When we began thinking about a backyard pool, I admit I was worried. I mean, you hear about all these sicknesses that show up in public pools all the time. If that can happen even with a full time staff working there, how were we going to keep our water safe for our kids? I had visions of diarrhea and other sicknesses taking over our household for the summer.

We needed information, and we got it from our local pool center. They explained how to maintain our pool so the water stayed safe and clean. I was surprised at how little time and money it actually took. Now, we love our new pool and I laugh every time I think about my worries at the beginning. Our new pool couldn't be safer and more fun!

Clean pool water is essential for keeping your family and friends safe during the swimming season. There are many germs and bacteria that can lurk in a pool, resulting in unpleasant ailments like diarrhea and skin infections. Fortunately, there are ways to keep these pesky germs at bay and your pool safe for swimming. We have tips to help you keep your pool disease free all season long.

First Line of Defense: Water Balance

At the core of a healthy pool is proper water balance. This is why water needs to be tested regularly; even two or three times a week during the peak swim season. When the substances in your pool are out of balance, it indicates that your method of sanitization is not doing its job.

Chlorine is the most common choice for pool sanitizing, and it can be added by tablets, sticks or an automated chlorine generator. This chemical works to kill harmful substances like algae and bacteria that lead to disease and infection. If chlorine is your sanitizer, levels should be maintained between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm for best results. Bromine can also be used and should be kept at similar levels to ensure it is working properly.

Immediate Attention to Problems

Another way to protect your family from germs lurking in your pool is to address any potential problems as soon as they arise. In addition to testing your water regularly, you also need to be checking your pool for visual signs of a problem. These might include cloudy water, a greenish tint or a strong chlorine odor.

If you detect a problem, test your water right away and take necessary action. In some cases, a shock treatment might be necessary to completely clean the pool and bring it back to health levels. Before shocking your pool however, you may need to backwash your filter or repair a pump that is not circulating water properly.

A clean pool is indeed a healthy pool, and proper maintenance is the first step in ensuring your pool is safe and clean. By testing your water regularly and addressing problems as soon as they arise, you can rest assured your family is enjoying a disease-free swimming experience.