Chlorine check: The dangers of very high levels in swimming pools

 
Image Source: catherinegarceau.com


In 2010, Canadian Olympic athlete Catherine Garceau rang the alarm bells for very high levels of chlorine in Olympic training pools. She enumerated the symptoms that came in the aftermath of her bronze medal run as part of her country’s synchronized swim team in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.


Reportedly, Garceau had acquired complications in her digestive system, chronic bronchitis, and frequent migraines. These she and her doctors attributed to training in pools with very high levels of chlorine.



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While Garceau’s time spent submerged in swimming pools as an athlete is infinitely greater than that of leisure swimmers, her physiological complications still challenge the long-running pool maintenance practice of using chlorine as a bacteria-killing agent. In pool hygiene terms, chlorine is by far the viable option other than the deep blue sea. The question remains whether the chemical is intrinsically harmful or pool maintenance practices are simply overdoing it.


Garceau’s own investigation clears chlorine enough of total culpability. Her research led her to a string of other agents that could interact with chlorine to produce nefarious health issues. Some of these are taken-for-granted substances like sunscreen, sweat, urine, and other dermal agents. In better days, these are the ignored killjoys of a pleasant dip.



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In-depth studies of chlorine application and diseases associated with it, however, also single out chlorine derivatives that increase health risks. Their effects are further aggravated by their application in indoor swimming pools, where they may be interiorly trapped. These fumes could also be inhaled by pool visitors.


These studies belie the need for disinfected pools. To date, substitutes for chlorine have not been discovered, so the best compromise for leisure swimmers is temperance. As for athletes…perhaps the deep blue sea?


There may be other ways to temper chlorine dependency. Pool builders such as Blue World Pools could also prioritize designs on outdoor pools. The mechanics of installing and maintaining pools are still best left to experts. To scout swimming pool trends, visit this website.

A pool for all seasons: Some pool care tips for every season

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Swimming pools have become a fixture in more houses nowadays. Prized for the fun they offer come swimming season, their owners take liberties to keep them properly maintained and in top condition. Though the regular changing of seasons can add to the challenge, maintaining swimming pools is manageable if you know where to focus on during any given season.


Spring
Spring is that time of the year when life begins anew after the emptiness of winter. Plants and fungi begin to propagate again, spreading spores into the air that may be brought by the rain to your newly opened swimming pool. Experts blame this for pool algae that may cause a variety of problems, from murkier water and slippery stairs to bacterial growth. Experts suggest using algaecide and a large dose of chlorine to treat the water of algae.

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Summer
The heat of summer encourages algal and bacterial growth. You should vacuum the pool thoroughly and use a chlorine shock weekly. These will help inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria on the water. You should also maintain the water’s acidity, and ensure that it is between ph 7.2 and 7.6 ideally.


Fall
Fall is known for one particular feature—falling leaves. This increases the need for pool maintenance. Make sure to remove leaves regularly. In autumn, you should begin your preparations for closing the pool for winter. You can do this by vacuuming and scrubbing the walls thoroughly. Raise the chlorine level to slow down the growth of algae and bacteria.

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Winter
Remove all external hoses, pumps, and filters in preparation for winter. Put on your pool’s winter cover. Your winter cover must be winterized according to the demands posed by your region, especially if your locale is known for very low temperatures.


Various types of swimming pools, such as Barrier Reef Pools’ fiberglass pools, and Blue World Pools’ above-ground pools, have specific maintenance requirements. Knowing where to focus simplifies the job, and allows you to prevent possible complications of a poorly managed pool.  


For more information, visit this website.