Pool report
Before you dive in, make sure the water’s safe
In summertime a dip in a pool seems just the antidote to triple-digit temperatures but keeping that water sparkling clean and clear takes a little work.
“A backyard pool is an oasis, a haven where you can enjoy yourself but you must take care of it or it becomes expensive to fix,” said Doug Massey, owner of Pool Works at 2801 Eubank in the Eastdale Shopping Center.
Extreme heat, heavy rain or a lot of swimmers in the water affects the chemical balance, which can diminish the effectiveness of the sanitizer (chlorine or bromine) and lead to cloudy water or algae growth. If the acidity level or calcium levels in the water increase it can harm pool equipment.
Massey recommends pool and spa owners test their water several times a week. The pH level should register between 7.2 and 7.8, the total alkalinity should be 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm) and the chlorine level 1 to 3 ppm, according to Pool Care Guide produced by pool product supplier GLB.
Massey sells test kits and test strips and he will also test water samples customers bring in.
Pool filters will remove up to 90 percent of impurities such as dirt, leaves, grass, hair, body oils, sunscreen, and even many bacteria from the water, said Massey. Filters use sand, a cartridge system or diatomaceous earth to remove particles from the water. Diatomaceous earth filters do the job most efficiently because they are able to capture the tiniest particles. You have to run a sand filter much longer, Massey said.
For safety, store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. It’s also important to segregate different types of chemicals to avoid dangerous reactions.
Using the pool or spa also presents dangers.
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, whose job is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death, recommends the following safety measures:
Never leave a child unattended in or near water. Teach children how to swim. Teach children how to stay away from drains.
Make sure pools and spas have safe drain covers.
Install barriers, covers and alarms around pools and spas.
Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
The American Red Cross recommends surrounding pools with a 4-foot high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate, placing a safety cover over a pool or hot tub when not in use and removing any ladders or steps used for access.
The city of Albuquerque has lifeguards on duty at its facilities; seven outdoor pools that are open from Memorial Day through mid-August and five indoor pools that are open most of the year.
However, the city still requires children aged 10 years old and younger to be accompanied by an adult. They also require swimmers to shower with soap before entering the pool.
The CDC recommends this measure to prevent recreational water illnesses that can be caused by things like E.coli, or shigella bacteria, or giardia or cryptosporidium (crypto) parasites. All of which can be introduced into pool water by the presence of fecal matter and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
The State Environment Department closed several pools in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho in 2012 because of the suspected presence of crypto. The Environment Department also closed pools around the state in 2008 because of an outbreak of crypto-related illnesses.
While you’re swimming or hanging out by the pool, don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburn. The American Cancer Society recommends using a sunscreen product rating at SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or more. A product labeled “broad spectrum” protects against ultraviolet A and B rays. Apply to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun and reapply every two hours if you are swimming or sweating heavily.