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Kids Pool Problems

Making a pool safer and more kid friendly.
 
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Scroll down to browse through some archived SWIMMING POOL questions and answers.  Please click the Pool Problems Link, on top of every page, to access a complete listing of Pool Problem subjects, an alphabetized Website Table of Contents, Pool Equipment Information, About Alan Biographic Material and a Pool Glossary. Use the other links to access additional subject information. More information about some new and unique products, for pools and spas, can be found by visiting The Website Store. You'll never know what you'll find and that's always fun. Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!

 

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Optimizing the water chemistry and improving pool and water safety and quality!!!
A ColorQ, All-Digital Tester can perform all of the common pool and spa water tests and eliminates the color-matching and guesswork. Magnetic Water Conditioners help solve scaling problems, due to high levels of calcium hardness and are available in 4 models.  Pools are a source of family fun, especially when kids are involved.  Get better circulation, by replacing standard return jet fittings, with The Circulator.  Better circulation helps everything work better.
ColorQ All-Digital Pool and Spa Testers Magnetic Water Conditioners Circulation Boosting Return Jet Fittings
#2086 ColorQ 2X PRO 7 Pool and Spa Test Kit Magnetic Water Conditioner, for calcium hardness and scale issue.s The Ciruclater replacement return jet fitting improves pool water circulation.
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If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
 
Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information.

 
Salt Chlorine Generators and Ultraviolet Sterilizers!!!
Most pools use some sort of chlorine.  A salt chlorine generator is definitely a better way to do chlorine, in any type of pool.  Salt chlorine generators are highly automated and give you better control of sanitation, helping you avoid problems such as:  algae, swimmer's ear and pink eye.  No more chlorine to handle, measure or store.  The salt level is about that found in human tears.  The Precision UV model is an Ultraviolet Sterilizer, for all types of pools, up to 40,000 gallons.  Kills microbes that normal levels of chlorine may not.  Even better when used together.  No installation salt chlorine generators are available, for pools, spas and swim spas, that are plug and play ready.  Pools are a source of family fun, especially when kids are involved.    
Salt Chlorine Generators, for Pools UV Sterilizer, for all types of pools Salt Chlorine Generator - No Installation
Precision UV Sterilizers for all types of pools. MegaChlor-CD salt chlorine generator, with Chlorine Detection Technology.
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If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
 
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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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▼     Helpful, Problem-Solving Information, in a question and answer format.     ▼

Blonde Hair Turning Green?

My daughter's hair has developed a green tinge.  I have been told that it is something present in the pool water.  She loves the pool and uses it for hours a day.  What to do?  Thank you for any help.

Beverly J., Knoxville, TN, 7/24/2019

Most like the cause is too much copper.  While copper can occur naturally, it is usually too low to cause problems, unless well water is being used. TotalTrap Pool Refresh removes phosphates and heavy metals Start by having the source and pool water tested for copper.  Anything over 0.3 PPM, should be considered too high.  Apart from the naturally occurring copper, it is also present in some algaecide and winterizing chemicals.  The over use of mineralizers or ionizers can add too much copper, unless they are properly monitored.  If you have a heater, corrosion due to acidic pH, can result in copper corrosion, within the heater.  Adding Pool Refresh can remove the copper, iron and even phosphates.  Once done, take care to periodically test for copper, in order to stay ahead of the problem.  So far as the green tint is concerned, try applying liberal amount of hair conditioner and allow to remain in the hair, for about 15 minutes.  Rinse and shampoo.  This should begin to pull out some of the copper.  Repeat, as needed.  I hope that this is helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 7/14/2019
 

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, 7/3/2014


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, 7/3/2014


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, 4/8/2020


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, 4/8/2020


"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

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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

An 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 fool proof. 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


"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., 5/23/2009


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, 3/21/2009
 

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, 3/21/2009


Small pools can be more challenging than larger ones. The smaller volume of water makes chemicals react with a more
New!!!  One_Dip Insta_test Strips for pools and spas pronounced effect. After filling the pool, I suggest that you have the water tested. You will need to adjust the pH to 7.2-7.8 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, 3/21/2009

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A $9.99 handling charge will apply to Continental U.S. Orders, under $75.00.  Orders outside of the Continental U.S. may require some additional charge, based on quantity and destination.
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