When they say "you can swim up to shock level..."

[rjproulx]

Do they mean for a given CYA level? Some of us have a shock level of 12ppm, while others are in the mid-20's or higher. Does that mean each of us has a different "safety" threshold for when you can swim?

Similar topic...given a standard TF100-type kit, what other thresholds would cause one to not swim? Meaning, if you encountered "xyz" levels when testing, you could NOT swim until resolved. What about swimming while the water's cloudy with dead algae?

Always been curious about this.

 

[RobbieH]

Yes, for a given CYA level.

You want your pH to be in range, and CC not over .5. The rest of the numbers really won't affect your ability to swim comfortably.

 

[Suziqzer]

Yes, use the pool calculator to find out what your shock level is for your pool and that and anything below shock value for you your cya is safe for swimming.

I don't swim in a cloudy pool, and often will avoid a hot tub or pool that smell strongly of chlorine. Strong chlorine odors are caused when the chlorine is working hard and too much odor usually means too much in the way of bacteria, algae, or other organic things that the chlorine is working at breaking down. Cloudy is a sign of debris or algae and means it's not sanitized well.

It is a good idea to keep an eye on your ph as it can drift depending on your environment and cause eyes to burn, etc.

I don't mind swimmming in a lake or reservoir and yes they are cloudy, green, etc. The conditions there are more natural however than the debris introduced by others in your pool. If your pool is cloudy, it may just be algae, but if you've had others swimming in it (or it's a public pool ) and it's cloudy, there is a good chance that bacteria that others swimmers have brought in, being illness, etc can survive for some time exposing you to them when you swim. If it's just you and your immediate family, you might feel a little safer if it does become a bit cloudy, but not the ideal environment.

 

[Butterfly]

I would not swim in a cloudy pool. If, however, it is clear enough to see swimmers clearly (in case of rescue) and you are okay with FC & CC & pH #'s, then it is your choice.

 

[RobbieH]

I won't even get in a pubic pool anymore. I don't think I could go near a public hot tub! I'll go in a lake without even thinking about it, but NO to cloudy pools!