Maintaining a pool can be a tricky business, and this is especially true for above-ground pools. More often than not, these pools come with substandard equipment that barely scratches the surface when it comes to filtration and circulation. It’s no wonder many above-ground pool owners end up with a green pool at some point during the swimming season. As we dive deeper into the dog days of summer, the temptation to take a dip in a green pool, if only to escape the relentless heat, becomes almost irresistible. But before you inflate that lounger, it’s essential to understand the dangers lurking in those murky waters.
The Challenge of Pool Maintenance
Above-ground pools are popular for their affordability and ease of installation, but they often come with a significant downside: inadequate filtration systems. These pools usually include pumps and filters that are underpowered for the volume of water they need to clean. Consequently, debris, algae, and bacteria can accumulate quickly, especially during periods of heavy use or extreme weather conditions.
Why Pools Turn Green
The green hue in a pool is primarily caused by algae growth. Algae thrive in warm, stagnant water with insufficient chlorine levels. When your pool’s filtration system can’t keep up with the debris and contaminants entering the water, algae can bloom rapidly. Factors contributing to algae growth include:
- Poor Circulation: Without proper water circulation, chlorine and other sanitizing agents can’t distribute evenly throughout the pool, creating pockets where algae can flourish.
- Low Chlorine Levels: Chlorine is the primary chemical used to keep pools clean. When levels drop too low, algae and bacteria can multiply unchecked.
- High pH Levels: If the pool’s pH is too high, chlorine becomes less effective at killing algae and bacteria.
- Debris: Leaves, dirt, and other organic materials provide nutrients for algae. If these aren’t removed promptly, they can contribute to a green pool.
The Dangers of Swimming in a Green Pool
A green pool is not just an eyesore; it’s a health hazard. The green hue is typically caused by algae, which can turn your pool into a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Swimming in such an environment can expose you to a host of potential health issues.
Common Illnesses from Green Pools
- Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs): These are illnesses caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mist, or having contact with contaminated water. RWIs can include a variety of infections, such as gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and wound infections.
- E. coli: This bacteria is often found in green pools due to fecal contamination. Ingesting water with E. coli can lead to severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- Cryptosporidium: Commonly known as “Crypto,” this parasite is highly resistant to chlorine and can survive for days even in well-maintained pools. Symptoms of Crypto infection include stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.
- Giardia: This parasite causes giardiasis, an intestinal infection that leads to diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Giardia is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated water.
- Legionella: This bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder illness resembling the flu. Both conditions can be serious, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Risks of Floating in a Green Pool
You might think that simply floating in a green pool is safer than swimming, but this is a misconception. While you’re not actively ingesting water, you’re still coming into contact with contaminated water, which can enter your body through your nose, eyes, ears, or any cuts or abrasions on your skin. Even inhaling the mist from a green pool can pose health risks.
More About Recreational Water Illnesses
RWIs are primarily caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in contaminated water. Some common RWIs include:
Shigella: This bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Norovirus: Known for causing stomach flu, norovirus can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacteria can cause skin rashes, ear infections, and eye infections.
The symptoms of these illnesses can range from mild to severe and can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Environmental and Chemical Considerations
Besides the biological hazards, green pools often have poor chemical balances that can cause additional health issues. High pH levels can lead to skin and eye irritation, while low chlorine levels allow harmful microorganisms to thrive. Algae can also release toxins that may cause skin rashes and respiratory issues when inhaled.
Impact on Pool Equipment
Allowing your pool to remain green can also damage your pool equipment. Algae can clog filters, strain pumps, and reduce the efficiency of your filtration system. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
The Temptation to Swim
It’s easy to understand why someone might be tempted to swim in a green pool during a heatwave. The prospect of cooling off can be overwhelmingly appealing. However, the potential health risks far outweigh the temporary relief from the heat.
What To Do When Faced with a Green Pool
If you find yourself confronted with a green pool, the safest course of action is to avoid swimming altogether. Instead, take the following steps:
Immediate Actions
- Shock the Pool: This involves adding a large dose of chlorine or other pool shock treatment to kill off algae and bacteria. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the pool off-limits until chlorine levels return to safe levels.
- Brush and Vacuum: Physically remove as much algae as possible by brushing the walls and floor of the pool and vacuuming up the debris.
- Clean the Filter: Algae and debris can clog your filter quickly. Clean or backwash your filter regularly during the treatment process.
Long-Term Solutions
- Upgrade Your Equipment: Consider investing in a more powerful pump and filter system designed for your pool’s size. This will improve circulation and filtration, reducing the likelihood of future algae blooms.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep a consistent pool maintenance schedule, including regular water testing, chemical balancing, and cleaning. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
- Professional Help: If you’re not confident in handling the situation yourself, a pool service technician can diagnose and treat the problem for you.
Swimming Pools Differ From Natural Bodies of Water
One might wonder how swimming in a dirty pool differs from swimming in any natural body of water like a river, pond, or ocean. While both scenarios can pose health risks, the sources and types of contaminants, as well as the natural filtration processes, vary significantly.
Natural Filtration in Rivers, Oceans, and Ponds
Natural bodies of water are dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystems with built-in filtration processes:
- Rivers: Rivers are flowing bodies of water, constantly moving and mixing. This flow helps to disperse contaminants, reducing their concentration. Additionally, the presence of aquatic plants and microbial life helps to naturally filter out impurities.
- Oceans: Oceans have vast volumes of water and strong currents that help dilute and disperse contaminants. Marine life and natural processes, such as tidal movements and wave action, contribute to the ocean’s ability to cleanse itself.
- Ponds: Although ponds are more stagnant than rivers and oceans, they still benefit from natural filtration. Aquatic plants, algae, and microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and maintaining water quality.
These natural filtration processes significantly reduce the concentration of harmful pathogens and chemicals, making natural bodies of water less likely to pose immediate health risks compared to a neglected, stagnant pool.
While swimming or floating in a green pool and a natural body of water both carry health risks, the differences are notable. Pools, being controlled environments, require consistent maintenance to prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms and chemical imbalances. In contrast, rivers, oceans, and ponds benefit from natural biofiltration processes that help to mitigate the accumulation of contaminants.
Natural bodies of water are dynamic ecosystems that can filter out many impurities through biological and physical processes, thereby reducing the risk of illness. However, they are not entirely risk-free and can still be affected by pollution and wildlife.
Ultimately, if your pool has turned green, take immediate action to rectify the situation. Whether through diligent self-maintenance or by calling in a professional, ensure that your pool remains a safe and enjoyable retreat throughout the summer. Prioritize your health and safety by avoiding the temptation to swim in a dirty pool, and take the necessary steps to restore its cleanliness and balance.
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