Risks of Swimming in Natural Waters

Swimming is a great way to stay fit, as it can alleviate stress and enhance the production of endorphins, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Furthermore, swimming is an effective way to burn calories and work out muscles. Although swimming in a pool can be a hygienic experience, the same cannot be said for outdoor swimming. Continue reading to discover some of the dangers linked with open-water swimming.

Bacteria and Viruses
Open-water swimming is associated with many illnesses due to contamination. Bacteria or viruses can enter a human’s body through the eyes, mouth, or a cut on the skin. Viruses such as E. coli and Norovirus can lurk in natural waters, and rivers or canals might contain leptospira, which causes leptospirosis. If left untreated, leptospirosis can cause liver and kidney damage or eventually be fatal. Flu-like or jaundice symptoms can materialize up to two weeks after swimming in open water. Seawater is known to cause ear, nose, or throat infections and gastrointestinal upset. 

Chemicals
While swimming pools are extremely regulated, natural waters are not. Toxins from nearby farms or industrial areas can contaminate water, and many animals defecate in water. In specific situations, human sewage can be legally dumped into the water through pipes. There might not be signs warning of the potential dangers, but toxic agents can still be lurking in the water. When in doubt, choose to stay on land. 

Algae
Blue-green algae can be found in lakes, especially in warm summers. Once the algae start to multiply, a powdery green scum (bloom) forms on the lake’s surface. The scum is known to release toxins that are dangerous to humans and can be lethal to pets. Swimming in algal blooms can result in skin rashes, eye infections, acute gastrointestinal disruption, fever, muscle, and joint pain. 

Nearly all open-water swimming comes with risks, and swimmers should exercise caution when swimming in natural waterways. Always wash your hands before eating food after swimming in natural water, at minimum, and rinse off your entire body if possible. Open-water swimming in lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and oceans can pose some risks beyond the hidden aspects of bacteria, bugs, parasites, algae, etc. Tides, currents, swells, and waves can be dangerous aspects of swimming in outdoor areas as well. 

Swimming pools are not perfect ecosystems; however, they properly disinfect the water with chlorine and maintain the correct pH to ensure it is safe. Injuries are less likely in pools, as lifeguards and safety equipment are virtually within reach. 

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com

Minimizing Frozen Pool Damage

Pools are not meant to freeze; if they do, substantial damage can result. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on various pool components such as pipes, filters, tubes, and pumps. These delicate aspects of a pool are not made to withstand heavy pressure, so they will inevitably crack or break. Repairing broken pool parts can be costly, depending on the damage. 

When a pool freezes, the pipes that transfer water to and from the pump and filter system are especially vulnerable since they can crack or burst under pressure due to ice. Another issue when frost or a heavy freeze hits a pool is that the filter system can become clogged and damaged. 

Moreover, the pool pump can get ruined in freezing temperatures. The pump is what circulates water throughout the pool. If the pump gets damaged, the pool will not adequately circulate, causing blockages. 

Lastly, freezing temperatures can be responsible for ripping, cracking, or rupturing the pool liner. This is a particularly expensive aspect of the pool, as it is a crucial component that holds the water in place. 

Power outages can also be detrimental to a pool during a freeze. If pool owners are unable to utilize electricity to keep their pools running/warm, severe freeze damage can result. 

To reduce the risk of freeze damage to pool equipment, take notice of the following: 

Run the Pump
Ensure all pumps are running while temperatures drop below freezing. If a controller is equipped, it should automatically take over, turn on the pumps, and rotate between pool/spa mode. If there is no controller on your pool, you will need to shift through this process on your own manually.  

No Power
If you lose power to the pool and temperatures are below freezing: 

• Turn off all pool equipment breakers 
• Open the filter air relief, removing the drain plug
• Open and drain the inline chlorinator
• Turn off auto-fill, making sure the feed line is wrapped 
• Open the salt cell and remove water inside the pipe
• Remove check valve lids
• Unplug and remove salt chlorine generator cells

Always call your local pool professional for assistance if needed. To avoid damaging the equipment or pool itself, it is imperative to meticulously handle a pool freeze situation.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Achieving Your Backyard Vision

The pool industry is forever evolving, so why isn’t your dated pool? Many homeowners are adding or removing pools, but a large number of pool owners simply want a pool “facelift.” Often, homeowners who remove pools do not wish to remove them completely; rather, they need to do a remodel for one reason or another.

A growing number of pools are removed for a remodel and added again with a new tile design, layout, shape, etc. Along with the pool renovation usually comes a backyard redesign. If a pool is shining from a fresh, new look, the rest of the backyard shouldn’t be dull and dreary. 

If you are thinking about adding a gas fire pit next to your pool, a state-of-the-art BBQ station, TV, etc., the ideal time to do that is while your pool is being redesigned. 

Creating an inviting and modern space is possible with the right vision. Pools are timeless, and while most tile can stand up to the test of time, it isn’t always aesthetically pleasing when it comes to modern changes and updates throughout the backyard/home. 

Many swimming pools built in the 1960s and ‘70s were based on templates. In the 1980s, custom pool design became more popular. What was once constricted by templates was now open to possibilities, and freedom of expression really blossomed during this time. 

Now, many older pools that are cracking or leaking need repair, and the more recent pools might be fine physically but are not aesthetically pleasing as they once used to be. 

Re-plastering, tiling, coping, or caulking pools can create an astounding result, but why stop there? Examine your backyard and hire a landscape designer to help make your vision real. Find like-minded professionals with the aptitude for building precisely what you are looking for.

If you are looking for a pool redesign, look no further than Pound Pool Plastering. We have the professional wherewithal to transform your dreary pool into a sparkling vessel. 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/