Hazards of Swimming Pools

Spending time in the pool can be a fun and relaxing way to fill your free time. Pools are often found on cruise ships, in hotels, in residential backyards and in gyms and play an integral role in the leisure activities of many people. However, swimming pools need to be properly maintained and used safely to avoid harm to you and your family.

Chemical Hazards

• The chemicals used to maintain and purify pools can be hazardous to humans at high levels. Chlorine is a common cleaning agent for pools and can cause irritation to the skin and trigger asthmatic reactions. Chemicals such as chlorine also destroy the body's naturally occurring positive bacteria if ingested. This may lead to digestive difficulties and decrease immunity to diseases. To avoid these hazards, chemical agents should be used at appropriate levels and not overused to cover up for an unclean pool. Instructions should be strictly followed when applying chemicals and they should be safely stored away from children when not in use.

Electricity Hazards

• Water is an effective conductor of electricity, making swimming pools highly dangerous if located near to electrical equipment. Devices such as radios, barbecue grills, lawnmowers and electrical pruners should be kept well clear of the swimming pool. You should use ground circuit fault interrupter sources in areas close to the pool, as stated on the Swim University website. These protect against the risk of electric shock by disrupting the currents of hot and neutral wires as required. You should also avoid using a swimming pool during heavy storms, in case lightning strikes the pool.

Death and Injury Hazards

• Death by drowning is the biggest danger of swimming pools and can occur unexpectedly if a person becomes unconscious due to a head injury. Even if drowning does not occur, the effect of water entering the brain and body in huge amounts can result in permanent brain damage and physical disabilities.

  The risk of drowning can be reduced by erecting pool safety fences around the perimeter of a pool, as stated on the Stork Net parenting website. Children who play around a pool should be supervised at all times, and life-saving equipment should be stored close by for emergency situations. Injuries can also be caused by leaving pool decks slippery and by using diving boards to dive into pools with insufficient water depth.

Disease Hazards

• Swimming pools are breeding grounds for many types of bacteria. This is a particular problem in public swimming pools where many different people enter the water, helping harmful bacteria to spread. You can reduce the risk of contracting disease by making sure the pool water is regularly cleaned and treated. If you are ill or have unhealed wounds, avoid using public pools, as this may cause your infection to spread. You should also ensure that you clean yourself thoroughly when you have finished in the swimming pool. Swallowing pool water should also be avoided.