Maintenance
It is important to maintain a pool in order to keep the water healthy. Water can contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli or salmonella. You must monitor chlorine, PH, alkaline and calcium to assure the water remains pure. Chlorine fights bacteria and algae that will otherwise accumulate in a pool. Chlorine levels are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Acceptable levels are 1 to 3 parts chlorine per million. Test kits are available at your local pool dealer.
PH is the measure of water acidity and basicity. PH should measure between 7.2 and 7.6 on the PH scale. PH is important to maintain healthy water. PH that is not within the proper range can cause cloudy water, chemical build-up on pool equipment as well as skin and eye irritation.
Alkaline is the measurement of elements that maintain the water’s PH. It is also measured in parts per million and should range between 60 and 100 ppm. If you have problems maintaining PH balance, have cloudy water or notice mineral deposits in your pool or its equipment, it may be that the total alkalinity of your pool is not in the proper range.
Calcium hardness measures the amount of dissolved calcium in pool water. High levels will corrode pool equipment causing it to malfunction. The result can be water that is unhealthy. The desired range is between 200 and 1000 ppm.
Chlorine, alkalinity and PH have to be checked daily. Calcium hardness needs to be checked monthly. If you do regular checks, it is much easier to maintain pool water. In swimming season, the water may change frequently. Many factors affect water, including heavy rain, hot temperatures and frequent use. Peak demand conditions require special maintenance called shock treatment and superchlorination. Both of these involve the addition of chlorine in amounts required to temporarily elevate chlorine levels. Superchlorination is the addition of chlorine to achieve 5 ppm. This removes organic contaminants and prevents common pool water problems. Shock treatment is the remedial addition of chlorine to achieve 10 ppm. This kills visible algae. Pool experts recommend shock treatment or superchlorination every two weeks during peak periods of pool use.
In order to keep the pool water clean and healthy, you must care for the pool itself on a weekly basis. You must use circulation systems, skimmers and filters. This has to be done whether or not the pool is used.
Improper PH and cloramine cause red, irritated eyes. Chloramine is a substance produced when the chlorine in the water reacts with body wastes such as saliva, perspiration and other compounds. Pre-swim showers reduce the amount of bacteria and other contaminants that are introduced into the pool. If your pool reduces the amount of bacteria and other contaminants that are introduced into your pool. If your pool had developed chloramine, chlorine concentrations are ineffective. Check PH balance. If it is high, add an adjuster chemical. Check the chlorine level. If it is below 1 ppm, shock treat the pool.
The cause of strong chlorine odor is too little free available chlorine. You are more than likely smelling chloramine. Adjust the PH and shock treat.
Too much chlorine can irritate eyes and bleach color from bathing suits. If this happens, test to be certain chlorine levels are between 1 and 3 ppm. If the test results show a high chlorine level, stop adding chlorine and add a product that will reduce levels immediately. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
Life Saving Equipment
Pool safety is a big responsibility to you, your neighbors, family and friends. Always be sure to maintain life saving equipment. Keep a ring buoy with an attached line at poolside. Never rely on water mattresses, water wings or inner tubes to keep children afloat.
Fencing your Pool
Build a fence that is climb-proof to separate your pool from the rest of your yard. In some communities this is the law and some insurance companies enclose a clause to cover proper pool fencing in their policies. A fence is a must for families with pre-teen children.
Make certain your pool fence does not obscure your view from the house. Use gates with self-closing, self-latching spring locks. Latches should be sixty inches from the ground to ensure that children can’t reach them. Fences keep neighborhood children and pets out of your pool.
Stick to your Guns
Watch children at all times and NEVER leave them unsupervised. If you are alone and have to leave the pool area for ANY reason, take the children with you.
Establish safety procedures when your pool is installed and don’t back down. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules should not be allowed in the pool. Remind everyone of the rules at the beginning of each swimming season or post them on several areas around the pool.
POOL SAFETY CHECKLIST
No running or horseplay in or around the pool.
No swimming in a thunderstorm.
No diving in the shallow end.
Wear flip-flops on the pool deck or footwear with treads.
Never swim alone
Children cannot swim without an adult present.
No pets in the pool.
No eating or food in the pool.
Never use glass objects at poolside.
Never use extension cords near the pool.
Keep chlorine levels between 1 and 3 ppm.
Keep calcium levels between 200 and 1000 ppm.
Keep PH levels between 7.2 and 7.6
Check PH and chlorine levels daily
Check calcium hardness monthly.
Check alkaline levels monthly.
Shock treat when needed.
Superchlorinate when needed.
Use and maintain water circulation systems at all times.
Build a childproof fence around the pool.
Deep life saving equipment at poolside.
Keep a first-aid kit at poolside.
Never swim at night unless the area has sufficient lighting.
Wait 2 hours after eating before entering the water.
By following these tips, you will ensure that all those around you have a safe and healthy summer. Don’t let one of your loved ones become a statistic. Play safely and have a great summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment