Why should I shower before entering the pool?

Shampoo, soap, body lotions and oils can make a pool’s systems work harder and throw off the water balance. This means your pool requires more chemicals and more treatment. Showering prevents many issues and helps ease the burden on your pool.

Why do I need to remove toys from the pool?

Toys can block the water flow and circulation in the pool. This can damage pumps and heaters.

What is the importance of maintaining the correct water level?

  • The water level in your pool needs to be halfway up the skimmer mouth (or halfway up through the tile line) for proper skimming action, filtration and for the heater to properly work.
  • The pump and piping can be damaged if the water level gets low enough for the pump to draw air.

Why should I not swallow pool water?

Swallowing pool water can be harmful because it often contains chlorine and other chemicals to keep the water clean. These chemicals can cause stomach discomfort or more serious health issues if swallowed in large amounts. Additionally, pool water can contain harmful bacteria or pathogens that can cause recreational water illnesses like gastrointestinal disease, skin rashes, ear and respiratory infections.

What to do if I swallow pool water?

  • Swallowing a small amount of pool water is usually not harmful. If you swallow a large amount or start to feel ill, take the following steps:
  • Try to stay calm. Panicking can make the situation worse.
  • Drink fresh water to help dilify the chemicals you swallow from the pool.
  • If you’re feeling sick, having stomach issues, or experiencing other signs of illness, seek medical help immediately.
  • Remember it is usually best to avoid swallowing pool water as it may contain chlorine and other chemicals used for sanitization, along with bacteria and other contaminants.

Why should you not pee in a pool?

  • Hygiene: Urine can mix with other chemicals in the pool, causing harmful reactions. This can create unwanted substances that can lead to health issues such as skin or eye irritation and respiratory problems.
  • Health Risks: Urine contains ammonia which when mixed with chlorine, can produce chloramines, which can cause respiratory issues and can trigger asthma attacks.
  • Alters pH balance: Urine can alter the pH of the pool water making it less effective at sanitizing and may cause cloudiness in the pool water.
  • The Spread of Disease: Certain bacteria and viruses can stay alive in urine, potentially spreading diseases.
  • It’s Disrespectful: Many people find it offensive when others pee in the pool due to the gross factor, it’s a communal space and people should respect each other’s right to a clean and safe environment.
  • Maintenance: If everyone pees in a pool, more chemicals will be needed to keep the water clean and this can make overall pool maintenance more challenging and costly.

Why should you keep a close eye on children in pools and provide them floatation devices?

Keeping a close eye on children in pools is crucial because they may lack the skills and judgment needed to keep themselves safe. They may not understand the risks or dangers of water and can quickly get into trouble. Floatation devices can provide an added layer of safety, but they are not a substitute for supervision. They can help to keep a child afloat, but should not be relied upon completely as they can accidentally slip off, deflate or may not fully support a child in water. Drowning is often silent and can happen very quickly so constant active supervision is key when children are in or around water.

Why should you keep floatation devices near and in your pool?

eeping flotation devices near and in your pool is crucial for safety reasons. They can aid in preventing drowning incidents, as they provide immediate assistance to those who are struggling to swim or get out of the water. Floatation devices are especially helpful for children and individuals who are not strong swimmers. Moreover, in case of emergencies, these devices can be thrown in to support the person until help arrives.

Why is it important to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming?

Drying your ears thoroughly after swimming is important to prevent infections. When water gets trapped in the ear canal, it creates a damp environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi. This can lead to various ear conditions such as swimmer’s ear (also known as otitis externa), a painful infection of the outer ear and ear canal, or other ear inflammations. Therefore, it’s crucial to dry your ears properly after swimming or showering.