Is There Good Chemistry in Your Pool?
Linda Golodner

June 14, 2013

Pool with inflatable tubeThis summer many of us will spend some “down time” cooling off in a pool. Whether the pool is in your backyard, your community, or your vacation spot, chemistry is at your service to help ensure that your pool experience is a healthy one.  Within seconds of application, chlorine-based pool sanitizers destroy most of the waterborne germs that can cause diarrhea, swimmer’s ear and skin infections in swimmers—maladies that threaten to turn your “down time” into “down and out” time.

For most pools, the fundamental chemistry that protects swimmers from germs is maintained when the pool water pH and the chlorine level are kept within prescribed ranges.  Pool operators are obliged to monitor and maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.8 and the “free chlorine1” level between 1 and 3 parts per million.  That’s good chemistry for a swimming pool—a chemistry that optimizes waterborne germ destruction while keeping swimmers … READ MORE >>

Facts and Tips for Salt Pool Owners
Fred Reiff, PE

June 7, 2013

As salt pools gain popularity in many areas of the country, we think it is a good time to provide some handy facts and tips for salt pool owners and operators.

Fact #1:

Salt pools generate chlorine for sanitation.

Salt pools obtain their chlorine residual by means of “chlorine generators” (electrolysis devices) that use electricity to produce chlorine from salt (sodium chloride) dissolved in the pool water. Chlorine in the water—whether added this way or by EPA-registered pool sanitizers–destroys many common waterborne pathogens within seconds, helping to keep swimming healthy. Without pool water sanitizers, swimmers are vulnerable to contracting diarrhea, swimmer’s ear and skin infections.

Tip: Salt pool owners can use pool test strips to ensure appropriate pool chemistry, including pH and chlorine level. This summer, swimmers and pool owners can order a free pool test kit at www.healthypools.org/freeteststrips/.

Tip: Salt chlorine generators are rated for the pool size … READ MORE >>

The Matter of Fecal Matter in Swimming Pool Filters
Joan B. Rose, PhD

May 31, 2013

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent waves of disgust through the public when they learned that a 2012 study found the filters of Atlanta area public pools were teeming with fecal bacteria.  The CDC used the findings to underscore the importance of swimmer hygiene.  A pre-swim shower with soap, says CDC, is essential to limiting fecal pathogens in pool water.  Additionally, swimmers experiencing diarrhea should not be in the pool.

We agree and count showering and other hygiene measures, such as “don’t pee in the pool,” as important layers of protection used to guard swimmers against waterborne illness.  Swimming pool sanitizers constitute another significant layer of protection and a well-maintained filter represents yet another.  Nevertheless, based on the new report, the public may be wondering how fecal bacteria can be present in pools that are treated with sanitizer. The evidence suggests it comes … READ MORE >>

Survey Shows Parents Are Worried Kids are Diving into Technology Instead of Pools

May 22, 2013

Citing the health benefits of swimming, parents want kids to power off and dive in

WASHINGTON DC — With summer right around the corner, a new survey finds an overwhelming majority of parents are concerned that electronic devices are interfering with traditional family activities, including swimming, and see potential negative health and social consequences as a result.

The new Mason-Dixon survey, conducted on behalf of the Water Quality and Health Council, found that 86 percent of parents said electronics, such as video games, smart phones and tablets, interfere with traditional family activities.  And 93 percent of parents are concerned that children are suffering negative health consequences from spending too much time on electronic devices instead of physical activities like swimming.  

Given a range of choices, more parents chose “the smell of chlorine” as their strongest sensory summertime swimming pool memory but today’s children could be forming more battery-powered … READ MORE >>

Exposing the Roots of the “Green Hair and Chlorine” Myth
Water Quality & Health Council

May 17, 2013

Swimmer wearing a swim capSwimmers, especially blondes, may be surprised – and even horrified – to discover that frequent pool use imparts a greenish hue to their hair.  Typically chlorine in pool water is named as the culprit, sending the green-haired swimmer in search of products to remove the unwanted color or at least in search of a swim cap. 

The green hair-chlorine connection is a firmly embedded myth:  Almost half of respondents to our 2012 swimmer survey agreed that chlorine in the pool can turn hair green.  We would like to expose this urban legend at its roots and offer an explanation of how it might have grown.

Copper, Not Chlorine, is Responsible for Green Hair

Green hair is caused by the presence of copper, not chlorine, in swimming pool water.  Copper sulfate, for example, is added to pools to help control algae.  Tiny particles of this greenish-blue compound can turn blonde … READ MORE >>

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