MCHD helps keep you safe in the water

During the summer months a common family fun activity is swimming. Most people simply take a dip in a privately owned or public pool without giving a second thought to how dangerous pools and large water sources can potentially be. Knowledge and implementation of water safety measures with your family can greatly decrease the risk of unwanted illnesses or even deaths.

Pool owners can follow these simple tips to take care of their pool: make sure the bottom of the pool is visible; make sure all drain covers are tightly secured; have your pool water regularly tested for the correct pH, bromine and chlorine levels three times each day.

The Montgomery County Health Department helps with pool safety, too. Environmental health specialists test seasonal outdoor public pools twice a year, annual pools (indoor pools that are open all year) are inspected four times a year. More inspections can be done if there has been an issue with a water sample, or if the Montgomery County Health Department has received a complaint. Chemical water tests should be done three times a day on private, semi-public and public pools to test free and total chlorine/bromine levels, pH; once a week a pool should be tested for total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness. An additional water sample is taken to the Montgomery County State Certified Water Lab to test for fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria. During inspection, pool facilities are checked for record keeping of tests, proper equipment, and storage of chemicals, signage and sanitation.

Pool safety is not the only danger lurking around; pools can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. Bacteria and illness can be spread through swallowing or contact with contaminated water. Water illnesses and bacteria can be reduced by maintaining the chemicals at the appropriate levels, maintenance of the pool, cleaning of the pool filter and keeping urine, blood, dirt and feces out of the pool. Always use the bathroom before swimming and cover any open wounds. A quick rinse in a shower will remove most body contaminants, and if you have recently had diarrhea, please refrain from swimming for two weeks. Contaminated water can be found in pools, lakes, ponds, water parks, hot tubs, rivers or streams. 

The Montgomery County Health Department encourages families to educate themselves about water borne illnesses and water safety if you own a pool, or are going to be swimming in pool or any other body of water. Should you be concerned with bacterial counts in your pool, the Montgomery County Health Department has a state certified water lab that can test your pool sample for E.coli or fecal coliform bacteria.

Reach the Montgomery County Health Department at 765-364-6440 or visit online at www.montgomerycounty.in.gov/health.