Every Tourist coming to Goa : Please carry a Swimming Pool Water Tester.
Safety Comes First, And Always ! A Pool tester costs very little, very handy, and can be used multiple times.
Tourists in summer months or even otherwise, in Goa, book a resort or a hotel preferably, with a swimming pool. While most of the amenities of safety can be checked with online reviews or a cursory glance, the safety check of the swimming pool's water, resides solely on the user.
While the water may seem calm, clean and serene; does not mean it is safe to swim in that swimming pool.
There are several chemicals commonly used to treat water in swimming pools to maintain safe and clean water conditions. The most common ones include:
Chlorine: Chlorine is the most popular and widely used chemical to sanitize and disinfect swimming pool water. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.
pH adjusters: The pH level of pool water needs to be balanced to prevent corrosion of pool equipment and irritation of swimmers' eyes and skin. Common pH adjusters include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and muriatic acid.
Algaecides: Algaecides are used to prevent and control the growth of algae in pool water. They come in different forms such as copper-based, quaternary ammonium, and polymeric.
Clarifiers: Clarifiers are used to clear cloudy pool water by grouping small particles together to form larger ones that can be filtered out more easily. They come in liquid or tablet form.
Shock treatment chemicals: Shock treatment chemicals, such as calcium hypochlorite and sodium dichloroisocyanurate, are used to eliminate bacteria and other organic contaminants in the pool water. They are typically used on a weekly or monthly basis, or after heavy pool usage or rain.
With so many chemicals in the water, in a highly confined volume, it is utmost essential to test the water for it’s safety, before you allow your near and dear ones inside the pool.
There are several ways to test if swimming pool water is safe for swimming. It is highly essential to test for excessive Chlorine in water (Chlorine is highly harmful, if ingested and could lead to death).
Test strips: Test strips are the most common and convenient way to test the chemical balance of swimming pool water. They can be purchased at most pool supply stores and come with instructions on how to use them. The strips change color when dipped into the water, indicating the levels of chlorine, pH, and alkalinity.
Liquid test kits: Liquid test kits are more accurate than test strips and can test for a wider range of chemicals, including calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. These kits require the user to mix a sample of pool water with a series of reagents and compare the color of the water to a chart.
A Liquid Test Kit, would cost less than a normal breakfast for a family of 4 and can be used multiple times; and saves a lot of trouble and many a times even lives.On some of the online sellers, a lot of cheaper versions are available also; which could cost not more than a pint of beer at a fancy restaurant in Goa.
The symptoms of swimming pool water poisoning can vary depending on the specific contaminant and the individual's level of exposure, but some of the most common symptoms include:
Skin irritation: Exposure to high levels of chlorine or other chemicals in swimming pool water can cause skin irritation, itching, and rashes.
Eye irritation: Chlorine and other chemicals can also cause eye irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
Respiratory problems: Chlorine and other chemicals can irritate the lungs and cause breathing difficulties, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
As soon as you experience any of the symptoms, one should immediately get out of water and see a doctor.
But, prevention is always better than cure.
Always carry, a Liquid Test Kit with you, when going on a vacation.
It's small, does not cost much. Do not get carried away by the sight of the water in swimming pool.
First test the water, and if found safe, then only enter the swimming pool.