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DuPage
County
Homeowner's Guide
for Safe Swimming Pools
and Hot Tubs
Environmental Health
Services
Pool Maintenance
Maintain proper water level to assure surface
skimming and avoid possible equipment damage. Use a skimmer to remove things
floating on the water surface, and vacuuming should be done to keep the bottom
free of debris. Do not use harsh chemicals or non-chlorine cleaners on deck,
etc.
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Pool Safety
- Never swim alone and be sure that all children
are supervised.
- Use surfaces with traction around the pool to
prevent slipping.
- Mark all pool depths clearly.
- Keep a buoy and life pole, as well as other
life saving equipment handy.
- Keep the deck clear of clutter, especially
electrical devices.
- Do not eat or drink around the pool. The food
could contaminate the water and put undue stress on your filters and pumps.
- Always shower before swimming to reduce suntan
lotion, shampoos, residues, etc., from contaminating your water.
More Guidelines
- Never drink alcohol when around or near a pool
or spa.
- It is a good idea to have a person certified
in CPR around when anyone is in the pool. Parents are always encouraged to
be CPR certified and should be in attendance when children are swimming.
- Have a phone near the pool with emergency
numbers posted.
- Do not rely on inflatable floaties or rings as
a safety measure for children. Keep watch of all children in the pool.
- Do not allow children to bring toys into the
pool unless they are specifically for the pool.
- Pregnant women, persons with heart conditions,
or young children should check with a doctor before using hot tubs.
- Bathers should take a break every 20 minutes
to allow their body temperatures and blood pressure to stabilize.
Chemical Safety
Pool and Spa chemicals should be stored in closed
containers to which only adults have access. Use caution when handling
chemicals. Never try to mix chemicals together, especially with bromine or
chlorine. Automatic control of disinfectant and pH equipment is recommended.
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Water
Quality Assurance
Before you use your pool or hot tub, remember to
always:
- Ask your pool or hot tub manufacturer for
chemical test kit information.
- Test daily and when in heavy use test more
often.
- Store a test kit safely, away from sunlight,
at 55°F to 85°F.
- Maintain a log of chemical additions,
equipment operation, and maintenance.
- Keep a full supply of any necessary pool
chemicals and test kit materials.
- Limit access to pool mechanical equipment. All
equipment should be capable of operating for 24 hours.
- Keep all maintenance information in a file for
future use. Then you will know who to contact for mechanical failures.
Monitoring Water Quality
Monitor your pools for the recommended levels of Chemicals
For Swimming Pools
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| Free chlorine |
1.0 to 3.0 ppm* |
| Combined
chlorine |
none |
| Bromine |
2.0 to 4.0 ppm |
| pH |
7.3 to 7.6 |
| Total dissolved
solids |
----- |
| Total
alkalinity |
80 to 100 ppm |
| Calcium
hardness |
200 to 400 ppm |
| Cyanuric acid |
less than 50 ppm |
*ppm - parts per million
For Hot Tubs**
|
| Temperature |
104°F maximum |
| Free chlorine |
3.0 to 5.0 ppm* |
| Combined chlorine |
none |
| Bromine |
3.0 to 5.0 ppm |
| pH |
7.3 to 7.6 |
| Total dissolved |
----- |
| Total alkalinity |
80 to 100 ppm |
| Calcium hardness |
200 to 400 ppm |
| Cyanuric acid |
less than 50 ppm |
*ppm - parts per million
**Hot Tubs using ozone as a method of
disinfection cannot be chemically tested.
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Daily Log
The following is an example of a daily log that
you can use to record the levels of chlorine, pH, and temperature of the pool or
hot tub. Click here for a printable log sheet.
| Date |
Chlorine Level (ppm) |
Temperature °F |
pH |
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Contact the DuPage County Health Department with
your pool or hot tub questions at 630 - 682-7979, extension 7177.
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Visit our home page: http://www.dupagehealth.org
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