Sanitation and Hygiene Involving Pools
Contamination of a pool can occur in many different ways. Contaminates can be brought in by the wind, bodies of swimmers, rain, algae, and bird droppings. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are found in pools sanitation systems, proper hygiene of swimmers, and filtration of the pool decrease the amounts of contaminates. Common illnesses and symptoms associated with pools are diarrhea, Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, swimmers ear, respiratory infections and skin rashes. Cryptosporidiosis is an acute infection that can affect the lungs and intestinal tract. Symptoms associated with the disease are nausea, cramps, a low grade fever, and nasal discharge. Giardiasis is very similar to Cryptosporidiosis involving the same symptoms. Both diseases can be cured with a quick trip to the doctor’s office, and a dose of antibiotics. It is highly recommended that if either of these diseases are contracted in a public pool, it is reported to the CDC and the facility management.
In order to combat sickness, swimmers can practice healthy hygiene. Simple precautions like not swimming when sick, not swallowing water, and showering before entering the pool, greatly reduce contamination. Parents should take children on regular bathroom breaks, ensure everyone drinks lots of fluids, check diapers, and allow sunscreen to dry before entering the pool.
Chemical treatments such as chlorine, salt chlorine, bromine, and ionizers help keep pools clean. Chlorine can be stored for long periods of time, is available as a gas, liquid, or solid, and neutralizes contaminates long after it is introduced to the water. Salt Chlorine is less harsh to swimmers eyes, and skin than traditional chlorine. It also produces neutral pH levels, so less chemical treatments are required. Bromine is used to sanitize pool water, the smell is less pungent, and more stable than chlorine.
