Results for "swimming pool illness"

Water Chemistry Medium 45 minutes 249 👍 0

Can Pool Chlorine Make You Sick? Health Effects Explained

Opened my pool this season after adjusting pH levels, switching chlorine brands, and getting professional water testing — but my family still gets red eyes and skin irritation after swimming. We've been experiencing eye irritation and some skin redness after swimming, but I'm also worried about not having enough chlorine to kill bacteria and other nasties.

My latest test results show chlorine at around 5-6 ppm, and my CYA is sitting at about 50 ppm. I've been using liquid chlorine and shocking weekly with calcium hypochlorite. Sometimes the chlorine drops really low between treatments, maybe down to 0.5-1 ppm, especially after heavy use or rain.

What's the sweet spot for chlorine levels to avoid both chemical irritation and harmful bacteria? I want to keep everyone healthy but not sure if I should be targeting higher or lower numbers based on my current CYA level.…more

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Salt Water Easy 30 minutes 290 👍 0

Can Salt Water Pools Make You Sick? Health Risks & Safety

Switched to a saltwater pool two years ago thinking it would be gentler on my family, but my daughter broke out in a rash after swimming last weekend and now I'm second-guessing everything. My neighbor swears her kids get ear infections from their salt pool too. Are saltwater pools actually safer than traditional chlorine, or have I been sold a myth?…more

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Maintenance Easy 1–2 hours (setup) + ongoing management 1,012 👍 54

Ducks in Your Pool? How to Keep Them Out for Good

Three straight days of rain last week apparently convinced a pair of mallards that my backyard pool is their new favorite pond. Every morning I come out and they're splashing around on the steps and leaving droppings all along the waterline and on the surrounding deck. It's pretty gross to deal with, and I'm starting to wonder whether the water itself is even safe to swim in after all that.

I've heard mixed things about those floating alligator decoys or the big plastic swan deterrents you can buy online — do those actually work, or do ducks wise up to them pretty quickly? I'd rather not spend money on something that only works for a week before they ignore it completely.

My bigger concern right now is honestly the water safety side of things. Is duck waste a real health hazard for swimmers, or am I overthinking it? And if I do need to treat the pool after a duck visit, what's the right way to do that? We have a 20,000-gallon in-ground with a salt chlorinator if that matters.…more

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Algae Green Pool Medium 3-7 days to clear 599 👍 0

Can I Swim in Green Pool Water? Health Risks & Safety Guide

Pulled back my pool cover this morning and my crystal-clear water had somehow transformed into what looks like green Jell-O overnight. I know it's probably algae, but I'm wondering if it's actually dangerous to swim in or just unsightly? My kids are asking when they can get back in, and I'm not sure what to tell them.

The pool store told me I need to shock it and add algaecide, but they didn't really explain the health risks. Should I be worried about infections or other problems if someone accidentally gets in before it's cleared up? I want to make sure I'm keeping my family safe while I figure out how to fix this.…more

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Water Chemistry Easy 5 minutes 505 👍 0

Can You Use Pool Chlorine in Washing Machine? Safety Guide

Despite my pool chlorine testing at 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, my laundry bleach bottle says 6% - can I actually use the stronger pool stuff in my washing machine? My understanding is that both pool chlorine and household bleach contain sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient, but I need to verify the concentration differences and potential compatibility issues.

Specifically, I'm concerned about whether the higher concentration levels in pool chemicals could cause damage to washing machine components, fabric degradation, or create hazardous chemical reactions when mixed with detergents. What are the technical considerations and safety protocols I should evaluate before attempting this substitution?…more

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Algae Green Pool Easy immediate recognition 489 👍 0

Can Green Pool Water Make You Sick? Health Risks Explained

Nobody believed me when I said our pool looked dangerous until my husband walked outside and said it resembles a literal swamp. I know it looks gross but is green water actually dangerous or just unsightly?

What kind of health problems can you get from swimming in algae water? Should I keep everyone out until it's crystal clear again?…more

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Pump Problems Easy 30 minutes 416 👍 1

Do I Need a Pool Pump? Essential Pool Circulation Guide

I am setting up my pool and the pump seems expensive, so I am wondering whether I actually need it or if I can skip it or use something cheaper. Can a pool function without a pump at all? And what exactly does the pump do that I could not just handle manually with skimming and adding chemicals?…more

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Water Chemistry Medium 45 minutes 407 👍 0

Can Pool Chemicals Make You Sick? Health Risks & Prevention

During every swim session, there's an overwhelming chemical burn in my nostrils and my kids emerge with angry red skin while my youngest develops this persistent cough. I've been adding chlorine and other chemicals trying to keep the water clean, but now I'm wondering if I'm creating a different problem altogether.

What kinds of health issues can pool chemicals actually cause? I handle the chemicals myself when balancing the water, and sometimes I notice my eyes watering or feeling irritated afterward. Are there specific symptoms I should watch out for that mean the chemical levels are off? I want to keep the pool safe and clean, but not at the expense of making everyone sick.…more

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Maintenance Easy varies 308 👍 1

Do You Need a License to Clean Pools? Requirements by State

Somewhere in the paperwork mess the previous owner left behind, I discovered they were running an unlicensed pool cleaning business right out of this house. But I'm completely lost on the legal side of things and don't want to get shut down before I even start.

Do I need some kind of special license just to clean pools? What about when I'm adding chemicals or fixing pumps and filters? I've heard different things from different people and I'm getting conflicting information about business permits too. Really hoping someone can break down what's actually required because I'm ready to make this career change happen!…more

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Filters Medium 24-48 hours monitoring 306 👍 0

Can You Use a Pool Without a Filter? Risks & Alternatives

Power went out for three days after the storm and my pool filter has been completely off. Water still looks okay surprisingly but my neighbor says it'll turn green any minute without filtration. Can you actually maintain a pool without running the filter, even temporarily?…more

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Maintenance Medium 15-20 minutes to read, 30-60 minutes to complete weekly tasks 294 👍 1

Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist: Complete Guide

Weekly pool maintenance involves testing and balancing water chemistry (pH 7.4-7.6, proper chlorine levels), cleaning skimmers and equipment, brushing walls, and vacuuming debris. Consistent weekly care prevents expensive repairs and keeps your pool safe for swimming year-round.…more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best Salt Chlorine Generators

4.3 (6,200 reviews)

Heaters Easy 10 minute read 49 👍 2

What's the Ideal Pool Temperature? Comfort, Science & Cost

Every summer it's the same argument. The kids climb out shivering and beg me to crank the heater, but I'm staring at the energy bill thinking about how short our Minnesota season is anyway. Is there an actual *right* temperature for a pool, or is it just personal preference? I keep hearing different numbers — Disney pools, the Olympics, swim lessons — and they're all over the place. What does the science actually say, and where's the sweet spot between happy kids and a heating bill I can live with?…more

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