Once you understand what chloramines are and how they can negatively affect the health of those in and around your swimming pool, you’re probably ready to swear off public swimming pools for good! (We’re sorry about that.) On the positive side, though, hopefully you’re also motivated to help reduce the chances of chloramines infecting your own private swimming pool. The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to do just that.
Standard Policies for Reducing Contaminants
One way to help reduce the chances of experiencing such symptoms is to reduce the chances of chloramine-causing contaminants from entering the water. By encouraging those using your pool to follow a few precautions, you can help keep your pool a healthy place.
First, everyone should use the bathroom before entering the pool and make sure children take hourly bathroom breaks. (Perhaps you could set a timer on your phone so everyone takes a break every hour.) Second, make sure anyone who has had diarrhea in the past day or two knows to stay out of the pool.
Third, encourage everyone to take a quick shower before entering the water. (You could help encourage that step by providing an outdoor spigot where pool users can easily do so; even a 1-minute rinse can serve to remove most dirt and other contaminants.) Fourth, consider asking those with long hair to use bathing caps.
Extra Steps for Infants and Toddlers
For infants and toddlers who aren’t yet potty trained, you’ll want to take some extra precautions. While swim diapers can be helpful, some studies have revealed that they’re not as effective as we might hope, when it comes to keeping infection-causing bacteria from leaking into the pool water. Diarrhea-causing germs like Crypto can quickly leak into the water in a matter of minutes, even when swim diapers do hold in solid feces. Make sure that parents of any children in diapers are especially cautious about allowing those with diarrhea into the water and that they remember to check and change diapers frequently and in areas away from the poolside. Make sure to have an area reserved for diaper changing, complete with accommodations for hand-washing and a proper receptacle for dirty diapers.
Communication for Reducing Contaminants
In addition, you can help avoid the negative health risks associated with chloramines by letting others know about how to avoid them and taking immediate steps if and when you see contaminants or notice that you’re experiencing or smelling the negative effects of chloramines in your swimming pool. Encourage others who use your pool to inform you of any chloramine-related effects they notice as well, and to remind others who use your pool to follow the healthy policies outlined above.
Continue Reading about Pools
Lyon Financial: America’s Leading Pool Lender
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
Leave a Reply