- Getting Started
- Pools
- Spas
- Landscaping
- Entertaining
- Maintenance
- Fitness
- Safety
- Media
While you can't see germs that cause RWIs, you can use your senses to help recognize the difference between a healthy pool and a potentially risky one. Look for water that's clean, clear, and blue – free from algae and unclouded. From the perimeter of the pool, you should be able to clearly see the drain or painted stripes on the pool floor. Also, look for drainage grills at the top of pool walls. Water should be constantly lapping over the grills to be filtered.
Check for tiles that feel smooth and clean. Sticky or slippery tiles are caused by algae and other unwanted organisms. Chlorine helps keep pools healthy, and will not cause a strong chemical odor in a well-maintained pool. Strong chemical odors, as well as skin, eye or respiratory irritation, are caused by the high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.