Think of your children swimming at a community pool- whether it be a neighborhood pool, an apartment complex, or a pool at a fitness facility. What dangers do you see or think of? When most people consider swimming pool safety, the first thing that comes to mind is a lifeguard. However, the actual water chemistry of a public swimming pool can also cause harm to people. The balance of the water chemistry needs to be maintained in order to keep a swimming pool clear and bacteria free.

Proper cleaning and a procedures need to be in place to ensure that the water is healthy enough for swimmers of all ages. There is a potential health risk in swimming in a community pool that is not properly cleaned and sanitized. If a pool is oversanitized you run the risk of red, dry, itchy skin and burning eyes.

This is why it is important that community pools use a reputable Pool Service Company. Potential dangers lurk when managers of these commercial pools take on the task of managing the water chemistry themselves or passing the task on to a maintenance worker that is not experienced in water chemistry. Often times, these pools go unchecked by County officials and there is risk involved when proper sanitization is not in place. When looking for a pool service company, here are some pointers:

Check references: Ask for references and make sure you contact them. You want to be sure the Service company is used to servicing Community Swimming Pools.

Check for Certification: Ask the pool service company if they are a “Certified Pool Operator”. Most County Health departments require that the person handling the maintenance be a certified pool operator. You can check your Counties regulations with your local Environmental Health Department.

Length of time in business: Check to see how long the pool service company has been in business. You don’t want an unreliable or inexperienced pool service company.

Reputable Pool Service companies have the experience and knowledge to know what it takes to keep a community pool clean, clear, and bacteria free. If you are a member of a community pool and you or your family swim in that pool, I would ask if they have a swimming pool service company that maintains the water quality. This will help keep you and your family safe from bacteria that can lurk in the water of some Community Swimming Pools.