A swimming pool is a water-filled container that people swim in for recreation and exercise. These pools can vary in size, shape and construction. They are also known by other names, such as a hot tub, spa or whirlpool. The type of swimming pool that is best for your property depends on factors such as budget, available space and local codes.
It’s important to understand how swimming pools work so you can keep them safe and clean for all swimmers. Pools are a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause itchy eyes and skin, as well as other health issues.
To help prevent these germs from spreading to swimmers, the first step is to sanitize the water. This is done by adding chlorine or other chemical sanitizers. The next step is to vaccum the surface of the water and skim the bottom of the pool. A pool clarifier can also be added to the water to coagulate fine particles and make them easier to filter out.
Once the sanitizer level is in balance, it is time to do a test of the water for leaks. This can be done by placing a bucket in the water and marking the water line on both the inside and outside of the bucket. If the inside mark on the bucket disappears more quickly than the outside mark, there is a leak in the system.
Once the water is tested for chemicals and sanitizer levels, it’s important to monitor it on a weekly basis. This can be accomplished by using a testing kit that will give you a readout on the pH and total alkalinity. Ideally, the reading should be around 7.0.