There is absolutely no denying that swimming is good for your health and wellbeing. However, these benefits can be offset by a poorly maintained swimming pool.
Bacterial contamination and chemical imbalances are just some of the causes of water-related illnesses.
Let’s take a closer look
Bacterially Contaminated Pool Water
Germs love hanging out in swimming pools.
Pool water riddled with bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa can be a breeding ground for numerous illnesses.
Viruses such as hepatitis A and norovirus, bacteria such as Shigella species; E. coli and parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia are all a risk if you swim in contaminated water. Each of these can lead to ‘gastro’ like symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. A contaminated pool can also cause a skin, eye, nose and ear infection.
These bacteria are unavoidable and are often introduced into water by human skin, hair and sweat.
Chemically Imbalanced Pool Water
Pool water needs to be chemically balanced in order to be safe.
Ignoring the right chemical blend could result in a range of issues including an abundance of tiny particles, high calcium hardness, algae, high alkalinity, low or high pH levels and low chlorine levels. A host of health issues can arise from these issues including eye, nose, ear and skin irritation.
Environmental Contamination
Pool owners who fail to use a pool cover can risk microbiological contaminants entering their pool. Dirt, dust, sand, falling leaves and animal droppings can all wreak havoc on the quality of your pool water and contribute to the number of health issues outlined above.
How to minimise the risks
How to Minimise the Risks
Pool owners can take the following steps to minimise risks:
- Keep your pool water filtered and chemically treated
- Test your pool water weekly during the summer season and fortnightly to monthly over the winter season.
- Clean your pool at least once a week to keep it clean and uncontaminated
- Keep all pool chemicals stored as recommended on the packaging
- Do not use your pool if you are sick
- Keep pets out of the pool
- Shower or rinse your body before entering the pool
- Avoid ingesting pool water
Need help with keeping your pool safe?
Pool Central is a small family run business with over 30 years of industry experience. We are fully certified and insured and have a dedicated team of SPASA qualified swimming pool technicians.
We specialise in pool servicing to maintain your swimming pool throughout the year so it’s safe for you and your family. Click here to contact a Pool Central technician today.
