be a Dirty Pool
When the warm weather arrives, you may start entertaining
the thought of swimming in the (perhaps neglected) pool. It can be
tempting to look down at a pool full of questionable water and think it
won’t hurt to have a quick dip.
Microorganisms, microbes, parasites, germs and bacteria – they’re all
essentially another way of saying “bugs that will make you sick”. Pool
water, if left unattended, provides a stagnant and increasingly dirty
environment that bugs love.
Contaminants
The level of bacteria in the pool is exacerbated by contaminants and environmental conditions, which may include:
- People who have swum in the water before you have
left behind dead skin cells, hair, and bacteria they were carrying on
their skin, or in their saliva.
- The same applies to pets if they have been swimming
in the pool. Pets dig and eat all kinds of things, so if they have been
enjoying the pool with you, chances are they have left some bugs
behind.
- Organic matter, such as leaves and debris,
encourage algal growth. Eutrophication occurs in a backyard pool, just
as it does in a natural waterway.
- The water temperature of your pool may encourage
bugs. Heated pools or spas, for example, might need more attention, as
parasites thrive in warmer water.
Water Maintenance
Water maintenance is the key to avoiding the hazards of
microorganisms. If you have an ongoing problem, it may be time to review
a few things, including:
- Testing – The pH levels indicate the acidity or
alkalinity of your pool water. A neutral pH is ideal for pool water, as
anything higher than 8 may cause skin irritations and anything below may
affect people’s eyes. Heavy rain and heavy usage of the pool will
affect the pH level, so carry out testing and maintenance accordingly.
- Filters or pool pumps/cleaners – Filters, pool pumps, and pool cleaners
in isolation are relatively ineffective, but having the right
combination is essential. A filter will remove dirt and debris, though
its efficiency depends on the horsepower of the pump and the length of
time you run the system. Even then, about a third of the pool water will
not run through the filter. The filtration system needs to work in
conjunction with the chlorinator.
A side note regarding your pool equipment is to take the time to
contact your insurer to confirm that they are covered in your home and
contents insurance policy. Pumps can be expensive to replace, and may
cause problems to other parts of your house or yard if they leak, or if
there are problems with its motor.
- Shocking – This is not a description of your pool
water. Water that has reached a relatively poor state may need to be
“shocked”. Shocking water means adding an extra dose of chlorine,
intended to break down the organic compounds that are essentially tying
up the existing chlorine and preventing it from doing its job. It isn’t
as simple as dumping a bunch of chlorine into the pool, however, so pop
into your local pool shop for some advice.
Even though the pool water looks clean and you have done all of the
right things to keep it maintained, it is still possible to have
contaminated water. Cryptosporidium thrives in the gut, and if there’s
been any kind of “number two” accident, in or around the pool, this
parasite may be in the water. It is chlorine-resistant, so it can
survive even the cleanest pool.
Health Tips
To prevent cryptosporidium and other faecal-borne parasites, such as
E. coli, from infiltrating your pool, it is important to follow these
few basic tips:
- Change babies as far away from the pool as possible, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap after doing so.
- Wash your hands fully with soap too after your own toilet visit, to prevent taking parasites back with you to the pool.
- Avoid swallowing pool water.
Protecting the health of your family and friends, as well as your
own, is vital, so if you have any ongoing concerns with the quality of
your pool water, be sure to discuss it with your local pool supplies
outlet.
#Pool Service #Pool Maintenance #Rick the Pool Dude #pool Info #pool care
Contents of this article are from home & garden
