"Don't Go Near the Water" (unless it is clean!)

There was a funny movie during the 50' Don't Go Near the Water starring Glenn Ford, which doesn't have anything to do with this blog other than the title.
I just got back from a seminar in Arlington, TX where I spent two days learning about pools and spas and the chemicals needed to properly maintain these proliferating sources of income for the business that I manage.
Although I have been in the Pool business for over 16 years professionally as well as a couple of summers in between semesters in college, I have never really had the biochemistry instruction to really appreciate the science involved in keeping swimming pools clean and clear.
Like most people in my industry I occasionally have fallen victim to the same belief that homeowners experience....."if it looks clear, it is probably safe".......No, no, no.
Now I am a big proponent of the swimming pool and spa. Geez, it's how I make my living. Pools and Spas are a great source for relaxation, fun and enjoyment. BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THEM!! Let me give you a couple of facts I learned last week.
Four people in a spa or hot tub is the equivalent of 120 people in a pool. There are over a 1000 diseases that can exist in a pool or spa. If it looks clear it does not mean it is safe.
E. coli, Giardia, Salmonellosis, Legionnaire's disease, diarrhea, ear infections, are only a few of the many diseases and illnesses that can originate from that breeding ground in your backyard.
RWI's (Recreational Water Illnesses) can occur from swimming in pools, spas, lakes, the ocean you name it.
Here are a few Q and A's you might be interested in reading:

What kinds of illnesses can people get from swimming?

Diarrheal illness
Skin rashes
Ear infections
Eye infections
Respiratory infections


Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from swimming in the ocean?

Yes.
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) have been associated with swimming at ocean beaches. Some common germs can live for long periods of time in salt water. Swimmers should always avoid swallowing the water that they and others swim in.

Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers?

Yes.
Lakes and rivers can become contaminated with germs from sewage, animal waste, water runoff, as well as direct human contamination from fecal accidents and germs rinsed off the bottoms of swimmers. Avoid swimming in areas that have been identified as unsafe by health departments. Contact your state/local health department about germ-testing results for local recreational water.

Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from using hot tubs and spas?

Yes.
Skin infections are the most common RWI spread through hot tubs and spas. Given that hot tubs and spas have warmer water than pools, chlorine or other disinfectant levels evaporate faster. For that reason, it is important that chlorine or disinfectant levels in hot tubs and spas are checked even more regularly than in swimming pools.


I don't want to discourage anyone from buying or using your pool or spa but just keep in mind that it is important you KEEP IT SAFE. And, of course, it you need a professional, you can always call me.

So, now that I have given my one public service announcement for the year I can get back to rat-killing, er... blogging.

See ya soon.