Published on March 2nd, 2019 | by Roger Corbinetti

4 Quick Ways To Tell If Your Swimming Pool is Truly Clean

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Many pool facilities utilize several chemicals to keep their water pure.

However, a study from the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observed that only 20 percent of public swimming pools were free from safety and health hazards.

So, what about the remaining 80%?

Even if they are safe from millions of germs, they may still contain debris and chlorine in abnormal amounts, which can be detrimental to your health.

The implication: before you cannonball into that pool, check these four signs to determine whether it is REALLY safe – or not.

1. The Water Isn’t Clear

Start with something that is easy to discern. If you stare down the pool and you can easily see the bottom, then you can say that it is generally “clean.”

While it sure is a positive sign, it will still not give you the assurance that your pool is 100% safe.

Nonetheless, unless the water is so clear and blue that it reminds you of Vermont Sports Hub, do not even consider diving.

2.That Slimy Feeling

Dip your hands into the water. If it feels oily or slimy to the touch, then it means the chlorine is not working.

It’s safe to say that the pool water is riddled with germs and needs a shock.

3. Pool Filters Aren’t Working

The pool filter is an essential component of all swimming pool systems.

Pool inlet filters remove debris from the water. As such, they will get clogged over time if you don’t clean them frequently enough.

If you feel/see no current of water coming from your circulation jets, then it means that the filters aren’t working.

This can result in the accumulation of dirt and debris in the water, leaving the pool dirty and unfit for a swim.

It can also overwork your pool’s pump, leading to an early failure.

4. There is a Strong Smell

Many people believe that a strong “pool smell” is the result of excessive chlorine.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that smell is actually chloramines – watered-down chlorine that is less effective than needed – which produces that odor when it reacts with urine, sweat, and skin or hair.

Especially urine. In a recent study, one out of five people agreed they peed in pools.

Chloramines irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. The solution is to add more chlorine, not less.

Causes of Contaminated Pools and Their Health Risks

Quick Ways To Tell If Your Swimming Pool is Truly Clean

Don’t take this the wrong way, but chlorine is a powerful cleaning agent.

When chlorine levels are high enough, it may kill germs in less than a minute.

However, not all bacteria can be destroyed by chlorine.

One of the Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) that can create complications is Cryptosporidium–the leading cause of diarrhea that could resist chlorine for over a week.

Also, chlorine in high amounts poses health risks.

Excessive chlorine may burn the skin and can lead to difficulty in breathing, especially in kids.

When chlorine condenses with urine and sweat, chloramine is formed, which is not only found in the pool water but can also spread in the atmosphere if there is no ventilation in the pool area.

We are not telling you to refrain from taking refreshing dips in pools.

It is better to pick pool facilities that follow strict guidelines and meet safety standards.

Swimming in a clean pool is an all-time favorite recreational activity of the masses.

Therefore, it is important to educate people on the potential health hazards.

About the Author

Roger Corbinetti I’ve owned a pool for over 20 years. During that time, I have owned and reviewed dozens of pool cleaners, especially robotic pool cleaners. I created RoboticPoolCleanersCompared to help other home owners leverage my experience to select the right pool cleaner, pool heater, pool cover and modern pool appliance for their needs & budget.