Swimming-related illnesses are more common than you can imagine.Maintaining a healthy swimming pool is a necessary weather it is private or communal pool. According to the CDC, from 2015-2019, 208 recreational water swimming-related illness outbreaks were reported.
These illnesses include acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, and skin illnesses. These illnesses occur when the water in which people play or swim is contaminated with germs. You can get swimming-related illnesses if you come in contact with, swallow, or breathe in aerosols or mists from water contaminated with germs.
The disease is either spread by germs from someone already infected or by the natural germs residing in water. If the chemicals used to kill germs in swimming pools are not maintained at the right level, the germs can quickly multiply and cause illness. Swimming-related illnesses are also caused by chemicals present in water.
If you are a pool owner, you must apply the appropriate mix of products to your pool. Failure to do so can allow larvae and algae to grow. If you want to enjoy your pool and remain safe, follow these simple tips to maintain a healthy pool.
Regularly test your pool’s chemical balance
One of the most important things to do for a pool owner is to test the pool water. There are testing kits available that you can use to determine if the chemical levels are safe and consistent. All you need to do is fill the kit with pool water and add a few drops of the solution that comes with the kit. The color in the beaker may change and you will know whether you need to add any chemicals to your pool.
Skimming and scrubbing
You must routinely skim the leaves and debris off the surface of pool water. Ideally, this should be done every day. Also, you should scrub the sides of the swimming pool at least once a week to prevent build-up of algae. To clean the swimming pool floor, you may consider investing in a robotic cleaner.
Ensure good water circulation
Moving water is cleaner and safer. So, ensuring proper pool circulation is essential for safe swimming. Keep your filter system and pump running daily to prevent issues such as algae infestation or cloudy water. Ideally, you should let them run 24X7 but if that is not feasible, you should let them run for at least 10-12 hours a day.
Another important thing to do is to clean the pool filter. In most cases, you can clean the pool by turning off the filter, removing the cap located on the pool deck, removing the filter basket, and cleaning out any debris. Once a month, you should clean out the pipes by backwashing. Set the filter to backwash, turn on the pump, and let it run till you the waste pipe starts ejecting clean water.
Set your swimming pool to the right temperature
One of the simplest pool maintenance tips is to set the pool to the optimal temperature. The right temperature would depend on the pool application.
Create a maintenance schedule
Pool cleaning and maintenance is not a one-off task. You must create a proper maintenance schedule with a clear to-do list. It will help you stay organized and ensure that all essential tasks are taken care of.
If you cannot find time to care for your swimming pool, it is best to hire professionals for the job. Maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool is essential for the safety and well-being of everyone who uses the pool. Moreover, a cloudy or dirty pool can be an eyesore and ruin the aesthetics of your property. Get in touch with us to know how we can help you maintain healthy pools.