Pool and Spa Safety Information

• Always read the instruction labels.

• Always add each pool or spa chemical separately to the water.

• Always store chemicals in a cool, dry and well ventilated place, protected from children.

• Always keep the chemical containers sealed and protected from contamination.

• Always use protective gear, as might be indicated on the label.

• Always maintain good housekeeping practices.

• Always keep spilled materials isolated.

• Always follow label directions for cleanup and disposal.

• Always use up all of the chemical before disposing of the container.

• Always use common sense!!!

• Never mix different chemicals together.

• Never store liquid chemicals above other chemicals.

• Never place spilled chemicals back in the original containers.

• Never use floor sweeping compounds to clean up pool or spa chemicals.

• Never allow chemicals to contact grease, acid, oil, or organic materials.

• Never dispose of unused chemicals by placing in the trash or sewer.

• Never fail to read the label for disposal instructions.

• Never dispose of an empty chemical container without rinsing clean.

• Never fail to use common sense!!!

Look . . . at the pool/spa and surroundings, what should you notice?

• Clean and clear water, you should be able to clearly see and painted stripes and the bottom of the pool or spa.

• Smooth pool or spa sides; tiles should not be sticky or slippery.

• No odor, a well-chlorinated pool or spa has little odor. A strong chemical smell indicates a maintenance problem.

• Equipment working: pool and spa pumps and filtration systems make noise and you should hear them running.

Ask . . . questions of the pool/spa staff.

• What specialized training did the staff take to prepare for working at or operating the pool or spa?

• Are chlorine (sanitizer) and pH levels checked at least twice per day?

• Are these levels checked during times when the most is most heavily used?

• Are trained operation staff available during the weekends when the pool or spa is most heavily used?

• What was the health inspector's grade for the pool after its last inspection?

• Learn about recreational water illnesses (RWI) and educate other users and your pool or spa operator.
• Urge your pool or spa management to spread the word about RWIs to the staff and users.
• Let your pool or spa operator know that the health and well being of all swimmers is a priority for you.
• Check the pool or spa water yourself for adequate free chlorine (1-3 parts per million) and pH (7.2-7.8) levels.
• Pool and spa chlorine test strips are available at local home improvement stores, discount retailers and pool supply stores. If you want to practice using them at home, click below for instructions:
  
  www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/pool-spa-test-strip-instructions.html

• Refrain from swimming when you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool or spa water or even getting it into your mouth.
• Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area.

• Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
• Don't use air-filled swimming aids (such as "water wings") with children in place of life jackets or life preservers.
• Outdoor locations: protect against sunburn by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and both a UVA and UVB protection, and use sure to reapply it after swimming.