DISCLAIMER
TFP is not a medical authority, nor do we provide medical advice. The following items are simply highlighted as common areas we see discussed here at TFP. Whenever there is a concern for personal safety, contact a physician immediately. Building/electrical codes vary between location. When in doubt, contact a certified specialist for assistance.
SWIMMING BASICS
– Never swim alone
– Never swim when you can not see the bottom
– Don’t swim if lightning is in the area
– It is safe to swim as long as the Free Chlorine (FC) level meets or exceed the minimum required for proper sanitation, yet does not exceed the SLAM/Shock listed for your pool’s current CYA level as listed on the Chlorine/CYA Chart. You might however chose to not wear your finest/delicate swimwear if they are sensitive to elevated chlorine levels.
CHILDREN/PETS
– Child safety: Every state or location has established laws designed to protect children from entering a pool unsupervised (i.e. fence type/height/spacing requirements to include a gate w/ locking mechanism). Ensure your pool is properly secured and children are protected from unsupervised access.
– Pet safety: Pets are like little kids. Unfortunately, many pets drown in pools each year. Ensure pets do not have free access to the water and/or the pool is fenced-off to prevent access to the water. Pools with a cover present a challenge as pets have been known to get trapped under the pool cover, disoriented, and drown.
CHEMICALS
– Always ensure chemicals used for pool care are not accessible to small children.
– The chemicals listed on the TFP “Recommended Chemicals” page are safe and practical to use when dispensed as recommended, however take special note of the following:
— Muriatic (hydrochloric) Acid (MA) and liquid chlorine (bleach) are probably the two most volatile chemicals you will handle on a frequent basis. Treat each with respect and be mindful of potential splashing into eyes and skin. Especially critical for MA, know the wind direction before pouring to avoid inhalation of fumes. The use of appropriate face/eye protection and/or long sleeve shirts is recommended.
— Be sure to never add Muriatic Acid (MA) and chlorine/bleach in the same location at the same time. With good water circulation, separate the addition of these two products either by several feet or a few minutes to allow each item to disperse into the water. For smaller pools, or pools with limited return jet(s), you can also sweep/brush the areas dispensed as needed to help circulation.
— Store muriatic acid (MA) away from other chemicals, especially chlorine. MA is highly corrosive, so avoid storing in areas that are susceptible to rusting. MA can handle a wide variety of temperatures, so storing outside is fine. Consider placing MA jugs in a well-vented secondary container (i.e. pre-cast resin or Rubbermaid-type container) to provide additional protection from the elements, children, and potential leaks.
— Never combine different types of chlorine or chlorine tabs in the same container. Mixing different types of chlorine can cause a violent explosion.
— Do not place chlorine tablets/pucks directly in the skimmer. They are acidic. Use a floater or in-line chlorinator designed for their use.
FILTERS
– Never try to separate a stuck filter housing (top from bottom) by using the pump’s water pressure to separate the lid. Even in quick durations, enough air/water pressure can be generated which may separate the filter parts in an unpredictable, violent manner that could cause personal injury.
– We advise owners never to attempt any structural repairs to a filter housing. Increased air pressure generated during start-up may accumulate to the point of rupture.
ELECTRICAL
– Electrical shock is a real threat in any pool that is not grounded/bonded properly. If in doubt, contact your pool builder or a certified electrician for guidance. Ensure pumps and other electrical devices are properly wired, grounded, and/or connected to a GFCI-protected circuit as required by code or as recommended by the product’s owner’s manual.This article was originally published in forum thread: Pool School & Pool Safety started by Texas Splash View original post
