For many homeowners, having a swimming pool is a source of pride and joy. Nothing beats jumping into a crystal clear pool on a blazing hot day or sultry summer night. However, if not correctly maintained, your backyard oasis can become a breeding ground for swimming pool germs. Here are some ways that your swimming pool could make you sick and tips on keeping you and your water clean and safe.
- Swimmer’s Ear
- Gastroenteritis
- Pink Eye
- Skin Irritation
- Urinary Tract Infections
Pool Water Can Give You Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, aka otitis externa, is an outer ear canal infection that can develop when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming. This stagnant water provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and develop into an infection. While the condition is usually not serious, it can be pretty painful. To help prevent swimmer’s ear, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, and consider using a swimming cap to keep water out of your ears.
Water-Borne Germs Can Make You Sick To Your Stomach
Gastroenteritis, sometimes called stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by various viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. To avoid getting gastroenteritis from swimming, shower before and after swimming and avoid swallowing the water.
Did I Get Pink Eye From My Swimming Pool?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelid. You can get pink eye from viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants like chlorine. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, tearing, and blurred vision. To prevent it, wear goggles when swimming, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
Pool Chemicals Can Irritate Your Skin
You can’t avoid adding chlorine or salt and other chemicals to keep your water clean, but these substances can also dry your skin and leave it feeling itchy. To prevent skin irritation, try showering before and after swimming. The latter will help to remove chlorine or salt from your skin and keep it from getting too dry. You can also apply a moisturizer after swimming to help repair any damage.
Dirty Water Can Lead To UTIs
UTIs are bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Bacteria can rapidly spread in swimming areas, especially if the water has been allowed to get warm and stagnant or (we have to say it) if people have been peeing in the water. The best way to avoid a swimming-related UTI is to shower before and dry off well after you get out. You should also avoid sitting on the water’s edge or potentially contaminated surfaces. If you feel a UTI coming on, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible, as, without proper treatment, they can turn septic very quickly.
Follow These Tips For Keeping Your Swimmers Safe
- Keep the water clean with professional maintenance.
- Skim leaves & debris as often as possible.
- Vacuum the bottom regularly.
- Brush the walls and steps frequently.
- Test the water frequently to check for chlorine and other chemicals.
- Flush the filter regularly.
- Use a weekly pool service.
Get In Touch With A Pool Cleaning & Repair Specialists
While pools can be a lot of fun and a great reprieve from the scorching Nevada heat, pool service takes a skilled hand. If you’re struggling to keep your pool clean or just want the added peace of mind that comes with professional cleaning services, Oasis Pool Maintenance would love to help you out. We offer weekly pool service and a full range of maintenance and repairs throughout the Las Vegas valley. So give us a call to find out more and schedule a service appointment.