Why is Regular Pool Cleaning Important?

Swimming pools can be a breeding ground for bacteria and algae.  Not only are outdoor swimming pools exposed to the elements, allowing dirt and debris to enter the water, humans also introduce a large amount of bacteria into the water.

Hands up who’s peed in the pool?

If you answered, “Me!”, good news.  Urine is generally sterile, so apart from being “gross”, peeing in the pool doesn’t do a lot of harm.

However, what is scary, is that a 2012 study of public pools found 58% contained faecal matter.  In simple terms, poos.

Now, we know your back yard pool isn’t a public facility, yet it’s fair to presume that all back yard pools will contain faecal matter at some point.  What’s more, no one needs to poo in your pool for it to become contaminated.

Majority of the bacteria and pathogens in swimming pools, that make humans sick, originate in our gastrointestinal tract.  They enter the water through being washed off a dirty bottom, hence why if people have had diarrhoea, they shouldn’t enter a swimming pool for at least 3 days after the symptoms have ceased.

“But doesn’t water kill bacteria?”, you ask.  Unfortunately, no. In fact, many of the bacteria, micro-organisms  and viral pathogens that make us sick, use waterborne transmission to infect their next victim.

The best way to protect yourself and family from waterborne disease, and an embarrassing case of Pink Eye, is to regularly clean your pool.

What are some important steps in maintaining the cleanliness of your pool?

• Making sure you have the correct sized pool filter for your swimming pool
• Cleaning out or replacing your filter when it comes due
• Regularly use Test Strips to test your pool water’s chlorine and pH levels
• Skim your pool’s surface at least twice a week, removing the plants, bugs and other debris that has accumulated there
• Keep the bottom of your pool clean by using a pool vacuum, at least weekly, to remove all the accumulated dirt and debris
• Remember to clean out your skimmers every other day so that they don’t get overfill with leaves, bugs, hair and dust
• Use a pool cover to stop dirt and dust entering the pool

It’s important to remember that keeping your pool clean isn’t just for aesthetic purposes.  The most important reason it to keep it healthy and pathogen free.

At Pool Heating Ltd, we can help you to keep your pool clean.  Please call us today on 0800 766 543 to discuss your pool filter, and pool cover needs.