Keeping Pool Water safe

Your backyard swimming pool may look refreshing, particularly on a sweltering hot day. But if it’s not properly monitored, the water can harbor bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) call recreational water illnesses. Instances of these ailments, which include ear and eye infections and respiratory, intestinal and skin diseases, are dramatically on the rise according to the CDC; reported cases have more than tripled in the past 20 years.

If your home includes a backyard swimming pool, hot tub or wading pool, take the following steps to minimize outbreaks of infections:

Be diligent about hygiene.

• Change diapered children well away from the pool and its surrounding deck, and make sure all swimmers take frequent bathroom breaks.
• Remind swimmers not swallow pool water and to shower with soap each time they enter or leave the pool.
• Don’t allow pets in the water.
• Don’t allow anyone who has an infection or illness to enter the pool area. And have a plan—and implement it immediately—if anything occurs that contaminates the water.

Be Aware. Check the water pH and chlorine levels regularly—or have it monitored regularly by a professional pool service—particularly during times of heavy use. The CDC website says the following signs can indicate whether or not pool water is safe:

• Water should be clear enough that you can see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool.
• The sides of the pool should be smooth and not sticky or slippery.
• A well-chlorinated pool has little odor, while a strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.
• Make sure the pool pumps and filtration systems are in good repair and operating as they should.

Be Informed. The chemicals used to sanitize pool water are themselves toxic if used, stored or applied improperly, so make sure you know how to handle them or have a professional pool service do it for you on a prescribed schedule.

Swimming pools are a great source of recreation, exercise and relaxation, and a little vigilance on your part can help ensure that you and your guests don’t get sick.

Visit www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/protection/pool-user-tips-factsheet.html for more information about pool water safety.

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