Pool Maintenance

In a nutshell… This article discusses the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for shutting down and reopening spas and hot tubs to avoid the growth of bacteria, such as Legionella. Guidelines are different depending on the construction of the spa or hot tub.   As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, aquatic... Read More »

In a nutshell… This article looks “up the pipe” at the water used to fill spas and pools, known as “source water.” Source water may be previously treated municipal water or private well water. Five categories of chemical constituents that may be present in source water are described along with associated issues they may present... Read More »

On what was described as “the first nice day of summer break” in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool became a scene of mayhem when suddenly a chlorine gas release sickened 50 people. Reports of dozens rushed to the hospital due to the June 4 tragedy, including the admission of children to pediatric intensive care units, detail the magnitude of the event. Although relatively rare, incidents of this type turn the tables on our expectations for chlorine at swimming pools. Suddenly, a substance we use to help keep swimming healthy and safe by destroying waterborne pathogens becomes a threat to public safety. How can this be possible?... Read More »

Pool chemicals are essential to keeping swimming healthy and safe, but there are “two sides to this coin” that need to be considered. When used properly, they help destroy waterborne pathogens in the pool, clarify the water, and make the water comfortable for bathers. But when they are mishandled, pool chemicals can cause injury. A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes the latest data on pool chemical injuries. It appears injury statistics have remained rather static over the period 2008 to 2016, which makes me wonder what it will take to start these numbers trending downward.... Read More »

This spring the American Chemistry Council (ACC) sponsored a survey of over 3,000 American adults to gauge popular knowledge and awareness of a summer mainstay: pool chemicals. Swimmers depend on pool chemicals to help keep pool water safe, comfortable, and enjoyable, but many pool patrons may be unaware that they have a personal role to play in maintaining good pool chemistry. As an outside group of public health and consumer advisors to ACC, we reviewed the survey results and report here on the most surprising, most reassuring, and funniest of these findings.... Read More »

A Thousand Oaks, California swim school was the setting of the recent accidental exposure of 19 people to a surge of chlorine gas into the pool area. Likely generated during an equipment malfunction, the gas sent a dozen people with breathing difficulties to area hospitals, according to a news report. A similar event occurred this... Read More »

Did you know that there is a voluntary code in the US that provides free, evidence-based guidance on a myriad of details of design, construction, operation and maintenance of public swimming pools and spas? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the third edition of this code1, known as the Model Aquatic Health... Read More »

What’s more enticing than the sight of crystal-clear pool water on a hot summer day? According to a pool industry standard, your pool water should be as clear as your drinking water.1 In fact, cloudy pool water is a drowning hazard, making water clarity a matter of both aesthetics and safety. Experts at the Centers... Read More »

The 2017 hurricane season is one for the record books. Among the issues residents in affected areas are contending with is flooded backyard swimming pools and spas. A new Fact Sheet from The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals provides expert and detailed guidance on safely returning your flooded pool or spa to working condition. This article lists... Read More »