The dangers of infections are well known and minor injuries are treated with disinfectant and if needed, antibiotics. No one thinks twice about this. But few people understand the risks posed by what is called recreational water illnesses – the infections that can result from rivers, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, water parks, and pools. The infections are caused either by a person who is ill entering the water and allowing the germs to spread or by germs and bacteria that naturally grow in water. Public places where people spend time in the water have to operate by specific procedures on cleanliness, water quality, etc. But when it comes to private pools, it is the owner who decides what needs to be done. The reason for talking about these issues is not to deter people from spending time in the water, it is to encourage them to take a few simple steps to keep the water in their pools clean.

The Risks

 A pool that is not properly maintained can pose several health risks. These include:

• Hepatitis A: This is a rare occurrence, but one of the most serious dangers. In the worst case, it could result in serious liver damage and reduced liver function.
• Salmonella: This is something many people are likely to suffer from at some time. The problem is that there is no way to be immune to salmonella infections and the resulting gastric and digestive issues could be serious.
• Cryptosporidium: This germ is highly chlorine resistant and only professional water quality evaluation can reveal if it is present in a pool.
• Giardia: This is a water-borne parasite that causes infections of the gastrointestinal tract and the resulting diarrhea, vomiting, and feeling of being bloated can last for weeks.
• E coli: This is one of the most common causes of recreational water illness. In most cases, it causes an upset stomach but an extreme infection may result in kidney failure.

Other minor problems like swimmer’s ear are also caused by badly maintained swimming pools.

Stay Safe 

 The onset of warm weather means that there is a flood of summer pool safety tips available everywhere. From ways of preventing dehydration at the pool to not getting in the water after eating, there is an unending stream of advice on staying safe - everyone is an “expert” when it comes to pools. Much of the advice may be good, but there are 2 main aspects to keeping a pool safe. The first is to have all the equipment regularly checked, cleaned and if required, replaced by trained professionals. The second is to have the water quality and purity regularly checked by experts who have the right equipment and know how to use it. DIY pool maintenance is never fully effective because it takes training and experience to check the water quality, and the cleanliness of the pool and use the right chemicals to clean the pool and the water in it.

 A pool is a multi-function part of the home. It is used for exercise, relaxation, entertainment, or just for spending time outdoors. A pool may appear to be spotlessly clean and the water to be pure and safe, but the real risks are from what you cannot see. It's not only a matter of keeping those who use the pool safe, there is also the question of your liability if a person who used your pool gets a recreational water illness.

Don’t let worry about the condition and safety of the pool detract from the fun it should offer. Using a professional pool maintenance company will ensure that the pool is safe and that you do not have to worry about the health of those who use it or any potential liability issues arising from poor maintenance. Blue Splash Pool Service is the leading pool installation, repair, remodeling, and maintenance company in San Jose CA.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are recreational water illnesses?

Recreational water illnesses are infections caused by germs and bacteria in rivers, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, water parks, and pools. These can occur when people who are ill enter the water or when germs naturally grow in the water.

2. What health risks can arise from an improperly maintained pool?

Health risks from poorly maintained pools include Hepatitis A, Salmonell, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, and minor issues like swimmer's ear. These can cause serious health problems such as liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and even kidney failure.

3. Why is professional water quality evaluation important for pools?

Professional water quality evaluation is crucial because some germs, like Cryptosporidium, are highly chlorine-resistant. Professionals have the right equipment and expertise to detect these germs and ensure the water is safe for use.

4. What are the main aspects of keeping a pool safe?

Keeping a pool safe involves two main aspects: regular checks and maintenance of all pool equipment by trained professionals, and regular water quality and purity checks by experts. DIY maintenance is often ineffective compared to professional services.

5. How can professional pool maintenance benefit pool owners?

Professional pool maintenance ensures the pool is safe for use, reduces the risk of recreational water illnesses, and mitigates potential liability issues for the pool owner if someone gets sick from using the pool. It also allows the owner to enjoy the pool without worrying about its condition.

6. What services does Blue Splash Pool Service offer?

Blue Splash Pool Service in San Jose, CA, offers pool installation, repair, remodeling, and maintenance. They ensure the pool is safe and properly maintained, allowing owners to enjoy their pools worry-free.

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