The Importance of Clean Swimming

Hygiene: it’s the cornerstone of civilization. Uncleanliness is unacceptable in almost every avenue of public (and most avenues of private) life. One would never eat in a restaurant that had a reputation for being dirty or unsanitary. You’d never stay in a hotel with unwashed linens. A grocery or even retail store that’s visibly unclean? No thank you.

By the same logic, no one should swim in a dirty pool. But what makes a pool “dirty?” There are several contaminants, some more visible than others, that make a pool unfit for swimming. Most people would turn their nose up at a pool with unclear water, preferring to jump only into pools they can see the bottom of. Also to be avoided, though, are the less obvious and more insidious ways a pool can provide you with a less than clean swimming environment.

Maintain Proper Chemical Balance

Obviously, maintaining the proper balance of pool chemicals is step one. Clean, clear, chemically balanced water is the foundation of all pool hygiene. It should be noted that one can go too far in this regard, especially by being over exuberant with the chlorine. A ratio of 1-3 ppm (parts per million) is all that’s necessary for chlorine to have the desired effect. Combine that with a pH balance between 7.4 and 7.6, and the chemical composition of your pool should pass sanitary muster.

Outside Contaminants

The other key to pool cleanliness, then, lies in keeping outside contaminants from invading the water. Dirt, debris, cosmetic products, animal fur, insects, and other organic matter cannot be allowed to build up in any pool. In the event they are introduced, these things should be removed as soon and as thoroughly as possible.

Swimmer Hygiene

Some basic practices can help with this. Ideally, anyone who is going for a swim should have had a shower first, and (preferably) should not have put on excessive amounts of makeup, hair product, self tanner, or other chemical cosmetic products. This also includes laundry products like detergent, especially for those who swim in t-shirts or other non-swimwear. A washed and well-rinsed bathing suit, sunscreen and a smile are really the only things that should be worn into the pool.

Remove Debris

As for visible debris, anything (or anyone) on the way into the pool should be rinsed free of anything you don’t want in the pool. Foot washing is a key but often overlooked aspect of this. While walking around the pool area, a great deal of filth can adhere to the human foot, especially the wet human foot. For this reason, a conscientious pool owner should keep a basin of water near the pool steps or ladder for the purpose of rinsing the feet before swimming. Also, any and all pool floats, balls, or other pool toys should be given a good rinse by hose or basin before being introduced.

Organic Matter

Finally, there is organic matter. While it is safe to allow dogs who can swim to do so, it is obviously imperative that they will have fully relieved themselves before doing so. The consequences of not ensuring this are as disgusting as they are time consuming and expensive to address properly. Make sure any pet who plans to swim has been thoroughly groomed as well, so as to avoid fur being left behind. As for human swimmers, while shedding shouldn’t be a problem for most of your pool guests, do be sure to make your policy on in pool bladder evacuation unmistakably clear, especially to children.

These simple practices, combined with regular skimming, vacuuming, filtering and use of a cover, will ensure that your pool stays fresh and clean all summer long. Really, that’s the only way it should be. After all, everyone wants a clean swimming environment.  Do you want to swim in a dirty pool?

Call The Blue Lagoons and let us help you keep your pool clean! 

Happy Swimming!