Father's Day Gift Guide
Looking for Father’s Day gift ideas for the superdads in your life? We’ve put together a gift guide for any dad who loves their pool to make his life a little easier. Read below for some inspiration!
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How to: How to get your pool ready for summer
With the warmer weather approaching, now is the time to give your pool a pre-summer makeover. You may find that if your pool has had limited use, it may need some TLC. Want to get your pool in top shape, but you’re not sure where to start? Check out our top tips below.
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7 Reasons to hire a pool service
When you first get a swimming pool, the idea of hiring a pool service might seem unnecessary and too costly. After all, you take the DIY route for a lot of your house maintenance and repairs, and the internet is full of information on how to care for and maintain your pool by yourself. But unless you have a whole lot of time and the desire to learn an industry’s worth of new information, you’ll find that doing it yourself might not be the best option. This is a list of the 7 most important reasons why you might want to hold off on the Do-It-Yourself plan for your swimming pool and hire some pool experts.
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Coronavirus & Pools FAQ
During these uncertain times, it’s important to understand what you can do to ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Below are our most frequently asked questions about pool use and the Coronavirus.
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How often should you test your pool water?
No one wants a green pool. It’s unsightly, unsanitary, and can be costly to fix. So how do we avoid it? The easiest way to avoid this is to make sure your pool is kept clean and the chemical levels correct. But how frequently do you need to test your pool water? As seasons change and we experience bad weather such as rain and snow storms, pool maintenance has to change with it. Read more to find out clear guidelines on how often you should check your pool water year-round to make sure your pool stays healthy and clean. Water Testing In Cooler Months During the cooler months, we use our pools less often. The cooler weather can significantly decrease the chlorine demand your pool requires. This can lead to excessive chlorine levels which can damage blankets and pool equipment. Therefore, you should be testing your pool water’s chlorine and pH levels every two weeks. Maintaining proper water chemistry will reduce the amount of work needed when you’re ready to start swimming again. We recommend getting a free water test in store at Poolwerx every other week, which will not only test your pH and chlorine levels but also calcium hardness, salt level, stabilizer and alkalinity. If you’re facing freezing temperatures, read up on some more tips here. Water Testing In Warmer Months The weather is warming up and pool season is about to start. Yay! But before you grab your sunglasses and inner tube, you need to make sure your pool is tip-top shape after sitting unused throughout the fall and winter months. You likely need to clean your pool filter, top up your water, and check over your equipment. In addition to all this, you will need to start testing your water more. As the summer season heats up and the pool is getting more use, it’s important to also ramp up your water testing, increasing to at least twice a week in the peak of summer. Testing should be done even more frequently if you have pets or young children regularly in your pool. Our Poolwerx team can provide you with the tools and expert advice so you can test at home anytime, using our test strips. In Bad Weather If you’ve experienced a lot of rain or storms, this can greatly affect the pH and chlorine levels of your pool. After these bouts of bad weather, you should immediately test your water to prevent an algae outbreak and a costly clean up bill. Alternatively, if you are experiencing abnormally hot weather, the water can evaporate, which can also cause the chemicals to lose their effectiveness. Again, if this is the case you need to increase your water test frequency. Free Water Testing Poolwerx provides free water testing in-store. Simply bring in your sample and we can analyze it in 60 seconds. Collect a sample about an arm’s length under the water surface and take it to your local Poolwerx within a few hours. We’ll then be able to provide you with a complete analysis of your pool water, completely FREE! Next- Water Testing: What is pH?
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Franchising with Poolwerx
Poolwerx’s Two-Prong Approach
You don’t become the leader in a high-growth, home service business like Poolwerx by accident. Unlike the many “mom and pop” pool maintenance and repair operations who leave their growth up to chance, Poolwerx has built its revenue, customer base and market dominance on a two-pronged, hub and spoke strategy.
Here’s a little insight into how Poolwerx created and continues to use this strategy.
The Hub
When Poolwerx created its two-pronged approach, it realized that visibility was essential. The best way to get visibility is to have physical locations, and the best way to take advantage of them is to put them in high-traffic areas.
Poolwerx creates the “hub” of the business near busy roads that tens of thousands of people use every day. Large graphics and appealing signs draw attention and bring new customers through the doors.
Many Poolwerx customers purchase pool equipment and supplies for DIY maintenance and repairs. For those who can’t tackle a project or perform maintenance themselves, Poolwerx franchise owners can utilize the other part of their business – the service-oriented spoke of the operation.
The Spokes
If the Poolwerx retail stores are the central hub of the business connecting franchise owners with potential customers, then the spokes are the part of the business model that really gets the job done.
The spokes feature fully equipped vans and technicians who have the skills to perform routine maintenance and solve complex problems for homeowners and community development managers.
A swimming pool is a big investment and people need to have confidence that someone is looking out for them. Poolwerx customers value our expertise and reliability.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Poolwerx goes beyond the hub and spoke model by partnering with local contractors and service providers needing a reliable supplier of parts, equipment and professional-grade supplies. Our business model has five revenue streams, which means our franchise owners have multiple ways to drive revenue and profitability, in every season.
Since Poolwerx is a large, established brand, franchise owners can get bulk discounts from major suppliers and manufacturers that smaller companies can’t. Having that buying power is another way Poolwerx out swims its competition.
A Growing Team
Many small businesses in the swimming pool industry don’t spend too much time thinking about the mechanics of building a great business, but that’s precisely what has taken Poolwerx to the top and what keeps us there.
If you’re interested in learning more about owning a Poolwerx franchise, call Tara Merchant at 310.318.4389 or email Tara.Merchant@Poolwerx.com
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Franchising with Poolwerx
Why There Isn’t Too Much Competition for Poolwerx
Poolwerx has been offering swimming pool franchise opportunities in the swimming pool retail and service industry for more than 20 years. Swimming pool supplies and maintenance has proven to be a very lucrative business for Poolwerx franchisees who have chosen to invest in the industry.
There are roughly 300,000 public swimming pools and another 10 million residential swimming pools in the US alone. According to IBISWorld, 66,000 companies offer cleaning, servicing, repairing, and maintaining swimming pools in the country. Although there are many pool repair and maintenance companies, none has anything close to 5% market share, creating a highly fragmented market void of sophisticated competition. A fragmented market refers to a scenario where no single company or group of companies has a strong presence, which makes it easier for Poolwerx franchisees to enter new markets and build robust businesses.
The Opportunity
When a franchise candidate invests in any business, they need to consider the strength and sophistication of the competition they are going up against. For instance, someone looking to invest in a coffee shop has to consider how they will compete with two eight-hundred-pound gorillas like Dunkin’ and Starbucks who don’t easily give up customers and market share.
Michael Porter, author of the best-selling business book Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, wrote, “…fragmentation can be a very significant strategic opportunity. The payoff to (the brand) consolidating a fragmented industry can be high because…there tend to be small and relatively weak competitors who offer little threat…”
Smart franchise investors know that fragmented markets such as swimming pool retail, repair, and maintenance compete against unsophisticated small business owners who don’t often understand digital marketing, branding, advanced technology, or other tools which drive business today. This makes it easier for Poolwerx franchisees to enter their backyards and establish profitable businesses.
The Poolwerx Advantage
At Poolwerx, we offer franchisees competitive advantages such as digital marketing, national account purchasing, technical training at our state-of-the-art facility, and ongoing support in multiple business disciplines. Additionally, we offer third-party financing sources to assist franchisees with start up and expansion capital, covering startup costs, franchise fees, inventory, and other equipment.
Poolwerx franchisees can start their business as a mobile business, keeping the front end investment low. Franchisees can also expand into retail, creating multiple revenue streams which boost sales and reduce risk.
Final Take
Eventually, in most fragmented markets, sophisticated brands emerge, scale rapidly, and dominate the industry. Smart franchise investors understand the value of spotting a future dominant brand like Poolwerx and join while prime development territories are still available.
For more information, visit our franchise opportunity website at Poolwerx.
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Poolwerx News
Poolwerx and Goldfish Swim School Partner to Promote Swim & Water Safety During Learn2Swim Month
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children under five.
According to the National Institutes of Health, swim lessons can reduce the risk of childhood drownings by 88%. Beginning April 1, 2022, also known as April Pools Day, Poolwerx is partnering with Goldfish Swim School to offer free introductory swimming lessons to children under five.
Throughout Learn2Swim Month, April 1-30, 2022, customers can visit the Poolwerx website to sign up and redeem a free trial swim lesson at nearby participating Goldfish Swim School locations. Lessons must be redeemed by July 31, 2022. The goal of this initiative is to promote swim and water safety ahead of pool season and the upcoming summer months when families begin dipping their toes back in the water.
“Our business is about providing clients with healthy pools. We believe an extension of that is having families feel safe around their pools,” says Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Kidd. “When we researched drowning statistics, we were alarmed by the numbers. We want to raise awareness and encourage families to teach their little ones to swim so families can enjoy their pools confidently, and we can continue serving them the best way we know how: with quality pool products and services.”
Sadly, the summer months (May – August) account for two-thirds of annual childhood drowning incidents, according to Total Aquatics Programming data. Drowning can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone, but there are several water safety tips to help reduce the risk and keep families safe this summer.
One of the best ways to protect your children against drowning is to improve comfort level in the water and strengthen swimming capabilities through swim lessons. Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years, teaching children how to be safer in and around the water. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.
“At Goldfish Swim School, we are passionate about showing kids just how fun it can be to learn the important skill of swimming,” said Goldfish Swim School Co-Founder & CEO, Chris McCuiston. “We’re thrilled to be part of this program. During Learn2Swim Month, we are committed to this initiative and sharing the life-saving benefits of lessons by offering an incredible swimming experience to an even broader consumer base, in the safest and most fun environment possible.”
All Goldfish Swim School locations’ number one focus and main priority is always the same – educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.
“The long-term health benefits of swimming are abundant. Swimming builds endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness. It can improve sleep and relax both children and adults,” continues Kidd. “At Poolwerx, we know that our customers don’t just value clear water, they value clean, healthy water. We pride ourselves on our expertise and always strive to give our customers the best and safest swimming conditions. This begins with our active endorsement and support for all families who would like easy access to lessons for the littlest of future swimmers.”
About PoolwerxFounded in 1992 by CEO and entrepreneur, John O’Brien, Poolwerx has grown to become a global pool brand and the largest in the pool service industry, with nearly 600 service vehicles and 160 plus stores. Poolwerx leaves competitors to tread water thanks to a professional development strategy to convert employees to franchisees, a technology-driven and scalable model and recurring revenue streams. The brand is now driving explosive franchise growth across the United States, with a five-year development plan to have over 250 stores and over 700 service vans operating in the U.S. by 2030.
About Goldfish Swim School Founded by husband-and-wife team, Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years. Classes are offered by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly, and fun environment using their research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School was established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2006, and opened its first franchise location in 2009. Recently, the brand was recognized by Entrepreneur in its Franchise 500® ranking, Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious List, and Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America, with more than 125 schools open, and an additional 120+ in development in more than 30 states and Canada.
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Poolwerx: 12 Reasons Why Poolwerx is the Next Big Brand
If you are interested in getting into the rapidly growing home services sector, you should consider joining the leader in swimming pool services and repair for the following reasons.
Strong unit-level economics. Poolwerx franchisees generate both high volume and high margins and average $1.6MM in sales (see 2021 FDD for more details).
Weak competition. No brand has 5% market share. The swimming pool maintenance, service, and repair business largely consists of small, unbranded, independent businesses. This makes it easier and less expensive for new franchisees to penetrate new markets and establish a brand. Poolwerx franchisees stand out.
Recurring revenue. Unlike other home services like painting, closet systems, garage systems, gutters, and other residential products and services, Poolwerx franchisees have recurring revenue. Franchisees’ revenue doesn’t solely depend on new business. Anyone who has ever owned a business knows that it is easier to grow a business when you are building on a base of customers you can count on each month to generate revenue.
Building equity. Recurring revenue businesses like Poolwerx not only generate revenue, but also help owners create equity and build their net worth. When it is time to sell, businesses with repeat customers create recurring revenue which business purchasers find attractive and often pay a premium for.
Low entry cost. Franchisees can be acquired for under $100,000 including working capital.
Easy to start. New franchisees can be open for business within months of deciding to move forward and business can ramp up quickly.
Break-even. Poolwerx franchisees have low fixed costs, translating to better break-even points and quick ramp ups.
Multiple revenue streams. Unlike home service products, Poolwerx franchisees diversify their revenue over services, products like chlorine, salt chlorinators, preventative maintenance (like algae treatments), repairs, equipment sales and installation (pool filters) and retail sales.
Amazon-resistant. Pool service and repair seemingly cannot be serviced through online retailers nor can it be outsourced to other countries. With their small footprint retail model, Poolwerx franchisees become their community’s local pool and spa experts.
Professional marketing support. As new customers select their pool service company through Google searches, online reviews, and social reputation, Poolwerx franchisees benefit from Poolwerx’s experienced digital marketing team. This is a service many independent pool services don’t have the money or sophistication to compete.
Technical training and support. Poolwerx corporate office maintains a state-of-the-art training facility for pool service technicians and franchisees to stay current with the latest products and technology. You can also obtain CPO (certified pool operator) certification.
Highly scalable. Franchisees can grow revenues within existing territories by adding retail and other related products and services as well as opening new territories.
Poolwerx is expanding rapidly across the United States, but prime territories are still available.
If you want to learn more about investing in a Poolwerx franchise, request more information through our online contact form or call us at 1-800-407-6657. Learn how to become financially independent while leveraging 25 years of award-winning support and training.
Click here to access our online contact form
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Poolwerx News
Poolwerx: Available Territories and Rapid Expansion
Poolwerx, an industry leader in the pool, hot tub, and spa maintenance, is proud to announce that we are expanding throughout many Southern and Western U.S. states.
Pools are on the rise. In the first three quarters of 2020, about 94,000 residential pools were built in the United States. That’s a 21 percent increase compared to 2019. Warm weather states such as Texas, Arizona, and Florida issued 30 percent more pool permits than the year before. Some areas saw a 400 percent increase in hot tubs. Each of these new pools and hot tubs requires regular maintenance.
It’s no wonder that Poolwerx is now the fastest-growing pool and hot tub aftermarket service provider, in one of the fastest-growing industries, in the United States.
Why Invest with Poolwerx?
Unlike many franchise opportunities, Poolwerx offers unprecedented Franchise Partner support and training franchise owners expect. No previous industry experience is required to flourish as a Poolwerx Franchise Partner.
Training and Support
At Poolwerx, we shine in the areas of franchisee training and support. It’s in our combined best interest to see all franchisees succeed. Training includes such topics as:
Pool, hot tub and, spa management – Before coming to Poolwerx, most of our Franchise Partners were new to pool, hot tub, and spa management. By the time they graduate from our comprehensive, structured training program, supported by field visits, they are among the best trained in the industry. We provide ongoing training, especially as new technologies, such as non-chlorine options, emerge and networking opportunities with staff and existing franchisees.
Sales – Backed by Poolwerx’s marketing infrastructure, our sales training teaches our franchisees Partners to sell new business and drive top line revenue.
Business management – To run a successful business, owners need more than just sales and service training. That’s why Poolwerx offers franchisees robust back-office operations such as IT, marketing, bookkeeping, accounting, human resources, and more.
Franchisee network – Tap into the collective experience of fellow franchisees. Between our franchisees and our support network, new franchisees would be hard-pressed to find a situation we have not already encountered and solved.
Brand Strength
Poolwerx is a time-tested 30-year old brand, well-respected by both customers and suppliers.
Purchasing Power
Poolwerx franchisees have the benefit of mass purchasing power, giving franchisees priority and price advantages with key suppliers.
Marketing Support
As residential and commercial swimming pool owners often make their purchasing decisions based on online advertising and research, the small independent servicing companies who currently make up the bulk of our industry struggle to keep up. Poolwerx franchisees are supported by expert marketing professionals proficient in digital advertising and social media promotions.
Poolwerx Franchise Opportunities
When it comes to Poolwerx franchise territories, the sky’s the limit. Even cool Northern U.S. states offer a year-round spa, hot tub, indoor pool business, and summer outdoor pool business.
Some regions are experiencing exceptionally rapid growth in pools, hot tubs, and spas. We have existing opportunities in:
Arizona
California – particularly, but not limited to, the San Diego market
Florida – we’re seeing significant growth in the Panhandle area
Georgia
Nevada
North Carolina
South Carolina
Texas – specifically, but not limited to, Houston and Dallas
Virginia
If you want to learn more about investing in a Poolwerx franchise, request more information through our online contact form or call us at 1-800-407-6657. Learn how to become financially independent while leveraging 25 years of award-winning support and training.
Click here to access our online contact form
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Poolwerx Pointers
Upgrade to a Variable Speed Pump
Did you know that pool pump regulations have changed?
As of July 19, 2021, all swimming pool pumps are required to meet new energy efficiency standards set by the federal Department of Energy (DOE)
These new regulations determine the Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) of a pool pump, which measures in gallons per watt per hour, similar to how you measure a car’s efficiency with MPG. A higher WEF means a more efficient pool pump. This replaces the current measurement standard, which is motor horsepower (HP), measuring RPM.
In general, all variable-speed pumps will be compliant while most single- and two-speed pumps with a motor total horsepower rating ≥ 1.0 will be non-compliant. If your current pump does not meet the new standards, don’t worry, you are still able to keep your existing pump. But it is worth considering making an upgrade as a future investment. Keep reading below to find out more about why upgrading to a variable speed pump can save you money in the long run.
If you’re looking to upgrade, the good news is… our selection of variable-speed pumps already meet these new efficiency standards. So, if you’re looking to purchase a new pump for your swimming pool now, you don’t have to wait. Your local Poolwerx associate will be able to assist you in finding the best pool pump for your specific pool.
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Poolwerx Pointers
3 warning signs that you need to schedule a health check
If you’ve ever purchased a home with a pool, you may have had an inspection done before moving in. But did you know that your pool should also be inspected throughout its life to ensure everything is in working order? Getting a health check will help you know that your pool is remaining safe, healthy and in proper working order. Here at Poolwerx, we recommend scheduling regular pool health checks to make sure things are running smoothly.
Many pool owners enjoy maintaining their pool themselves, and while it is a great way to stay on top of your pool care maintenance, it is also important to have a pool maintenance expert check your pool equipment regularly. A pool technician who has the proper training and accreditation will be able to thoroughly inspect your equipment using tools that you may not have, and ensure the safety and efficiency of your equipment. They may be able to pick up on smaller faults or damage before it becomes a bigger (and more expensive) issue.
Think you might need a health check? Continue reading below to find out some warning signs that you need to schedule a health check today.
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Poolwerx Pointers
Every Pool Owner Should Know this Tip
From summer pool parties and weekend barbecues to a quick workout, swimming pools can improve your day-to-day happiness and increase your home value. However, there are a number of things a homeowner must do to keep their pool clean, safe, and well-maintained. That is why it pays to develop a strong basic understanding of pool maintenance.
To help you stay on top of things, Redfin.com reached out to pool maintenance experts from Huntington Beach, CA to Victoria, BC asking them to share their best advice. Here is the top tip from Jonathan Guest at Poolwerx Redlands, on how to ensure your pool stays in good condition for years to come.
Circulate that water.
One commonly overlooked aspect of pool maintenance that has a huge impact on the clarity of pool water is circulation. Circulating the pool water is helpful for a plethora of reasons: it disperses the chemicals evenly throughout the pool, discourages algae growth on surfaces, and pushes water through the filter, removing small debris. We like to see increased run time on the primary circulation pump in the summer months, to the tune of up to about 1 hour of run-time per 10 degrees of air temperature (in Fahrenheit, at the hottest point in the day) for a single-speed pump, and potentially even longer for variable speed.
Read more at Redfin.com
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Poolwerx News
Poolwerx Launches Summer Sweepstakes
One lucky winner will win free pool service for one year courtesy of the nearest local Poolwerx Franchise Partner.
Poolwerx, in coordination with their local franchise community, announced today that one lucky client within a Poolwerx service territory will receive free pool service for an entire year.
Pool homeowners that reside near a Poolwerx retail location or are within a service area can register to win by submitting their email address and verifying their zip code. In addition to free pool service, participants are also eligible to win weekly prizes like pool party packs that contain essential chemicals like a non-chlorine oxidizer, shock, phosphate remover, and an enzyme clarifier. No purchase is necessary to enter.
“Between the pandemic last year and the tightening supply chain industry-wide, we wanted to remind pool owners that we’re always here for all their pool needs in spite of these challenges,” said Ruben Avendano, the VP of Marketing at Poolwerx. “That’s why we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to a lucky client to have a completely worry-free summer and enjoy their pool all year long.”
Poolwerx retail locations are also handing out scratch-offs to clients that bring their pool water samples for a free in-store digital water test. Every scratch-off presents another opportunity for pool owners to win more prizes toward their next Poolwerx visit. Shoppers can win up to $15 off their next purchase or a mystery gift.
“Owning a pool should be fun and affordable. We pride ourselves on providing our clients great, knowledgeable service at the best value. These scratch-offs are a great way to give our shoppers a little something extra,” said Avendano. “In conjunction with our first sweepstakes, we’re looking forward to a fun-filled summer and we can’t wait to find out who the lucky grand-prize winner is.”
The grand prize winner will be announced in July. For full terms and conditions or to enter visit
https://www.poolwerx.com/summersweepstakes.
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Poolwerx Pointers
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Looking for Father’s Day gift ideas for the superdads in your life? We’ve put together a gift guide for any dad who loves their pool to make his life a little easier. Read below for some inspiration!
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Poolwerx Pointers
How to Avoid E. coli in your Pool
Pool playtime is great family fun, but there are some things to watch out for. Keep reading below to find out why a free water test is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your little ones–and pool–healthy and safe.
58% of public pools contain E. coli.
In a 2013 study, The CDC collected samples of water from pool filters from public pools and tested the samples for genetic material (for example, DNA) of multiple microbes. The study found that 58%of the pool filter samples tested were positive for E. coli, bacteria normally found in human feces. Presence E. coli is an indicator of fecal contamination being present in the water.
What introduces E. coli to pools?
Infants and young children love to spend time playing in the pool. Infants and young children also tend to have accidents. Swim diapers are not fool proof and fecal matter can leak out. But people may not know that there is another factor that contributes to a contaminated pool–when swimmers don’t shower before they get in.
E. coli is a bacteria that everyone has inside their body and although people don’t like to think about it, people often will have small amounts of E. coli on their skin as well. People typically have about 0.14 grams of poop (about the same amount as a few grains of sand) on their bodies at any given time. Just how not washing your hands can spread germs that make someone sick, not washing your body before taking a swim can lead to shedding the bacteria into the water. The more unwashed swimmers in the pool, the more bacteria that can spread. You can get recreational water illnesses by swallowing, having contact with, or breathing in mists or aerosols from water contaminated with germs.
You might think you don’t swallow pool water, but you probably do… at least a little bit. A 2006 study found that during a 45-minute swim, adults swallowed 37 milliliters or water on average or almost two tablespoons. Children swallowed twice that amount. Once swallowed, germs live in their new host’s gastrointestinal tract until they’re pooed out, beginning the cycle again.
Can the E. coli in the pool actually make anyone sick?
The most common symptoms caused by recreational water illnesses are diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough or congestion, and eye pain. Diarrhea is the most common recreational water illness and unfortunately people who are already sick with diarrhea can spread it to others when they get in recreational water.
Children are among the most vulnerable.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who have health problems or take medicines that lower their body’s ability to fight germs and sickness are the most at risk of developing recreational water illnesses.
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What to know about your dog and your pool
Your pool can be a great source of entertainment and exercise for your dogs while helping them keep cool. Keep reading below to find out why a free water test is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furry friend–and pool–healthy and safe.
A single dog in a pool is equivalent to 3 or more people.
People often underestimate the impact their furry family members have on their pool’s water balance. When your dog goes for a swim, he raises your pool water’s pH and uses up chlorine faster than a human. In addition, their fur will introduce more contaminants into the water than people typically bring in. Fur tends to trap all kinds of particles, including dirt, dander, bugs and other pests, and even poop. Because of this, animals have small particles of fecal matter stuck in their fur. This fecal matter contaminate the pool’s water, which can lead to the transmission of Recreational Water Illnesses such as E. coli, Giardia, Hepatitis A and Cryptosporidium.
Fur can clog up filters and equipment.
Just like how humans shed 100-200 hairs each day, dogs also shed their hair, especially in the summer time. Even hypoallergenic dogs experience some shedding, but if you have a dog with a long coat or double coat, you are probably already aware of just how much hair comes off them. When dogs swim in the pool, hair they have shed will get into the water. And as your pool filters your water, it will get into and potentially clog your filter and other pool equipment. If you don’t check your equipment regularly, it may impact your filter and pool pump’s ability to clear out contaminants.
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