Swimming Pool / Chemical Safety
Swimming Pool Safety
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Swimming pools were designed for good times but they
require good sense and good safety to keep the times good. Establish
sensible safety rules at the beginning. Here are safety tips for around
your pool:
Constantly
supervise children.
Decks should
be kept clean and clear of debris.
Keep
lifesaving equipment next to the pool. These items should remain
stationary and not be misplaced.
Decks should
have a non-slip surface.
All cups
glasses and dishes should be non-breakable.
Never swim
alone.
It is best
not to swim immediately after eating a heavy meal.
If the
supervisor is uncomfortable with someone's swimming abilities, make sure
they stay in shallow water and watch them closely.
Use caution
with inflatable toys and mattresses -- they deflate.
Absolutely no
horseplay or rough housing.
Go down a
slide feet-first only.
Only one
person on the diving board at a time.
Don't allow
swimrning under the diving board while in use.
Make sure all
electrical appliances and devices are protected by a ground fault circuit
interruptor (GFCI). Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and
electrical shock or electrocution can occur in a pool if live electrical
current flowing through appliances and devices comes into contact with the
water.
Whenever
practical, anyone that uses your pool should shower with soap and water
before use. Perspiration and lotions will reduce the effectiveness of the
pool disinfectant and lessen the ability of the filter to work
efficiently.
If you use
your pool at night, provide adequate lighting in and around the pool so
that the pool bottom is clearly visible.
Stay out of
the water during lightning or rainstorms.
Pool Chemical Safety
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Chemicals needed for clean, sanitized water are
potentially harmful when stored or used improperly. Follow these simple
rules for use, storage and handling swimming pool chemicals:
Keep all
chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
Chemical
agents for test kits should be replaced each year.
Keep the
original lids on all chemical containers and make sure the lids are closed
lightly when not in use.
Do not stack
different chemicals on top of one another.
Store
chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area preferably off the floor.
Do not store
your pool chemicals where other flammable items may mix with them.
>Before
using chemicals, carefully read the label and follow manufacturers'
instructions.
Always add
chemicals to water -- never add water to chemicals.
Never add
chemicals to the pool water while swimmers are using the pool.
Test the
water in your pool with a reliable test kit regularly. As a rule, the more
people who use your pool, the more frequently you should test the water.
Never reuse
old chemical containers.
Handle all
chemicals, both liquid and dry, carefully.
Never mix
chemicals together. Explosions or fire can occur.
Do not inhale
dust or fumes of chemicals.
Do not smoke
when using chemicals.
Wash your
hands throughly after using chemicals.
Do not allow
chemicals to contact your eyes, nose or mouth. (In case of contact or if a
chemical product is swallowed, follow the manufacturer's label or advice.
Call your doctor or your local poison control