POOL HEALTH CHECK: A study has shown backyard pools that get neglected during the winter attract dangerous bacteria. Photo: Glenn Hunt
NORTHERN pool owners are being urged to take a second look at their pool’s water quality before they dive in this summer.
Recent research has shown the majority of Australia’s backyard pools posed a mild health risk to users after being neglected during the winter months.
According to the study, just 4 per cent of pools had a proper pH balance and just 20 per cent were properly chlorinated.
Owners who neglected the health of their pools during the colder months risked a build-up of bacteria, micro-organisms and algae, which could pose serious health problems to pool users, Poolwerx Tamworth owner Melanie Singleton said.
“Diarrhoea, ear infections and skin irritations are just a number of complaints that could result from improper pool maintenance,” Ms Singleton said.
She said now was the time for pool owners to check water quality, instead of waiting and seeking help once the water has turned “green.”
“Some types of bacteria are hard to remove once they start to form so it’s important to take the appropriate steps now,” she said.
