Climate Change Is Not Just Warmer!
Global climate change is contentious - and it's impacting everything.
That includes the water in our swimming pools. Rapid, and previously unexpected changes in the weather affect the water, and they affect the chemicals we have used to get the water balance just right.
Rough weather always pollutes the water in a swimming pool. This happens when storm water run-off gets into the pool - and that is just about always - and it brings with it all kinds of storm debris.
You can see the leaves and other vegetable matter, and perhaps even the dust that's washed into the pool. But you don't see the bacteria that are washed in and increase the load on your pool sanitation system. And you don't see the chemicals, like phosphates, that are being washed into the pool.
This all means that you now need to take a more careful approach to keeping your pool healthy.
Read on to discover what changes in your pool to look for that will be climate-change induced.
In Heatwave, Drought, and Hot, Dry Conditions
- Ultra-violet radiation is very high, and can be extreme. This breaks down your pool chlorine quite rapidly. Try to use a stabilised chlorine, and check that your sanitation is adequate
- Water temperatures rise, and these higher temperatures increase the demand on chlorine and chlorinators
- More people in the pool more often means higher bather loads for your sanitation system
- Your filtration equipment will need to run longer hours, increasing your electricity cost. Be sure to use an eco-friendly pump to minimise the power cost
- Pool water evaporates more quickly on hot days, so keep an eye on the water level. Use an automatic pool leveller to keep it right all the time
- Pools are more prone to algal outbreaks in hot weather, so keep an 'eagle eye' out, and be sure that your algaecide it properly dosed
- Water supplies for pool top-ups can be affected by water restrictions. A good pool blanket helps reduce evaporation
When You're in the Midst of Storms, and Hail
- Storms always introduce organic matter. This material brings with it phosphates and bacteria
- Water balance is lost because of the uncontrolled introduction of other water. Have your pool water rebalanced after a storm event
- Try to limit the risk of electric damage to your pump or chlorinator by turning them off in a storm - if you can. Remember the pool lights, and anything else that might be connected to electric mains
When You're Subject to High Winds
- The destructive power of high winds can cause major damage to pool structures and equipment. Tie down where possible, or remove whatever you can to a safe place
- Strong winds also introduce foreign objects and organic matter. We mentioned organic matter above, and you should also remove foreign objects as soon as you find them in the water
- Even in rough weather, check your skimmer baskets. With so much general debris being blown into the pool, they're readily choked!
- With so much rubbish in the water, the impeller in your pool pump can get blocked. Make sure your pump can run freely. Being stalled by rubbish can cause severe damage
Pathogens Borne by Water
- Which pathogens will be dominant amongst those coming in with introduced storm water, is influenced by climatic and environmental conditions
- It's the weather that determines the number, and the type of pathogens being transmitted. It also affects their infectiousness
- The combination of high temperature and humidity is one of the most important climatic factors to drive an increase in pathogens
- Fortunately, increased ultra-violet radiation will reduce both the number and the activity of pathogens
Are You Subject to Snow and Ice?
- In European countries subject to regular snow and ice in winter, people empty their pools and drain their equipment. Since water expands as it freezes, water left in the pool and equipment will cause major structural damage to pools and the filtration equipment
- If you're in high country regions where snow and ice sometimes occur, be prepared for increased incidences which might make it necessary for you to completely drain your pool and equipment
There are going to be changes in your pool care routine. Your specialist pool retailer can help you take care of it. Splash's Pools has a team that is expert in treating pools - and they're fast and efficient. Better still, they use their own equipment, and they're just a call away!
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