5 Precautions to Observe at the Swimming Pool
11 ม.ค. 2022
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A swimming pool contributes to the beautification of a residential community, and is acommon space that is frequently utilised by people who live there. It is, therefore, essential to observe the usage regulations when sharing the pool, for the sake of hygiene and safety.
Even more caution needs to be exercised when using the pool during the COVID-19 situation. Many people likely wonder whether it is practical to use the swimming pool during such a time. Is it safe enough to take a dip in the pool?
According to suggestions about the swimming pool and COVID-19, posted onto Facebook by Assoc. Prof. Thira Woratanarat MD, the swimming pool can be a source of transmission of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other germs. Because the space is shared by many people, transmission could occur from close contact, touching, exposure to saliva and secretions while talking, and accidental ingestion of water in a contaminated pool. Chlorine is unable to kill every type of germs.
Swimming pools that remain open during the COVID-19 period require stringent upkeep adhering to hygiene standards. Negligence or lax practices could result in disease transmissions among visitors that are difficult to trace. Swimming pool operators must deliver their service with awareness and caution.
Pool visitors themselves should make sure to prepare and inspect their own conditions before entering the pool. If you want to take a dip, make certain that you are in good health and are confident about neither being a source of transmission nor being susceptible to unnecessary infections.
Plus Property, in its capacity as the administrator for common spaces at condominiums and the clubhouses at other residential communities, place great importance in maintaining cleanliness. To promote safety, the swimming pool must now be utilised systematically and with a limit on the number of users at a given time. Usage time per visit is limited, and residents who want to use the pool must register every time.
Let’s now familiarise ourselves with the types of pools that we might be swim in.
The types of swimming pools
There are two kinds of swimming pools – Chlorine pools and saltwater pools.
1. Chlorine pools are the kind that we typically see. The chlorine in the pool destroys the cell walls of microorganisms and kills them. Chlorine in the pool will break down more rapidly if the pool is exposed to sunlight, and this is why chlorine application generally takes place at nighttime. The appropriate range for the pH level in a pool should be 7.1-7.6 ppm. It should be noted that a chlorine pool often causes irritation to the body and may be harmful to those who are sensitive to chlorine.
2. A Saltwater pool circulates dissolved salt through a chlorine generator to produce the sanitising agent that kills pathogens. This type of pool offers a more natural feel than chlorine pools. The salinity is kept at 0.3% in order to avoid irritation to the eyes as is the case with seawater. A saltwater pool requires regular testing in order to prevent diseases, and substandard maintenance may still result in irritation to the body of swimmers.
5 Correct ways to use the pool that a bather should adhere to at every visit
1. Perform a self-inspection to gauge whether you are physically ready and free from fever, coughs and sneezes. Reflect on whether you have engaged in an activity that put you at risk of contracting disease. Doing so helps keep you and other people safe.
2. Put on a proper swimwear. Why put one on? A bathing suit might seem superficial, but wearing other types of garments could result in blockage of the water circulation system by fibres from clothes. Chlorinated pool water can cause fading of colours in normal clothes, while some clothes may increase the risk of accidents in the pool.
3. Rinse your body before entering the pool. Why rinse before entering? The answer to this frequently asked question is to rinse away dirt and grime from the body before using the pool. Dust and cream will be rinsed off so they do not cause irritation to other pool users. After rinsing with clean water prior to entering the pool, your hair and skin will also be less irritated by the chlorinated water.
4. Refrain from using the pool when it is raining. Why is it advisable to avoid being in the pool during a period of rain? This does not apply to indoor pools where bathers may remain inside regardless of whether it is raining. But for outdoor pools, airborne dust will be washed down into the pool during the first 15 minutes of raining. This means a large amount of germs will enter the swimming pool during this time. Concurrently, the temperature of pool water will drop and this increases the risk for muscle cramps. Being outdoors during thunderstorms will also put a person at risk of lightning strikes.
5. Precautions to observe when using the pool.
Before entering and during usage:
- Refrain from entering the pool if you are sick or have diarrhea, to avoid spreading
Refrain from blowing your nose, spitting or urinating into the pool. These are not accepted behaviors and will spread germs and filth.
Do not run in the vicinity of the pool – accidents may occur.
After pool use:
- Wipe your body dry before moving into the dry zone, to avoid wetting the floor and causing accidents.
Rinse your body immediately after getting out of the pool to wash away the chlorine. It is advisable to thoroughly shower and wash your hair.
After rinsing, quickly wipe your body dry and cover yourself with a towel in order to avoid becoming afflicted with fever or other illnesses after spending a long time in the pool.
***As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, swimming pool users are required to wear a facemask before and after using the pool. Bathers are also encourage to limit their time in the pool.***
Plus Property employs the following 4 steps in its daily care of swimming pools:
- Clean the pool and its surrounding by removing leaves and debris.
Vacuum sediment and other deposits on the pool floor to prevent harm to pool users.
Clean the overflow drain and its surrounding area to prevent drain blockage.
Inspect the water quality and take pH readings. The appropriate pH level for a swimming pool should be between 7.1-7.6 ppm.
Now that we have read through and learned a little bit about the swimming pool, let’s observe the recommended practices above so we can extend the longevity of the common pool and promote good hygiene in the common area. Plus Property is mindful of the cleanliness at the common area’s swimming pool and makes effort to regularly inspect the pool’s water quality. We hope to prolong the service life of the swimming pool and allow all residents to enjoy good hygiene when at the pool.
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