Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are two questions to consider. One; How old are the reagents in the test kit? Reagents have a shelf life that is affected by environmental factors such as heat, light and humidity. If the reagents, or the test kit itself, are stored in an area subject to wide changes in temperature, sunlight and humidity, the shelf life will be compromised. Test kits and reagents should be stored in a cabinet where these environmental factors are more easily controlled.

    The second question to ask is what is the alkalinity of the pool water? Total Alkalinity is a measure of the pH buffering capacity, or the water’s resistance to a change in pH. Maintaining proper alkalinity is important to the life expectancy of the pool, because a low total alkalinity can result in highly corrosive water that will damage metal surfaces. Total alkalinity must be at least 80 parts per million (ppm). It is generally accepted that pool water should be maintained between 100 and 150 ppm of total alkalinity.

  • 410 IAC 6-2.1-30(o) states that pool water must be tested for the following:

    1. pH and disinfectant residuals daily before the pool is open for use and at least one other time during the hours of pool use.

    2. Combined chlorine at least twice a week when chlorine is used.

    3. Total alkalinity at least once a week.

    4. Cyanuric acid, when it is used, at least once a week.

  • Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) varies in type and severity. Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Cryprosporidium, Shigella, E. coli and Norovirus occur in pools and spas each year. Respiratory infections such as Legionella, Pontiac Fever are common. Skin, ear and eye infections caused by Pseudomonas, Staph and Bacillus are also frequently associated with pools. Additional information on RWIs can be found on CDCs web site.

  • Chlorine in swimming pools kills the germs that may make people sick, but it takes time. Chlorine in properly disinfected pools kills most germs that cause RWIs within minutes. However, it takes longer to kill some germs such as Cryptosporidium that can survive for days in even a properly disinfected pool.

    Also, many things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. Healthy swimming behaviors and good hygiene are needed to protect you and your family from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool.

  • Generally it is safe to use your pool after chemicals have dispersed throughout the pool, usually 15 minutes to one hour. If shocking your pool, wait until the chlorine levels drops to recommended levels.

  • No, according to the National Lightning Safety Institute: both indoor and outdoor pools are unsafe because a strike to any part of the complex will have a significant effect on all of it.

    The issue is not always the small area of the pool itself, but all of the connections with the pool at the facility. The mistake people make is remaining in the pool area with lightning nearby. Leaving the water is not the end of the storm, but the beginning of lightning safety. A flash can hit a power or phone pole outside the pool, or it can hit part of the structure itself. A cloud-to-ground flash to the pool complex can then travel easily through standing water, plumbing, wiring, fences, and phones to affect many, most, or all people at the facility.

    See Lightning and Aquatics Safety at Pools. The NCAA and YMCA both have policies that mandate the evacuation of indoor pools in the event of a thunderstorm. While there have not been any recorded deaths as a result of swimming indoors during a lightning storm, isn’t it best to play it safe?

  • No, residential swimming pools are regulated in Chapter 42, Swimming Pools, of the 2005 Indiana Residential Code. Residential swimming pools are Class 2 structures according to IC 22-12-1-5. Enforcement of the rule is the responsibility of local units of government. The residential building code is available here.

  • The American Red Cross suggests that 78º is the most healthful swimming temperature. By setting the thermostat to 78º, you will also be conserving energy.

    Source: http://www.in.gov/isdh/22965.htm