Sanitation is a necessary step for pool use, no matter how long you’re in the water
Sanitizing your swimming pool is one of the most important steps you can take before diving in for a dip. Whether you’re just looking to splash around for a few seconds or want to s
tay in for a long, lazy, relaxing and refreshing swim, you need to ensure your pool has undergone the proper procedure for keeping it clean of chemicals.
This is common knowledge among homeowners who have a pool on their property. However, some may not fully understand the ramifications of what can happen if a pool is not sanitized, and they – as well as any individuals who are considering purchasing a home with a pool, or adding one to their existing yard – may want to do a little research to understand why it’s so important to keep the water as pure and clean as possible.
Commonly used methods of pool sanitation
The most well-known and common method of sanitizing a pool is the use of chlorine. Chlorine was first used for water sanitation by a man named John Snow, who utilized it to disinfect the water supply in Soho, London in order to stop the spread of a cholera outbreak in 1854.
Although it’s not the only step that must be taken in order to keep a pool clean, it is a very necessary one, as it works to kill bacteria through a simple chemical reaction. Its use in swimming pools helps to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans.
Bromine is another chemical used to keep pools clean, although it is more commonly used for hot tubs and spas due to the fact that it remains more stable in hot water than chlorine. While it is also a more expensive solution, it can also be used less often than chlorine and has a more mild effect on skin, hair and eyes.
Other types of sanitation include saltwater chlorination, which is used as an alternative to chlorine due to the fact that it can be healthier for the skin and contains fewer chemicals; filtration, which removes pollutants; disinfection, which kills microorganisms; and participation from the swimmers themselves, such as showering before entering the water. Chlorine and pH levels in the pool should be regularly checked.
What can happen if your pool isn’t sanitized?
Swimming in a pool that hasn’t been sanitized is probably not a good idea, but many people may not understand exactly why. Here are some potential problems that can arise from a lack of cleanliness in the water.
Both environmental elements and swimmers can introduce contaminants to the pool, which can cause several different types of diseases and illnesses. Risks from the environment include dirt and debris, rain that contains algae and fecal matter from birds and other animals, while risks from human beings can come from micro-organisms from infected swimmers and body oils such as sweat or suntan lotion. Any homeowner with a pool in their yard should be aware of this risk, as outdoor pools have the potential to be easily impacted because of their proximity to things like dirt and debris.
Making sure your pool is clean doesn’t just make it look pretty for the people who use it. It’s an essential part of pool ownership, killing bacteria and viruses that could be harmful to humans. Pool owners should always keep a close eye on their sanitizer and pH levels to be sure the water is safe for swimmers.
