Safety Tips to Observe When Maintaining Your Pool

There are different maintenance needs for different pools. However, all pools require regular, consistent care to stay sparkling. When cleaning your pool, there are certain safety precautions you must take to avoid accidents and future repairs.

Consult the Manufacturer's Instructions

When handling broken pumps, consult the manufacturer's manual before you begin. The same should be done when bleeding off stored up air from the drainage system. Ensure you store chemicals used in maintenance according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Have a Professional Check Your Pool

Have a pool professional check the pool to ensure every suction outlet in your pool has a cover which is correctly installed, screwed down and unbroken. Also, he or she should ensure that all the skimmer covers are screw-fastened and unbroken. The filter O-rings and pump should be sealed properly and be in good condition too. Any debris or impediments in the main drain cover should be removed and the pump strainer basket should be emptied.

Perform Additional Shock Treatment

The key to excellent pool maintenance is balanced water chemistry and clean water. A shock treatment should be done every so often (after testing) to guarantee this. Shock treatment is the process of adding a mixture of several oxidizing compounds in to pool water to destroy undesirable chemicals which affect the pH level. An additional shock treatment is only done when

  • There are extreme high or low temperatures
  • Swimmers get red eyes with a burning sensation
  • Treating after a windstorm

Chemical Safety

When poorly handled, pool chemicals can cause harm to both humans and animals. They can cause eye damage and skin problems and can be fatal if ingested. It is, therefore, necessary that you keep them away from animals and children. Also follow these precautions when handling pool chemicals:

  1. Wear goggles and rubber gloves when using them to clean the pool. Wash your hands and clothes immediately after handling the chemicals.  In case of skin contact, flush with cold water for at least 15 minutes and then call a physician.
  2. Follow the safety precautions and the dosage directions found on the product label. If any material is spilt, do not attempt to return it to the original container or dump in your regular household garbage bin.
  3. Some chemicals are flammable. Therefore avoid having open flames close to the storage area.
  4. When discarding unused chemicals (if you decide to close your pool), expired ones or empty containers, follow the regulations provided by your area's federal or state laws.

For assistance with pool maintenance, talk to a professional.


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