More Public Swimming Pools Are a Cause for Concern This Summer
UPDATED 12/23/20
It gets hot in the summer in New York City and many families go to public pools to cool off, but did you know that many public pools are too contaminated to pass inspection yet remain open? If this makes you feel a little icky, it should. Public pools can be a cesspool of bacteria and other things lurking around to harm you and your family. That’s why it makes sense to have a private pool that you are responsible for keeping clean. That way, you always know it’s clean. Don’t want to do it yourself? Use a pool service.
To make your pool area a true oasis you’ll want to know all about pools and decks, along with amazing outdoor pool areas before you begin shopping for the best deals on inground swimming pools. Browse different websites to find custom swimming pool designs and sketch one for your backyard. Better still, call a pool services company to come out and give you a few ideas. Enjoy the hot, sweltering summer days of NYC in your own private, clean pool.
Public Swimming Pools Are a Cause for Concern
As the summer heats up, more parents have begun taking their families to public swimming pools; from New York City to Houston, the heat and humidity reached abnormally high levels in the past few weeks and made the weather stifling. But the one problem that many families have discovered is that public pools are often contaminated and fail to pass inspections for safety and sanitation.
NBC New York recently reported that “dozens of public health violations” were issued during 2013 and during 2014 for the New York City Parks and Recreation public pools. These violations ranged from lack of supervisory staff to a lack of proper filtration and disinfection equipment.
In one case, NBC reported that the Astoria Pool in Queens has had 10 health and safety violations in the past couple of years. Five of the violations were considered “critical” for various reasons, including having inadequate water test kits, lacking valid pool operator certificates, and keeping the pool open despite hazardous chlorine levels.
While residents and recent pool visitors told NBC News that the Astoria pool looked clean, one visitor stated that he “would not come again” if he knew that the pool was violating so many health and safety codes.
Unfortunately, this problem isn’t limited to New York City.
Click Orlando recently reported that the Florida Department of Health found multiple violations of pool regulations in Orange County public schools. In fact, only 62% of the inspections over the past year received a rating of “satisfactory,” according to the news outlet.
And in Texas, the situation is just as bleak. KVUE News reported that inspectors closed down about 2,000 public pools in the city of Austin over the past 3.5 years because of safety violations. During 2014, 162 pools were closed; so far, this year there have been 46 pools shut down. The inspections include pools run by the city and located in hotels, apartment complexes, or public activity areas.
Of the complaints, it appears that the most common violations are related to chlorination levels of the pool water and adequate lifesaving equipment in the pool area. While there are many chemicals that can be just as effective as chlorine, such as Ozone, which is up to 3,000 times more effective than regular chlorine, public pools often ignore these safety precautions because — as the Astoria visitor stated — the public pools look clean.
Having your swimming pool in the right condition is essential. By doing this, you enjoy the best out of your swimming pool. The best swimming pool cleaning services providers possess the right equipment. The best pool cleaning service entails having a brush for cleaning the pool and a mop and bucket. You must do a daily pool service if possible. How much do I need to clean my pool? Don’t worry about this too much. You can quickly scroll through the online platforms and search for providers with affordable swimming pool services. The providers should have a list of positive feedback from their clients. Positive feedback is a clear indication that the pool care services offered are satisfactory.
Why is daily pool service important?
A swimming pool needs attention. It demands a variety of maintenance services. Did you know that daily pool care helps you maintain a good condition for your pool? Why do I need to clean my pool daily? The main reason why daily pool service is vital is that the pool’s water chemistry needs to be correctly balanced. Without the water chemistry balance, various issues can occur, including the damage of equipment in the pool. Poor maintenance of the pool may irritate the skin and eyes while engaging in swimming.