Signs a Swimming Pool Isn't Safe

Swimming has been one of the most popular ways to cool down in the summer heat for many, many years. When summer is on the horizon some of us dream of the bright blue waters of the swimming pool, but not every pool provides a safe place to cool down and have some fun. Some pools can be very unsafe and may end up in a trip to the hospital or even worse. So before you put on your suit, grab your goggles and pool toys, and hop in the pool; look for these warning signs to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

• The pool staff never test the water 

Safe and swimmable water requires just the right balance of chemicals and to ensure those chemicals are staying in balance the water needs to be tested frequently. The more a pool is used the more it needs to be monitored. So if you are at a public pool for a long period of time and have not seen the staff test the chemical levels, especially the chlorine, in the water you might want to find cleaner waters. Ideally a public pool should be checked about twice a day. Pools without the right balance can be a harbor for nasty germs and viruses.  

• The Water is Cloudy or Looks Dirty 

If pool water is anything but crystal clear this is a loud and resounding red flag to not get in. This is an obvious sign that the pool is not well taken care of, and poor visibility is a big swimming safety hazard.  

• Broken or Missing Drain Covers 

Drain covers are partly there to reduce entrapment from the suction of the water circulation system. Uncovered drains or broken drain covers have caused swimmers to become trapped underwater.  

• Algae 

Poorly sanitized pools grow blue-green algae.  Algae produces toxic cyanobacteria. Look for a smelly and slimy green film on the water’s surface. If the water smells funny like anything other than chlorine don’t jump in and don’t let the dog do it either. 

• A Large Number of Infants in the Pool 

Babies are no doubt adorable, especially when they are splashing and enjoying the water, but un-potty trained kids do not make the best swimming pals. Swim diapers do nothing to keep  germs from entering the water.  Even trace amounts of fecal matter can harbor the parasite Giardia lamblia, if you accidentally ingest some of the water you can end up with miserable consequences including serious diarrhea and vomiting. So if the pool has a large number of diaper wearing swimmers, you may want to think twice.  

• The Pool is Crowded 

If the pool seems way too crowded it probably is, listen to the warning signs of the small voice in your head and don’t get in. More people means less ability of the lifeguard to have eyes on everyone, more chances for accidents, and more germs with more bodies.  

• There are No Safety Fences 

Every pool should have proper fencing for the safety of young swimmers. Public pools with no safety measures to ensure small children cannot access the pool without an adult  are big red flags. The suggested height of pool fences is no shorter than four feet high and should surround the pool on all sides. These fences should also not be easily climbable.  

For professional pool care in Lake Havasu City call My Ever Clear Pool.  

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