Pool Maintenance

Pool manufacturers sometimes market their products as being “chemical free.” Chemistry 101 teaches us that claim cannot be true in a literal sense, as all matter–including pool tiles, concrete, plumbing and water–is composed of chemical compounds. But if we assume that the “chemical” of “chemical free” refers to treatment chemicals, such as chlorine and other... Read More »

Indoor pools can provide a wonderful venue for exercise during cold winter months. Swimming is a full-body, aerobic workout that is easy on the joints while building muscle strength and tone. Yet, poor indoor air quality may be a deterrent to winter swimming. What causes poor indoor pool air quality, and what can be done... Read More »

Swimming is one of the most refreshingly beautiful Olympic events to watch. Thanks to modern communications technology, this summer we are treated to crystal-clear underwater images of the world’s elite swimmers as they vie for the Olympic gold.... Read More »

The summer swim season is here, and unfortunately so are the pool chemical related health events. One event made national headlines in late June when about 70 people were taken to local hospitals and eight were hospitalized. However, many more of these events never make the headlines. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and... Read More »

It’s time to dig out the swim suits, sunscreen and beach towels and head to the pool. Swimming lessons, swim team, frolicking in the pool with friends, lap swimming and leisurely poolside chats are hallmarks of summer for families all over the country. As this fun season begins, we have some safety tips to offer.... Read More »

Can pool swimming promote the development of asthma in children or help alleviate its symptoms? This question has been debated among researchers ever since Belgian Professor Alfred Bernard published a 2006 study supporting the “pool chlorine hypothesis”. That hypothesis suggests that the increasing exposure of children to pool chlorine could be contributing to the rise... Read More »

“Swimmers shouldn’t have to flip a coin to determine if the pool they are swimming in is healthy”. These words, from Chris Wiant, PhD, Chair of the Water Quality and Health Council, reflect the results of the Council’s 2011 Healthy Pools Campaign in which swimmers tested their pool waters for pH and free chlorine values.... Read More »

As summer draws to a close, a recent Wall Street Journal article examines the popularity, costs and sales of various swimming pool disinfection technologies. The article compares traditional swimming pool chlorination with alternative germ-destruction technologies, including “saltwater pools,” ozone gas and ultraviolet radiation. Some swimmers interviewed for the article expressed a preference for pools that... Read More »