Kids Pool Problems

	Pool safety is serious business, for kids and pets too!  Proper water chemistry helps prevent common infections, such as swimmer's ear and pink eye.  A pool alarm help warn you that someone has entered to pool.  Click any image for Complete, Product and Ordering Information.

How to help make your pool kid friendlier? Kids are the reason most pools are purchased and making the experience as enjoyable as possible is the goal of good water management. Kids tend to spend a lot of time in the water and, ultimately, depend on the adults for the important matters of pool safety and water quality.  If problems arise, refer to the Pool Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

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► Don't "Pee" In the Pool?

A friend of mine insists that there is a product that will cause the water to turn a color, if someone urinates in the pool. None of the pool stores around here seem to have the product. What is it called and where can I get it? I need to do something about the kids and you know what. Help.

Bob O., Hicksville, NY, 7/3/2012

You wouldn't believe how often this subject comes up. But, alas, there is no such product. It is a joke, that seems to have spread itself around. However, urinating in a swimming pool is not a joke. It will very quickly deplete the Free Chlorine and produce those irritating and odorous Chloramines. That's why there is a smell. The only remedy is to shock the pool and reestablish the Free Chlorine level. Sorry about not having the solution Enjoy the summer.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/3/2012


► Safety Concerns?

We have a pool and with 3 small kids, safety is always on my mind. Are there gadgets that can ease my mind? Thank you for any help.

Cindy J., St. Petersburg Beach, FL, 1/11/2009

There sure are! You forgot to mention the kind of pool that you have: inground or above ground. But it doesn't matter. Pool Alarm Systems are available for both types of pools. I am sure that they will have something that will ease your mind. If you have an inground pool, make sure that it is equipped with the latest in compliant safety features, It can prevent serious accidents, due to the powerful suction forces holding a swimmer underwater. Enjoy the pool.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/11/2009


► Safety Concerns In Vanishing Edge Pool?

I have an in-ground overflow pool. Would an alarm work in my pool?

Kind regards,

Kevin R., Cyprus, 4/8/2009

There should be no problem using a Pool Alarm System, in an overflow or vanishing edge pool. It will provide the added safety, that you are seeking. Enjoy the pool.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/8/2009


► Kids With "Green Hair"?

My two daughters have blonde hair, the natural type, and have developed a greenish tint in their hair. We have had the pool for three years and this is the first time this has happened. What can I do to stop the problem and is there anything that can help their hair? Please help. Thank you.

Dave A., Rocky Mount, NC, 7/23/2009

Two possibilities. The chlorine is affecting the hair and/or some of the hair products, that might have been used. The other, more likely possibility is copper. You can test the water for Copper, to confirm any presence. The question is what is the source of the copper. Chelated copper algaecides are usually not the problem, especially if used as directed. If you have a heater and use chlorine or bromine, the presence of low pH conditions over prolonged periods can result in some copper corrosion in the heater. This will add copper to the water in a problematic form. In either case, here is what I suggest. Add a double dose, for each 1 PPM of copper, of a Quality Mineral Treatment, such as phosphate-free Liquid METALTRAP. This will chelate (stabilize) the copper and avoid further problems. So far as the hair is concerned, try this: shampoo in the usual manner and apply a generous amount of acidic Leading Brand Hair Conditioner and leave on for 15 minutes. These products have a very low pH and should help "pull out" the discoloration. Repeat daily, as necessary. Kids can spend a lot of time in the pool and that can make them more susceptible, to this problem, than adults. I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the summer.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/24/2009


► "Red Eyes"?

We have a small, 12 foot round pool. My two children have gotten "red eyes" a few times. What cause this? Thank you.

Rita S., Bayside, NY, 8/4/2004

Red eyes or stinging eyes can be an irritation problem, that results from high levels of chloramines: an irritating, odorous and ineffective form of combined chlorine. Make sure that you use a Free Chlorine Test Kit and that you keep the Free Chlorine level at 1-3 PPM, as much of the time as possible. Try and keep the Total Chlorine level, no more than 1-2 PPM, above the Free Chlorine. This will keep the amount of chloramines to a minimum. Small above ground pools can be quickly depleted of all of the chlorine. Inadequate sanitation can lead to infections and kids can spend a lot of time in and under the water. Because the volume of water is relatively small, in your pool, the sanitizer can be depleted very quickly.  If there are small children involved, I suggest that your test the Free Chlorine before the pool is used, at the first signs of loss of water quality and periodically throughout the day, depending upon the pool usage. The use of a non-chlorine shock, on an as-needed basis, can help to reduce the chloramines present in the water.   All medical conditions should be evaluated by a medical doctor. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/4/2004


► Toddler Safety Concerns?

We have two toddlers and are very, very concerned about pool safety, as they are wily climbers. I have read your high recommendation of the automatic pool cover as an answer to another question sent to you about a toddler. My question is, how do you think it stacks up as compared to the net cover? We are concerned about water collecting in the center of the vinyl cover. Also, do you recommend fences too? What about sensors? We are looking for as much safety as we can get, for our young kids and also for when they're older and for older kids who may try to swim in our pool when we're not home. Thanks for any advice.

Amy, 1/23/2008

A Cover Pools Automatic Pool Safety Cover provides the highest level of safety. Water will not collect on top, as the covers come with an automatic pump that prevents accumulations of water. This prevents dirty, unfiltered water from entering the pool. It is strong enough to hold the weight of several adults, quite easily. As a bonus, it acts as a solar blanket, making the pool heater more effective and less costly. If you are in an area, that requires winter covers, it can be used, as part of that procedure. Net covers provide some protection, but are not the same. It is work to put on or take off and will that always be done? The spaces between the cords allows for some things to pass through or entangle? Automatic covers open and close at a press of a button. An alarm can be added to signal the opening of the cover or it can be locked open or closed, with a key.  Fencing or gates help, but are not foolproof. However, you can add alarms to the pool or gates, for additional safety.  You should, also, make sure the pool is equipped with the latest anti-snare, anti-entanglement safety features. It precludes the suction, from the main drain, from entrapping the long hair of a swimmer or buttocks, arms, legs and other body parts. I hope that this information will provide a peace of mind solution.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/28/2008


► Vacuuming A Small Pool?

I have only of those inexpensive pools with a liner suspended from a pole. The vacuum I use is just about useless. It works with a garden hose and only seems to move the dirt around. It will catch a leaf, but not the small stuff. Is there an easy, inexpensive solution? Thank you.

Belinda T, 2/29/2008

The best vacuums are either have self contained filters or use the pool's filter. In your case, you have neither. That garden hose vacuum uses water flow to suck in debris, but it is not effective and could be a waste of water.  There is a hand-held vacuum that is battery-powered, hoseless and fully portable. It is reasonably and affordably priced and is perfect for all types of small pools, kiddie pools and even spas. It will make for a much cleaner pool. Enjoy the season.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/29/2008


► "Swimmer's Ears"?

What causes swimmer's ears? The kids have had it and so has my husband. Thanks for helping. Best regards.

Helen, M., 5/23/2008

Swimmer's ear is caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. This condition should receive the attention of a medical doctor, for proper evaluation and treatment.  There are factors that can contribute to this problem. Inadequate sanitation can play a role in bacterial growth. Water that remains in the ear, for long periods of time, can add to the likelihood of the problem, especially, if the water was not sanitized properly. The practice of shaking the water out of the ears and drying the ears, after swimming, is a good idea and is worth following. I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/21/2006
 

► Small Pool Water Maintenance?

I just bought my daughter a small pool for her to use this summer. It isn't a large one (103" x 63" x 18") however it is big enough that I don't want to have to drain it often. I was hoping that you could point me in the right direction so that I could keep it safe and clean for her. Could you please suggest a course of action that I may use and the products to make sure I don't overdo it. I truly appreciate your time and hope to hear from you soon.

Dottie, 3/21/2006

Small pools can be more challenging than larger ones. The smaller volume of water makes chemicals react with a more pronounced effect. After filling the pool, I suggest that you have the water tested. You will need to adjust the pH to 7.2-7.6 and the total alkalinity to about 100 PPM. The water analysis will show if there are metals present or if water hardness needs to be addressed. I suggest that you add sodium dichlor granular chlorine, as it will have the least effect on the pH. Keep the free chlorine at 1-3 PPM. Test before and after each use and add more chlorine, as needed. For testing purposes, I suggest the LaMotte Insta-Test strips. Make sure that you have use the filter for a reasonable number of hours: 6-8 hours depending on the pump size. Please refer to the other areas of the website for additional information.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/21/2006

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