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