CDC Warns Public Pools, Hot Tubs Have Health and Safety Problems
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80% of all public pools including kiddie pools and hot tubs have had at least one violation. Researchers looked at 84,187 routine routine inspections related to 48,632 public aquatic venues including swimming pools, kiddie pools, water splash pads and playgrounds, hot tubs and other "places where people swim in treated water" and the results were astounding: nearly one in eight inspections ends in the “immediate closure” of an aquatic centres facilities because of serious health or safety violations. Well these reports are related to United States public aquatic centres, the reminders offered by the CDC are certainly valid for locations anywhere around the world. Look Before You Leap - The bottom of the deep end should be clear and offer full visibility. Check Drain Covers - Drain Covers should be secured and in good repair to prevent swimmers from getting trapped. Lifeguard or Safety Equipment – Public pools should have lifeguards on duty or at least a rescue ring, pole or other safety equipment handy. Finally, if you want to test the water for yourself, the CDC offers this suggestion: Pick up test strips from a pool supply store and test the water. A free chlorine concentration should be at least 1 ppm in pools and 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas, the CDC says. For free bromine concentrations, the level should be 3 ppm in pools and 4 ppms, at least, in hot tubs and spas. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
