Is Your Pool (Or the Pool Your Family Uses) Safe?

Swimming pools are a wonderful addition to any home.  However, while pools are a long-term investment that can bring lasting enjoyment to your family, over time, equipment and pool structures can age and, without proper maintenance, they may develop dangerous conditions that must be addressed. 

Below are the top four issues commonly found in pools.

1. Water Balance and Sanitation

Clear water does not mean a pool is safe.  Correct pH level, alkalinity and sanitizer levels are critical for disinfection.  Proper hardness levels prevent problems like scaling and corrosion.  Controlling phosphate levels reduces the potential algae growth. 

Burning eyes or itchy skin, are likely due to unbalanced water.  Cloudy or colored water is usually a sign that one of the above water parameters is out of balance. Staining, leaking equipment, faded surfaces, chipping, rusting or corrosion all indicate improper water balance.  

Test your pool water weekly.  Use test strips or a quality test kit regularly.  For best results, have your water tested professionally monthly.  Pool stores offer water testing.

2. Barriers to Entry

Children are naturally curious and quick. It takes just seconds for a child to find their way into a pool and potentially drown.  We strongly recommend barriers around the pool to prevent drowning, and in many states this is a legal requirement. 

Install a fence around the pool with gaps no wider than four inches between vertical slats. If using an automatic cover, keep the keypad or key switch locked.  Lock ladders or use removable means of entry for above-ground pools. Ensure all gates and latches are self-closing and self-latching.

3. Suction Entrapment Avoidance

Bottom suction outlets must be designed to prevent blockage, use anti-vortex covers that are not expired, or be equipped with a safety vacuum release system if the existing fittings cannot be made safe.  

Check suction outlets. Most inground pools and hot tubs have “main drain” outlets at the bottom. Ensure all covers are securely attached and up to date. Older pools may have vacuum suction ports that are no longer code-compliant and should be permanently disabled.

4. Electrical Protection

The two most common electrical safety issues are grounding and bonding.

Grounding is the connection of an electrical system or equipment within five feet of the pool to the earth to stabilize voltage providing a safe path for fault currents (like lightning or short circuits) to protect people from electric shock (including use of GFCIs). Test GFCIs regularly to ensure proper function.

Bonding uses jumpers and conductors, to link all metal parts such as metal pipes or equipment frames, to create a single, continuous electrical path.  Bonding requires a bonding grid installed during pool construction.

If you are unsure about your pool’s GFCI protection or bonding, contact your pool company or an electrician for recommendations and inspection.

Conclusion

Make sure your family is safe by adhering to these key safety items.  They prevent accidents, save on maintenance costs, and reduce the risk of illness or injury.