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Pool & patio

Rita Rowlen

2013-05-29 09:11:48

Q-Is there a way to keep my pool safe from harmful bacteria so my children can have fun in the backyard pool without fear of disease, rashes or infection?

A-What is great about a backyard pool is that you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to purification that results in clean, clear, safe water, making it the safest place for your children to have fun in a pool! Working Together We have found the best solution to having crystal clear water and keeping it safe is to combine systems. There still hasn’t been an all-in-one pool sanitation solution invented. Our recommendation is to combine two systems, such as the following: Ultraviolet – The Rise of UV Sanitation Ultra Violet Light or commonly referred to as UV-C systems are designed to kill the types of bacteria that shut down hotel and community pools. This bacteria is commonly known as cryptosporidium which is classified as a serious recreational water illness (RWI). The state of Utah requires that all public pools frequented by children include an ultra violet light sanitization system as an added layer of protection. Currently, it is one of the only systems that kills up to 99.9% of this type of bacteria; however, ultra violet light systems do not have a residual so chlorine is required. We suggest you combine this system with chlorine or bromine. Chlorine quantities will be reduced substantially as the UV-C system kills bacteria so the work load is less for the free and available chlorine in the pool. The combination of a UV-C system and a chlorine salt generator works great as team. Fortunately, we now have smaller lower cost units making adding UV systems affordable. Prices start at $ 599 plus installation. Ozone – Approved Model by CDC Like UV, ozone uses waves of electromagnetic energy to inactivate and/or kill microorganisms in the water. Some pool owners will have both systems installed and then very little chlorine is required to maintain a residual. Ozone makes your pool cleaner because it is a better oxidizer than chlorine. The Centers for Disease Control’s Model Aquatics Health Code has recommended ozone disinfection as one of the approved methods to be used together with chlorine in commercial pool disinfection. Ozone kills dangerous microorganisms that can get into shared water almost on contact, far quicker than chlorine. Ozone destroys a wider range of contaminants than chlorine, including those typical things like lotions, cosmetics and urine that chlorine doesn’t touch. Dissolved ozone has no by-products except ordinary oxygen. Ozone is easy to add, effective and leaves nothing to clean up. Ozone is injected when your pump runs. Ozone permits a big reduction in chlorine savings on chemical bills and at the same time it is easier on the environment. Prices start at $397 plus installation Dual Mineral and chlorine system – Simple and easy to use This system utilizes controlled release of mineral technology and low-level chlorination. This system maintains clean, clear, silky soft water. The minerals last up to 6 months and the prepackaged chlorine Pac lasts 3-5 weeks depending on the size of the pool and the bather load. Salt pools – Eliminates carrying chlorine containers A salt pool is a pool that has a chlorine generator installed. A salt generator produces chlorine in the pool. Pool salt is added directly to the pool. The salt generator will convert the salt to chlorine to sanitize your pool. You will feel the difference of softer, smoother water with very little of the skin irritation associated with concentrated chlorine. The generator cell needs to be replaced and or cleaned frequently. This can cost up to 70% of the original salt generator price. If you have heard that a salt pool needs no other chemicals, this statement is not correct. The mineral content of your pool water will need to be balanced along with keeping the pH and Alkalinity range at proper levels. This unit works great in combination with UV-C or Ozone. Units are now smaller, more affordable and an over the wall unit makes it really easy to install. Prices start at $399. Most importantly, have your pool professional perform a computerized water analysis at the start of the season, each month and prior to closing your pool for winter. The use of stabilizer and Optimizer has tremendous advantages in any pool system. My best advice is to select a system that is easy for you to administer. Then schedule your maintenance on a digital calendar with reminders and stay with the schedule for trouble free, clean and clear pool water maintenance.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-12-27 13:19:27

Q: We use our spa mostly in the spring and fall, but don’t enjoy using it in the winter when it gets so cold. Do you suggest draining the spa for those few months?

A: No, I recommend just maintaining the spa as normal for those few months. However, you may turn down the heat if so desired. The problem with draining and winterizing the spa is, you take a risk of the seals drying up in the pump as well as the seals in the jets, which can cause leaking at start up. Leaks in pump are not a hard find, but a leaking seal in the jets can be an expensive fix. If you do decide to drain for the winter, you will also need to winterize by blowing the lines and adding antifreeze. Draining alone could leave water in the lines or equipment and cause a pipe to bust. For more information on winterizing consult a pool & spa professional.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-11-18 13:01:49

Q: What causes my spa cover to get so heavy and how do I prevent it from happening?

A: The reason your spa cover gets heavy, is due to condensation; inside the spa cover is Styrofoam wrapped in plastic. Every year airing out the Styrofoam is recommended, to lengthen the life of your cover. By unzipping each side of the cover, it allows the moisture to escape from the cover, making it easier to lift and take off. For covers that are larger and in general harder to remove, cover lifts are available. There are many different types and styles of cover lifts, yet they all make it simple, fast and easy! Check with your local spa professional to find the right one for you!

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-11-18 12:58:31

Q: I am looking to simplify my holiday tasks as much as possible. I am always kind of last minute on everything and like to get as much as possible done in one stop. What local resources are available?

A: Fortunately for all of us, businesses are making all of our shopping tasks a little easier. You've probably read about or seen seasonal "pop-up" stores for well-known fashions or seasonal items that spring up all over the country for about 6-8 weeks. Mostly those are created by large out of state corporations. Now, some of our local businesses are transforming their own businesses and combining seasonal convenience with established relationships, and local economic development. One such business is Splash Pool & Patio in Pittsburg. Starting soon, Splash will transform the sales floor into a convenient one-stop shop for gift wrapping supplies. "I enjoy serving my customers and the community. As a seasonal store and service, I really wanted to do something that utilized my resources for the benefit and convenience of the community," commented Teri McThompson, owner of Splash Pool & Patio. Shoppers will have the advantage of choosing from a wide assortment of wraps from economy wrap to high quality wrapping paper, ribbon, prepared bows, and other wrapping accessories without being limited to few or common choices. "Rather than having to wait in long lines at crowded super stores, or having a narrow assortment of wrapping choices, we will have all that you need to create beautifully wrapped gifts in one location," she explained. Beyond just being a real time saver, the store will provide the unique choices you need to make each gift a reflection of your admiration for the recipient.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-11-18 12:56:21

Q: We bought a house with an in-ground pool this year and were wondering, when is the best time to close our pool and do I need to do anything in the winter after it is closed?

A: I recommend closing the pool when the water temperature cools off, but before the leaves begin to become a hassle. This leaves it pretty wide open for the pool owner to decide. If you close it in August and it's still very hot, even treating the water with chemicals cannot guarantee the algae will not start growing under the cover. Cooler water helps retard the algae growth along with some winterizing chemicals and black plastic. I would also recommend opening your pool when the water is cooler. During the winter months keeping excessive water and snow off the cover, will help prevent wear and tear to your coping, cover, and straps. Also, because of freezing temperatures, always check to make sure the pool water is not filling up into the skimmers. A pool professional will take precautions for this but do to the unknown amounts of precipitation over the course of the winter; the homeowner should check the water levels occasionally. Remember, pool-care professionals are just a call away to help or explain winterizing questions with chemicals and covers.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-09-28 16:37:32

Q: We don’t use our spa much in the summer, but really use it fall, winter and spring time. What causes the musty smell and how do I get rid of it?

A: Fall is a good time to change the water in the spa and wipe down the tub and cover. The musty smell develops when the chemical builds a gas between the water and underneath side of the cover. This happens because the spa cover is not opened enough to let the gas escape. The best way to avoid the musty build up is to make sure to routinely open the cover with the jets on, to let the air and water breathe. (10 minutes each time should do the trick). Also, if you already have the smell and want to get rid of it, you don’t have to drain the tub every time, just wipe the underneath cover with 1/4 parts bleach and 3/4 parts water and then rinse it off. Then test the water and adjust chemicals and shock the water.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-07-01 10:51:00

Question: I need to replace my filter for my pool, what options do I have?

Answer: There are three types of filters that are used in swimming pools to remove dirt and debris they are sand, cartridge, Diatomaceous Earth (DE). With sand filters dirt is removed by “backwashing” or reversing the water flow. The filter should be backwashed when the pressure gauge indicates a 8-10lbs increase over normal operating pressure, (this is the pressure indicated on the pressure gauge when the filter is completely clean). Sand filters are more efficient when they are slightly dirty consequently they should only be backwashed when required by the increase in pressure. Sand filters should be cleaned a least every season with a filter cleaner/degreaser. With cartridge filters dirt needs to also be removed from the filter when the pressure gauge indicates an increase of 8-10lbs over normal operation pressure. Remove the cartridge(s) from the filter and hose off all loose dirt and debris. Then soak the element(s) and in a cleaner for at least 12 hours. Then hose elements off to prevent any foaming of the chemicals. This will remove all oils and greases imbedded in the filter element. To avoid any “down time” for the circulation or filtration systems, it is advisable to purchase a second set of cartridge elements so they may be interchanged on a regular basis with the first set. Like sand, the DE filter is cleaned by backwashing the filter when the pressure increases 8-10lbs. However, once the filter has been backwashed, new DE must be added to coat the grids in the filter. This is accomplished by pouring DE through the skimmer. To cut oils and other natural oil build-up, DE filter grids should be cleaned at least once every season using a filter cleaner/degreaser. The best filtration for particles in your water is the DE filter it filters out particles and algae as small as 3 to 4 microns. Cartridge filters filter out particles between 10 and 30 microns and sand filters filter out particles between 20 and 100 microns. However, the most common filter for an above ground pool is the sand filter and is the most affordable. As an alternative you can apply an all natural Zeolite mineral instead of sand to your sand filter and that filters particles up to 3 microns. Remember to always consult a pool professional with any questions on your filtration needs.

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Pool & patio

Teri McThompson

2011-06-01 10:57:00

Question: Last fall we bought a new house with a pool. As first time pool owners, we are a little lost on how to maintain it, and how to get it ready for our first real season of use. Can you give me a few quick and simple tips?

Answer: Having a pool can be the most relaxing, entertaining and fun feature of your home. Call a pool professional to help you get your pool properly ready for the summer and help you understand how to keep it maintained throughout the season; this will save you on costly headaches. Pool companies offer the service of opening your pool; this allows them to correct any thing that may need fixed from the winter and chemically starts the pool owner in the right direction to take over. Training is the key, many pool owners run into costly mistakes due to lack of understanding how the pump and filter work, how to vacuum and maintaining chemicals: After establishing that the pump and filter are in good running order, vacuuming is needed to keep the pool clean. Automatic vacuums are available as well as manual equipment. When using manual equipment, a heavy vacuum head is recommended. Don’t rush, slow vacuuming keeps the pool from stirring up and causing cloudy water. Don’t jump in just yet! Almost all pool companies provide water testing. You provide us with a sample of water and we can test it to tell you the chemistry of your water. The staff will help you get necessary chemicals and explain why they are necessary and how to apply these chemicals to your pool safely. There are also kits for the pool owners to take home to perform their own water test. PH and Chlorine are two most important tests in balancing water. If you have any questions, always talk to a professional to detour costly mistakes that will only delay the time you get to enjoy your pool. Your pool will soon be a great source of exercise and family fun, have an excellent summer!

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-11-01 10:18:00

I joined a gym recently that has a public hot tub, how sanitary is it?

Imagine living on the first floor of a five-story apartment building and people above you took showers and baths and passed down the water. Apart from filtration and treatment, this water is essentially the same as in a shared hot –tub. According to CDC, favorable temperatures and readily available food make hot tubs ideal places for bacteria to grow and spread. Dead skin, hair, sweat, fecal material, algae and dirt provide waterborne germs with constant nourishment. A poorly maintained hot tub is fertile breeding ground for germs that cause Legionnaire’s disease, Hot tub lung, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, Pontiac fever, skin and eye irritations. Powerful pumps, jets and misters generate small water droplets (aerosols) that can easily find their way into your lungs. Moreover, the warm water opens up your skin pores giving germs yet another avenue to enter your body.

Hot tub Water Treatment.

Many people get sick from using poorly maintained hot tubs and some infections tend to be life long. Untreated hot tubs are health hazards not only to the immediate user but also innocent bystanders. Fine water droplets produced by powerful jets and misters can become airborne and easily find their way in unsuspecting victims. Such cases occur especially in cruise ships. It is therefore important to stay on top of your water treatment process at all times.

Filtration

Filtration is the process of removing particles from the water. Even in the best-maintained hot tubs, filters tend to have heavy infestation of germs. In a tub with poor filtration, no amount of chemicals will keep the water sanitary. Dead algae and germs provide food and shelter for others to emerge. A hot tub’s filter captures many of the nasty stuff and the bigger the better. If you go shopping on busy day and only a single cashier is open, it may take forever to go through the check out. Multiple or bigger filters will remove more particles faster and easier and improves the health and safety of your hot tub.

Tips to avoid getting sick from a hot tub. Keep your hot tub covered: The hot tub cover prevents debris from getting in water, reduces water and energy loss and is important in drowning prevention.

Take a shower: Offload sweat, lotion, body oils, shampoo that would otherwise end up in your hot tub.

Test the water: Adjust water chemistry before using the tub; never assume the water is good.

Clean and replace filters: Your filters are the most important component of your tub. Regular cleaning and replacement ensures your filtration is working at peak performance.

Install an automatic spa sanitizer, UV system or a good ozone generator. These systems sanitize water 24/7 helping you maintain a safer hot tub while saving you time and money.

Do not share your hot tub: If you would not wear someone’s dirty underwear, why would you want to share your hot tub? Relaxing in a hot tub is personal and is a private matter.

Do not eat or drink while soaking: Moisture containing germs will easily contaminate your food or drink. Moreover, food particles end up in water encouraging germs to grow.

Avoid using public hot tubs. Many public hot tubs even in five star hotels and medical centers meet only the minimum standards required by the city. Most of these standards are outdated and do not address emerging health threats such as cryptosporidium, Legionella and Giardia.

Do not linger around Hot tubs: At parties, tradeshows or on a cruise avoid spending time where hot tubs are running. Legionnaire’s disease has well been documented to infect numerous people in such situations.

Be proactive: If hydrotherapy is part of your medical treatment, ask for the water testing information or better yet use your own test strips to check the water. In fact the CDC encourages swimmers to use their own test strips to check the condition of the water.

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-10-01 11:09:00

With the onset of cooler evenings, nothing helps soothe your tried muscles after a hard day of work than warm and vigorous actions of the water lets in your hot tub. What are some tips to help start up our hot tub.

1.) Clean your Hot tub cover using just a rag and ample water. Do not use soapy water; somehow, it will end up in your Hot tub. Replace broken or water logged cover for your safety and energy savings through better insulation. 2.) Remove leaves, twigs and other debris from your Hot tub interior and wipe it clean with a damp rug and plenty of water. Pay extra attention to areas around the jets and handles where dirt accumulates frequently. Never use soap or detergent; it will turn your hot tub into a bubble bath! 3.) Thoroughly clean your old filters. Use a gentle spray from your garden hose to remove large particles. Soak your filters in a filter cleaning solution that does not contain Phosphates such as SEAKLEAR Filter Cleaner. Phosphates promote algae growth in water. High-pressure water will ruin your filters by separating the fibers. 4.) Use a PREFILTER attached to the end of your garden hose to remove dirt, sand, minerals and chemicals as you fill your hot tub. If using well water, check for iron that will rust and discolor your water if not removed. 5.) Inspect your spa for leaks due to cracked plumbing, open drain valve or pump plug. If you discover any leak, summon a spa professional as soon as possible. Even a small leak can create big havoc within a short time. Remember you are dealing with water and electricity! 6.) Shock your Hot tub with Chlorine or Bromine with the jet running. Test water after 8-10hrs to make sure the chlorine or bromine level is 8-10ppm. Set your temperature to the lowest point, keep your jets running as often as possible for 24 hrs while making sure no one gets in your hot tub. This may dislodge nasty buildup that may have accumulated in your Hot tub’s plumbing due to stagnant water. 7.) Drain your Hot tub using the drain-port and a submersible pump. Be sure to clean the submersible pump before using to avoid reintroducing dirt, nasty water and germs in your hot tub. By using the drain-port, more water will drain from the interior plumbing and jets. 8.) Use a clean rag and plain water to wipe down your hot tub interior, pay extra attention to areas around the jets, control handles and grab rails. 9.) Use new filters or thoroughly clean your old ones before refilling your hot tub. Surely, you would not put on a pair of dirty underwear after taking a shower? 10.) Use alternative water treatment.. Copper Silver Ionization, Automatic generator( Genesis Device) and Ultraviolet Systems offer better water disinfection, sanitize water 24/7 and eliminate many of the discomforts associated with hot tub chemicals such as odor, dry itchy skin, constant maintenance and inconsistent water quality. Properly taking care of your hot tub will ensure many years of the many health benefits of hydrotherapy, and this is a perfect time to start.

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-09-01 09:59:00

How safe is the water in swimming pools and spas?

wimmers are more likely to get diseases and infections from pools, hot tubs and water parks than from lakes and rivers. According to CDC, 60% of all Recreational Water illnesses occur in treated water. RWIs are diseases acquired when one contacts infected water in places like swimming pools, beaches, spas, hot tubs, lakes and water parks. Favorable temperatures and readily available organic nutrients make pools, spas and hot tubs ideal environments for the growth, proliferation and spread of waterborne germs. Some common RWIs are E.Coli, Giardia, Legionnaire’s disease, Cryptosporidiosis, Hepatitis A, pseudomonas, Norovirus, shigella and many others. The germs can be present in fecal material, urine, blood, vomit and sewage that easily get in water through swimmers, birds, animals, contaminated rainwater or raw sewage. These contaminants can survive for weeks in poorly treated water waiting to infect unsuspecting bathers. Swimming with your mouth open makes it easy to accidentally swallow contaminated water. According to recent studies, kids tend to swallow twice as much water as adults while swimming. Symptoms of infection such as diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomiting, fever among others may take several days to appear and the victims can become a Trojan horse spreading the germs from one pool to another. Being proactive through education, awareness and properly disinfecting pool water is the best way to prevent RWIs. The first line of defense against RWIs is educating bathers about the importance of proper personal hygiene. Signs posted at the pools are common but a good percentage of people hardly take note. If your swimmers cannot mention at least two RWIs and their prevention, you are doing a poor job. Infections and outbreaks will not occur without swimmers so make them an integral part of your prevention plan. Proper disinfection of water is a crucial step in preventing recreational water illnesses. The chances of an outbreak occurring increases dramatically when water treatment cannot keep with increased number of bathers, heat and sunlight, aging equipment and poor staffing. According to CDC, Cryptosporium account for 50% of all recreational water illness. Cryptosporidium parasite is especially challenging; it is highly resistant to chlorine and too small to be removed using standard filters found in many pools. Moreover, the presence of fecal material in water, which can add up to several pounds per day in a typical pool, makes disinfection by chlorine difficult. Giardia and Legionella are also relatively resistant to chlorine disinfection. It is no longer sufficient just to throw a bucket of chlorine shock and adjust pH. Pool and spa owners must find a better means to disinfect the water. The addition of Ozone, Ultraviolet Light and Copper Silver Ionization are rapidly becoming the norm because of their ability to destroy chlorine resistant germs. If you are not willing to make your swimmers part of the solution and adding a secondary disinfection here is my advice; be patient, make sure you have a good lawyer and a deep checkbook. After the 2005 Cryptosporidium Outbreak in New York, followed by a multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit, the City of New York mandated Ultra Violet light disinfection in many swim venues.

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-07-30 15:23:00

Are lifeguards, swimming instructors or employees that are exposed to the chemicals found in most pools at a greater risk of suffering health problems?

With all the research done on this topic, this from Reuters Health is most disturbing to say the least. Swimming teachers and other people who spend a lot of time near chlorinated pools face an increased risk of breathing problems, Dutch researchers report. Chlorine reacts with substances such as urine and sweat to create byproducts that can irritate the respiratory tract, most importantly chloramines, explain Dr. Jose Jacobs of the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands and colleagues in a report in the European Respiratory Journal. The research team surveyed 624 swimming pool employees and sampled air at six swimming pools. They measured trichloramine levels at all 38 pools included in the study to estimate long-term exposure among employees. Trichloramines are the most volatile type of chloramine, and are known to irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Compared to pool workers with the least exposure to trichloramines, such as catering employees or receptionists, swimming instructors were 2.4 times as likely to suffer frequently from sinusitis or sore throat, and faced a 3.4-fold greater risk of chronic cold, the researchers found. Employees with high levels of exposure were at greater risk of a number of other respiratory symptoms compared to the general Dutch population, ranging from a 40 percent increased risk for tightness of the chest to a more than sevenfold greater likelihood of suffering breathlessness while walking with a person of the same age. People who reported excessive humidity or inadequate ventilation at work were also more likely to report breathing problems. Trichloramine exposure is the most likely explanation for the breathing problems identified in the study, given that levels poolside can be three times higher than the established comfort level, the researchers write. The chemicals could boost a person’s risk of asthma, allergies and other breathing problems, they suggest, by making the airways more permeable, Health and safety regulations for chlorinated pools address water quality, but not air quality, Jacobs and colleagues point out. One possible way to reduce levels of trichloramines might be to improve hygiene among pool users, they add, although enforcing compliance could be difficult.

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-06-01 09:43:00

My son and daughter are avid swimmers and would like to be lifeguards at our local swim club. I respect and support their decision but apprehensive about long-term exposure to the air around the swimming pool.

Answer: If you are in a pool chemical storage area, you would notice the extensive rust and corrosion on metallic objects. This is primarily due to the various chemical vapors found in the pool chemical room. Now imagine exposing your body to a similar environment over several years (swimming). The air around chlorinated swimming pools harbors toxic vapors that can be detrimental to one’s health. Chlorine reacts with substances such as urine and sweat to create dangerous by products. One of the most prevalent chlorine by products in swimming pools is chloroform; a classified carcinogen. This means that you have a greater risk of cancer due to regular exposure to chloroform! Trichloramines is another important group of chlorine by products known to irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. To study long-term exposure among pool workers, a group of researchers measured trichloramine levels in several pools. Swimming instructors, coaches, lifeguards and other people who spend a lot of time near chlorinated pools face an increased risk of breathing problems. Compared to workers with less exposure to Trichloramines, swimming instructors were 2.4 times as likely to suffer frequently from sinusitis or sore throat, and faced a 3.4-fold greater risk of chronic cold, the researchers found. The chemical vapors in the air around chlorinated pools could boost a person’s risk of asthma, allergies and other breathing problems by making the lungs and airways more susceptible to irritants. A Swedish study found marked decrease in Clara cells that protect the lungs among children who regularly swim in chlorinated pools. This study can also be correlated to the increase of asthma in children. According to Aquatics International Magazine, “New studies are making the links to asthma and other respiratory illnesses hard to deny. The connection between aquatic environments and respiratory illness could saddle indoor (swimming pool) facilities with an unhealthy reputation.” If you work around swimming pools, it is paramount that you are aware of the potential health hazards that come with the job. Communicate your fears and concerns about your health and safety to the management and demand a healthier work environment.

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Pool & patio

Fredrick Ongeche

2007-05-01 13:27:00

We had our pool installed last year. Right from the beginning, my family started complaining about red burning eyes, dry itchy skin, and nasal and throat irritations. Even after ‘balancing my pool water’ and following the installer’s recommendations to the letter, we still experienced these problems. What is your advice?

Answer: First, let us examine the causes and then tackle the solution to your problem. Two of the most common causes for red burning eyes, dry itchy skin, nasal and throat irritations due to swimming are, 1) Low or high pH and 2) Chemical build up. 1. Low or High pH. Without being technical, pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. With seven being neutral, your pool water is acidic if the pH is below seven and basic if pH is above seven. Your body (skin and eyes) are more comfortable in water with a pH range of 6.8-7.8. Therefore, waters with pH out of this range irritate the body by robbing natural moisturizers from your skin and eyes. Major causes of low pH are pool chemicals such as Muriatic acid, pH down, chlorine tablets and may be your water source. Common causes of high pH are pool chemicals such as chlorine shock, pH up, alkalinity increaser, your water source, dirt and algae. 2. Chemical build up in your water. Chemically treated pools are notorious for various irritations. This is because chemicals not only accumulate in the water but also react to form byproducts that are more toxic and irritating. Chlorine in particular reacts with organic material such as sweat, algae, blood, urine and other chemicals to form combined chlorine, chloroform, TriHaloMethanes (THMs) among other chemical byproducts. The EPA and other credible institutions have linked chlorine byproducts in water to several cancers, lung damage, birth defects, preterm abortion, dry skin, asthma and low birth weight. Chloroform a common chlorine byproduct found in air around the pool is a classified carcinogen (known to cause cancer). The occurrence of such toxic chlorine byproducts in water is one reason why the EPA strictly regulates municipal drinking water. Unfortunately, no such regulation occurs in swimming pools. Solution: In water treatment and in particular swimming pool disinfection, there is no magic bullet. The solution mostly involves two or more strategies. 1. Adjusting pH Fixing pH can be simple but tricky at times. Here is a secret; pH has a big brother called Total alkalinity (TA)! If you keep big brother total alkalinity in line then it is much easier to deal with little brother pH! Total alkalinity has great influence on pH, high TA usually causes high pH and low TA causes low pH. Adjust TA upwards using total alkalinity increaser or downwards using specific doses of acid spread over several days. Once the TA is within range 80-160ppm, adjust your pool water pH using pH up or down. 2. Reducing Chemical Build up. There are two ways to reduce chemical build up in your pool A) partially draining and refilling your pool and B) eliminating or reducing chemical use. Partially drain and refill your pool. Partially draining and refilling is like giving your pool a blood transfusion. Fresh water injects new life in your pool. If you are using well water to refill the pool, make sure that metals such as iron are not present or are stable. However, just like blood transfusion it is time consuming, expensive and infrequent. Eliminate or reduce the use of chemicals. The most desirable and cost effective means to solve discomforts in swimming pool water is by eliminating or significantly reducing chemical use. There are several alternatives to pool chemicals such as Copper Silver Ionization, Ozone generators and Ultraviolet Light systems. Apart from improving bather comfort, installing an alternative has the following advantages. 1. Saves money: by eliminating or reducing chlorine use by up to 95%. 2. Healthier Water: due to reduced formation of toxic byproducts such as chloroform, THMs and combined chlorine. 3. Better Disinfection: Alternatives are more powerful and destroy even chlorine resistant germs such as Legionella bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidium. 4. Easy Operation: Alternatives are automatic and sanitize water 24/7 eliminating the need to handle, mix and add large quantities of chemicals. 5. Improved Safety: transporting, handling and storing chemicals on your property increases the risks of chemical spills, fires, exposure and poisoning. 6. Environment friendly: Pool chemicals contribute to environmental degradation. Alternatives have little or no impact on the environment. 7. Easy Maintenance: pool chemicals corrode and degrade pool surfaces, pumps, filter, toys and games, thus increasing the cost of ownership. Alternatives prolong the life of pool equipment ensuring maximum return on investment. The above will help take care of most of your problems and increase your swimming experience. When considering an alternative to chemical disinfection always put your health and safety first. After all why build a pool then turn it in to a chemical dump?