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Hidden Danger Of Pools

by | Jan 22, 2018 | Pool Maintenance

Ideally, your backyard pool should be a safe place for friends and family to enjoy. You don’t always have to go swimming. Sometimes, even just laying by the pool or floating on the surface on top of an inflatable lounge chair. Keep in mind, when you take on the responsibility of pool ownership, it’s more than a waterhole in your backyard. If you’re not careful, it can become a money pit. If you’re really not careful, it can be a grave. And that’s the last thing we ever want. Drowning is just one hidden danger among many that we will cover in this week’s blog.

Danger: Drowning

Because this can be an intense blog, we’ll start our readers off gently. Drowning is an everpresent danger ranging from pools of any depth to bathtubs with an inch of water. If you didn’t know you can drown in an inch of water, you do now. This is why infants need to be constantly watched while in the tub or baby pool. It’s nothing new to swimmers, which is why we’re starting off with drowning. Always have someone on hand to watch infants, children, and any other risks. Pool fun is often associated with alcohol to break the heat. Intoxicated adults can pose a risk of drowning simply by not being of sound mind. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as dry drowning. It’s a rather extreme condition that is more prone to occur in children. Dry drowning occurs when someone is out of the water. “Water has entered their lungs, and prevents oxygen from moving to the bloodstream as it should, they may experience trouble breathing, vomiting or bubbling at the mouth.” — Source: Royal Swimming PoolsJust know, a few swallows of water would not be enough to cause this condition—water doesn’t enter lungs during swallowing. However, we all have had things go down the wrong pipe.

Danger: Entrapment

This is a big one because we don’t believe it is commonly discussed as often as drowning. Incidentally, entrapment can result in drowning. Entrapment occurs more in pools with only one drain. What happens is a swimmer gets too close to the single drain and is sucked into the drain holes and held down by the vacuum. Being held down underwater is drowning, yet its caused by the very strong vacuum. The best way to prevent this catastrophe is to install a second drain if it’s not already part of your pool. Deaths associated with entrapment are more likely to occur at public pools that are not up to code. The best advice we can give is to steer clear of the drains at public pools.

Danger: Infection

Infections can occur from pools not being properly maintained with the right chemicals. Recreational waterborne illnesses (RWIs) and bacteria are very real things even though you can’t see them. They can spread quickly from debris, human cells, oils, dirt, urine, you name it. A clear indicator of risk can be found from chloramines. Now to recap, chloramines are compounds created by the combination of chlorine, pool chemicals and bodily oils, dirt, and other things.

Danger: Exhaustion

In certain areas of the country, heat exhaustion is more prevalent than others. Dry heat will sneak up on you quickly so be sure to stay hydrated if you’re swimming outside in prime time. Even while being in the water, you may not think of it until it’s too late. Heat exhaustion can easily lead to drowning. The first symptoms you will likely experience are dizziness and fatigue. If you feel dizzy or tired, get out of the water immediately and seek shelter. Tell someone else what’s going on to monitor you in case you pass out. Be sure to drink water immediately and sit in the shade with supervision. Erik’s Aquatic Care is always here to answer questions you may have as a current or future pool owner. Cheers!

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