Staying Safe Under the Sun

Summer time is just around the corner, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and take the tarp off of the pool. There's no better way to spend a hot day than jumping into a pool of nice, cold water and taking it easy with some friends and family. But since it has spent the entire off-season sitting around in disuse, that pool may need a once-over before officially declaring swimming season open. Since the pool is probably where a good portion of the summer will be spent, it should be properly cared for and always up to safety codes. So when getting ready to make the first dive of the season, remember to take safety into consideration and follow a few simple tips to keep summer safe and fun.

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Chemical Measures 

Though swimming pools can provide a source of seemingly endless fun, they can also be the source of health and safety issues if not properly cared for. A poorly maintained pool is not just a dirty leisure spot; it's also a safety hazard. The primary aspect of pool maintenance is sanitation. At the most basic level, sanitation involves keeping dead bugs and fallen leaves out of the water, but it also extends far beyond that. To remain properly sanitized, a pool must be regularly treated with cleaning chemicals, and frequent tests should be administered to ensure a healthy balance of chemical levels. The most widely used chemical is chlorine. Known for its sterilization capabilities, chlorine is the front-line fighter against waterborne contagions. Highly effective, chlorine can easily eliminate almost all forms of bacteria safely and quickly. However, there's a certain balance to find when chlorinating a pool. If the chlorine levels in a pool are too low, an interaction between urea (or other nitrogen-containing wastes) can cause chloramines to form, resulting in a foul smell around the pool. Proper chlorine levels will ensure these chemicals are destroyed rather than permitted to permeate.

Mechanized Safety 

Another factor in pool safety is the pool pump. Responsible for keeping a pool free of debris, a pool pump continuously draws water through a filter, then pumps it back into the pool. The filter separates hair, leaves, and other debris from the water and ensures the pool remains relatively clear. However, if not cared for correctly, a pool pump can be dangerous to swimmers. Swimmer entrapment, though not overly common, occurs when a piece of clothing – or worse, a part of the body, such as a toe – becomes trapped in a pool pump. Because of the high suction power pumps provide, entrapment can result in physical harm to a captured swimmer or even drowning. In order to prevent entrapment, pool pumps should be fitted with a secure cover at all times. The right cover makes it extremely difficult for anything unintended to be caught in the filter and allows for safer swimming.

Though not as dangerous as swimmer entrapment, germs and bugs can also spread bacteria through a pool if the filter system isn't functioning properly. The main purpose of a pool pump is to remove debris that could carry harmful agents from the pool, which, in combination with cleaning chemicals, protects swimmers from contracting illness while enjoying their time in the pool. For this reason, it is essential to keep a pump operating properly and at maximum efficiency at all times. Like any other machines, pool pumps are subject to damages, as well as natural wear and tear, and should be checked regularly to make sure they're working correctly. Also remember to clean the pool pump regularly to keep it from becoming clogged. A proper pool pump can make swimming both fun and safe.

 

Of course, another key aspect of pool safety and maintenance is the pool itself. Whether above or in-ground, pools can experience structural damage, requiring repairs. Problems such as cracks, leaks, or damaged plumbing and equipment can all pose threats to the safety of swimmers and the pool itself. If left unaddressed too long, smaller cracks or leaks can develop into serious problems that can cause long-term or even permanent damage to the pool. Because of this, it's imperative to have the pool checked regularly and any damage repaired in a timely, efficient manner. Keep the pool happy, and it will keep the swimmers happy; the perfect plan for summertime fun.