Let the splashing season begin! It’s that time of year when the sun is shining, the days are warm, and families are craving a fun place to cool off and swim! A day at the beach, your favorite swimming pool, a nearby lake, or even a local watering hole is such a nice treat on a hot day! While we cannot get out and about to explore locally right now, we can enjoy our own backyard swimming pools.
While our nation continues to stay home to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus, it’s important to understand current safety measures for your swimming pool and always be water safe. While you look out your back-patio window and see your swimming pool glistening in the sun, you may have wondered if the pool water is safe from COVID-19? According to www.aquaticsintl.com, The World Health Organization released a paper addressing the virus responsible for COVID-19 as it pertains to water. The paper, titled “Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Waster Management for the COVID-19 Virus,” states that the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 is killed by 0.5 ppm or more of chlorine in the water, as well as other standard methods of disinfection.
SWIMMING POOL CLEANING
We are thankful to hear that swimming pools are a safe place to play during this pandemic. Swimming pools and backyard oases are a wonderful retreat for families, and they provide a wonderful outlet to escape from online school, computer work, household chores, and built up energy and anxiety from staying indoors so much. They provide a healthy place to play, a clean environment for fitness (lap swimming), an opportunity to soak in Vitamin-D, an outdoor kitchen for family meals, a warm spa to soothe aching muscles, a comfortable lounge area for relaxing, and so much more!
It’s important to always be water safe with your swimming pool. Now that we have learned that COVID-19 is not in our pools, we need to do our part to maintain the cleanliness of backyard retreats. The first step, as always, is to be diligent with maintaining proper care and cleaning of your swimming pool. Make sure you follow the simple guidelines of maintaining your pool. You should be cleaning your swimming pool each and every week. It’s important for your family to have a safe and healthy retreat to escape to! With all the fears regarding the coronavirus, let your family enjoy some playtime, laughter, and be active outdoors without worrying about this pandemic.
- Skim your pool of leaves and debris with a leaf skimmer.
- Brush the pool walls and stairs to remove any sediment.
- Vacuum your pool to remove any dirt and debris that has settled to the bottom of your pool.
- Clean your skimmers out. Pull out all leaves, sticks, or pool toys that have settled in the skimmers.
- Check all pool equipment and verify everything is working properly.
- Check your filter and backwash if needed.
- Test your pool water to verify the chemicals are all at appropriate levels.
SWIMMING POOL SAFETY
While we are discussing water safety, there are some other key points to remember in order for you and your backyard swimming pool to be safe.
- Keep your pool area enclosed with a pool gate and pool alarm.
- Never swim alone. Use the buddy system.
- Never leave a child unattended.
- Follow all posted safety rules. (No diving, No running, No glass)
- Teach your children to swim.
- If you or someone else requires a flotation device, make sure it is coast guard approved.
- Hire a local lifeguard when hosting a pool party or other event at your home.
- Stay away from all drains.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Do not swim during a storm.
- Know CPR.
Being water safe is the best way to ensure your family’ health and safety. While we all settle in at home these days, it sure is a welcome relief to be able to step outside and exert some energy, relax in the sun, and feel like you have escaped to a beautiful destination resort. While keeping our families safe and healthy at home is a priority for us right now, here at California Pools, we also hope you enjoy some laughter and wonderful moments. With a backyard oasis, there is always a light at the end of every hard or busy day!
Visit CaliforniaPools.com for more Information
