Protect Yourself at Boise Public Swimming Pools
Now that the warmer weather is upon us I have found myself already taking the munchkin to the swimming pool down the street. Occasionally I find something that is alarming and makes me think about recreational water illnesses. It is difficult to protect your children from everything, especially with facilities that get a lot of traffic.
According to the CDC there are some simple ways to protect you and your children from recreational water illnesses that can be found in municipal or public pools.
For starters, look at the pool and surroundings. Look for clean and clear pool water, you should be able to see any painted stripes and the bottom of the pool. Feel the sides of the pool, the tiles should be smooth, not sticky or slippery. Does the pool have an odor? A well-chlorinated pool has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem. Take a walk around the pool and see if the equipment is working. Pool pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.
Practice healthy swimming habits. Don’t swim if you or your child has diarrhea. Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth. Shower before swimming and wash hands after using the rest room or changing a diaper. For people with small children, change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area.
