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Most people have heard popular myths about swimming pools since they were little. Like most myths, there is little to no truth to it, or the truth has become so twisted that it is no longer recognizable. We will attempt to debunk some of the most common myths about swimming pools.
No. Simply said, clear water denotes an absence of apparent algae growth. If there were, the water would be becoming green, or the bottom or edges of the pool would be covered in green slime. If you’ve ever gone swimming in a swift-moving creek, you know that the crystal-clear water can often have a variety of underwater moss growing in it.
The amount, type, potential hazard, or anything else related to the bacteria in the water is not revealed by the water’s clarity. If the water has an odd flavor or fragrance, it is likely full of microscopic organisms, some of which could be dangerous. It is important to keep more than just an eye on the water in your pool when looking for cleanliness.
This myth is also debunked. While chlorine is used in swimming pools to fight bacteria, it can also produce compounds known as chloramines when it binds to perspiration and urine that swimmers bring into the water. The chloramines are likely what you are smelling if you notice a strong chemical odor around the swimming pool. That implies that the water is not at all clean. The water in a truly clean pool shouldn’t smell at all.
Not true. By employing parallel titanium plates in an electrical process known as electrolysis, saltwater swimming pools produce chlorine. The dissolved salt in the water produces this chlorine, but to clean the water and stop algae growth, you must still shock the pool. A saltwater pool contains the same amount of chlorine as any other type. The only variation is how the chlorine enters the water.
Swimming pool’s water chemistry is directly impacted by rainwater. Rainwater causes variations in alkalinity and acidity because it modifies the pH of the pool. This could have a significant impact on some chemicals, like chlorine, or promote the growth of microorganisms. It is important to rebalance the pool after a storm.
A water chemical imbalance is typically to blame for eye redness or burning sensations. Other reasons why we can get a burn when opening the eyes underwater include irritants like chloramines and pollutants from other swimmers. In fact, if eyes are red and burning, you may need to add extra chlorine to the water.
Yes and no. Chlorine does indeed eliminate bacteria and pathogens, and it is utilized in swimming pools as a result. The issue with this is that it takes time to complete. Even in water that has been properly cleaned, Cryptosporidium bacteria can endure for days. Adjust the chlorine levels in the pool until the pH level reaches 7.2–7.6, then wait five days to give it time to do its job before getting back in the water if you consider the water in your pool to be contaminated with germs or bacteria.
The truth is now at your disposal, so the next time you hear one of these swimming pool myths, you’ll be prepared! As a service company you are responsible for the maintenance and service of your customers pools and spas, and you face a variety of unique risks. Take the time and talk to one of our California Pool Association (CPA) experts today and learn about the different coverages available to you as a Pool & Spa service company.