Keeping the Germs Out of the Water

While it’s nice to imagine that our pool or our spa is a private and pristine place to keep all to ourselves, the reality is often very different. Many spa and pool owners have children that like to use the pool, and in the warmer months, the pool becomes a central gathering place for other friends and family members.

When we invite others to jump into the pool with us, it’s easy to forget that we are also inviting one other unwanted type of guest into the water—germs.

In our last blog post, we addressed the topic of germs and bacteria in hot tubs, and also provided tips on how to keep them out of the spa and away from the water. Those helpful tips can also apply to your pool.

Pools—just like any spa or hot tub—can be a breeding ground for bacteria and illness if not maintained properly. That’s why it’s important for pool owners to ensure their pool is cleaned and serviced on a regular basis and with the convenience of our all-inclusive pool maintenance team you have a variety of plans to choose from. However, there are also preventative steps that we and our pool guests can take to make sure the water stays safe. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has many suggestions to help pool owners and swimmers recognize when the water conditions are not ideal, and how to help keep the pool clean. Here are just a few:

• Check the appearance of the pool. If the water is not clear, or if the tiles are sticky or slippery, your pool may need a good cleaning.
• Enforce bathroom breaks. If kids are using the pool, make sure they get out at least once each hour for a bathroom break. This will help to prevent the kids from peeing in the pool.
• Check diapers before bringing a baby in the pool. Dirty diapers can easily bring germs straight into the pool water. Make sure all parents have checked their kids’ diapers, and changed them if necessary, before allowing them in the pool.

For more information on how to keep your pool clean and safe for swimmers, visit www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/protection. And remember to have fun!