Summer is finally here and one of the most favourite activities during the summer is swimming. While using a swimming pool is very refreshing and fun it could also be a source of diseases. By following these simple and short guide you can swim healthy!
Rule number 1: Always check the pool before jump in!
● Checking the latest inspection results may seem a little bit too much, but it will actually provide you with helpful feedback on how well is a pool maintained.
● The drain should be visible at the deep end of the pool and it should have a secured cover.
● Locate the lifeguards if you can’t find them look for a “no lifeguard” sign and then locate the first aid and safety equipment.
● If you find it hard to trust the pool, you can carry your own test strips to test the pools pH, chlorine, bromine, microbes and etc.
A healthy swimming pool should have…
| pH | between 7.2 -7.8 |
| Chlorine | Above 3 in tubs/spa (above 1 other places) |
| Bromine | Above 4 in tubs/spa (above 3 other places) |
| Organic contamination | None! if it is possible; however, even in a well-maintained pool, you may find bacteria, viruses and parasites. While Ecoli will be dead after an hour on the above situation at the pool, a parasite called crypto will need over a week! |
● Look for anything not normal and trust your gut and if you think you shouldn’t be swimming in that pool, well don’t!
Rule number 2: Keep dirt, garbage, pee, poop and blood away from water.
Skip the pool if you have an open wound, diarrhea all common sense however in a survey 24% of people say they would go to a swimming pool within one hour of having diarrhea!
Rule number 3: Shower before getting into the water
Pool’s water quality will be affected by personal care like cosmetics, deodorant. This might seems like common sense, but almost half of the people never shower before swimming.
Rule number 4: Keep your mouth closed and don’t swallow water
Even a well-maintained pool may contain dangerous microbes and you can still get them.
Rule number 5: Take your kids to the washroom and change their swim diaper at least every hour.
In the end, the final advice is please follow the basics so that everyone can enjoy swimming. Common sense like don’t pee in the swimming pool might sound awkward; however, based on a survey 40 percent of people have peed in the pool as an adult! Check out our weblog for other posts.
To read more please check out the following:
The 2019 Healthy Pools survey, by Sachs Media Group
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pool contamination
Wonderhowto’s news – Most Pools Contain Dangerous Fecal Bacteria — Here’s How to Stay Safe