A clean and crystal clear pool is a great feeling, but it can also be a chore. Pool owners should regularly check and treat their water to keep it germ-free. Follow these simple steps to keep your pool clean and sparkling.
Possible Residents of Your Pool Water
The germs that can live in your pool water come from a variety of sources:
- Trees and plants can drop debris such as leaves, twigs, and pollen into the pool year-round, but especially in the spring and fall.
- Insect remains and bug parts carry their own unique microorganisms.
- People! Sweat, lotions, oils, hair products, and more all contribute to the germ count in your pool.
Not only are these microbes harmless, they're also beneficial for the overall health of your pool. Having a proper pool maintenance program is important to prevent them from causing any issues.
Chlorine is often not strong enough to kill all the bugs in your water. Some, such as the Cryptosporidium, can tolerate it. Without proper treatment, Crypto can cause illnesses such as flu and gastrointestinal distress. Being able to prevent this illness from happening is very important for keeping your pool clean.
Avoiding Germs in the Pool
The CDC recommends following four simple steps to keep germs from ruining your next swim session:
- Stay out of the water if you are sick.
- Shower before you get in the pool.
- Do not use the pool as a bathroom.
- Do not swallow pool water.
Stay out of the water if you're sick.
If you're sick, stay out of the water. It's usually the best way to prevent the spread of infections in swimming pools.
Shower before you get in the water
Before swimming, shower thoroughly to remove the oils and dirt from your body. Doing so helps keep the water clean.
Don't use the pool as a bathroom.
If you're going to use the pool as a bathroom, then get out of the pool and go to the toilet. You wouldn't do that if you were in the water.
Don't swallow pool water.
Just a single mouthful of tainted water can make you sick. If you're thirsty, stick to the water fountain!
There are a few simple steps that will tell you how clean and safe your pool is.
Aside from these steps, there are also some simple steps to help tell the difference between safe and clean pool water.
The chlorine in your pool should not be strong enough to kill bacteria. Also, if the smell is strong enough, it should not be used to dilute the water.
Finally, use pool water test strips, a water test kit, or take your water to be tested; these can show you at a glance how safe the water really is.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!