Physical Education

Unit - 7

7.1.5.Solving common problems
Be guided by your pool maintenance specialist or pool chemical supplier, but general suggestions include:

• Algae - these single-celled organisms have a short life cycle, and can turn the water in your swimming pool green within a few hours. The cause is zero chlorination, which allows these organisms to thrive. Treatment includes lowering the pH level by adding pool acid and, later, adding a copper treatment to the water to kill the spores. You can use a brush and garden hose to remove algae from pool surfaces. The next day, vacuum the settled algae from the floor of your pool - don't try to remove it by running the filter. Make sure you check the TA, pH and calcium hardness before you allow anyone to swim.
• Faeces - young children can occasionally have a toileting accident while swimming. Get everyone to vacate the pool, and fish out the faeces using a fine mesh scoop. If your pool is small, you might consider draining and cleaning it. Otherwise, superchlorinate the pool for at least half an hour before letting anyone swim. Always ensure chlorine levels are back to regular levels before swimming.
• Chlorine smell - a strong chlorine smell can affect the eyes, nose and skin. Contrary to popular belief, it's too little chlorine that causes the smell, not too much. Too little chlorine permits chloramine compounds to form. It is these compounds that have the strong smell and that cause the irritation. If your pool smells strongly, check the chlorine level - you'll find you need to superchlorinate.