Now that the warm weather is coming, you can start getting the pool ready for the summer ahead. However, you may find a disaster waiting for you once you pull back the cover. While it is normal for you to feel overwhelmed at all the mess, there are some strategies that you can implement to clean your pool surfaces safely.
Protecting Your Body From Physical Strain
Scrubbing the walls of a pool requires a lot of repetitive motion that can really do a number on your shoulders and lower back if you are not careful. You should always use an adjustable telescopic pole. This tool enables you to maintain a comfortable posture instead of leaning dangerously far over the edge of the water. When you have to lift heavy buckets of chlorine or move the pool cover, remember to bend at your knees and keep the weight close to your chest to avoid straining your spine. If you feel a sharp pinch or a dull ache starting in your arms, it is a sign that you need to take a break and stretch for a few minutes. Working in short bursts is much better for your long-term health than trying to power through the entire job in one afternoon.
Managing Chemicals and Lung Safety
The chemicals used to keep pools clean are strong. If you are not careful, you can injure yourself or others around you severely, especially if they come into contact with skin or are inhaled in tight spaces. When handling these chemicals, wear rubber gloves and make sure you wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Furthermore, never mix two types of chlorine in the same bucket. The gas that can result from this can be toxic and very irritating to your lungs. When you pour powders into the water, make sure you are standing up. This keeps the breeze from blowing the dust back into your face. Make sure you also keep a bucket of water next to you. This enables you to quickly rinse your hands or eyes after a spill.
Preventing Slips and Falls Around the Water
The area around a pool is naturally slick. However, when you add soapy cleaners and wet leaves into the mix, it becomes a serious slipping hazard. You should wear shoes with non-slip rubber soles rather than flip-flops to give yourself a steady base while you are reaching with the brush. Pay careful attention to where you lay your hoses and poles so that you don’t accidentally trip over them while you are walking backward along the perimeter. If you are cleaning a deck or a walkway, work in small sections, and rinse away the soap immediately. This keeps you from standing on a literal ice rink of bubbles. Keeping the work area organized and dry will prevent a simple cleaning task from turning into a dangerous fall onto the hard concrete that can lead to a hospital emergency.
Caring for your pool should never involve personal injury of any kind. With the right precautions, you can keep yourself and others safe while preparing your pool for the season. Now, get your sunglasses and sunscreen and enjoy the fresh breeze.
If you live in Cumming, GA or a surrounding area and need pool cleaning services, make your first call to Yummy Pools.