The information below can help you make your backyard pool safe and fun for everyone. The content was developed as a partnership between the Brant County Health Unit and Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services (Brantford).
Circulation and Filtration
Pool filter basics:
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Remove colour, suspended particles, organic material and some bacteria
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Boosts effectiveness of sanitizers like chlorine
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Run filter 24 hours/day, seven days/week for best effectiveness
Backwash and Downwash
- Begin backwash when pressure difference between influent and effluent pump lines reaches 10-15 psi, or as recommended by the installer or manufacturer
- Trapped dirt in the sand bed of the filter requires increased pumping pressure. Backwashing removes trapped dirt by reversing water through the filter
Water Balance
Balanced water is germ-free. It also promotes comfort for swimmers and makes pool maintenance easy and economical.
Please contact the Health Unit regarding other water quality parameters.
Your pool’s water balance depends on these factors:
- Total Alkalinity (80-120ppm)
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Chlorine level (0.5 – 1.5 ppm Free Chlorine recommended)
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pH-acid/base level (7.2 – 7.8 recommended)
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Temperature (70 – 90 degrees F recommended)
Salt Water Pool Tips
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Adjust control knob on salt system to meet demand
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Maintain proper salt and stabilizer levels
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Visually inspect pool to confirm proper filtration and chlorination
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Keep pool recirculation system running constantly
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Check salt level in pool every six months
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Confirm salt unit producing chlorine (green light)
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Clean cell to remove calcium deposits and maintain chlorine production
Safe Chemical Storage
Do:
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Read and follow manufacturer directions
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Use personal protective equipment when handling chemicals
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Keep chemicals in a cool, dry, vented and locked place
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Store chemicals off floor at reasonable height
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Store dry chemicals above liquid ones
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Clean up spills immediately
Don’t:
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Store chemicals near flammable materials (paper, solvents, paint, etc.)
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Mix chemicals
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Leave chemical containers open
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Use same scoop for different chemicals
Safe Pool Fencing
A pool-ready fence:
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Prevents direct access to pool from house and other areas of yard
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Meets municipal bylaws and height regulations
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Self-closes and self-latches with inside latch
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Features minimum 1.2m in height and gaps narrower than 10cm wide
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Is free of items that would allow easy entry (trees, buildings, etc.)
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Has gate latch above children’s reach and always locked when not in use
Safety Equipment Checklist
Are you prepared with these supplies?:
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Lifesaving equipment, like safety ring with a rope, near the pool.
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First-Aid kit
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Telephone with emergency numbers located near the pool
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Properly-fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs) around the pool for toddlers and beginner swimmers
Pool Rules
Do:
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Encourage feet-first entries
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Ensure sufficient path of entry for slides and dives; slide feet first only
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Restrict diving or sliding to one person at a time
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Ensure slide or diving board matches your pool manufacturer’s guidelines
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Keep pool deck clean and debris-free
- Keep a safety cover on the pool when not in use
Don’t:
- Leave family members unattended
- Allow running on pool deck
- Allow swimming without pool supervisor
- Mix alcohol and swimming
- Allow diving in murky or cloudy water
- Wear earplugs (can add dangerous pressure during descent into water)
- Allow diving into above-ground pool
- Use breakable cups and dishware on pool deck
Emergency Steps
Stay calm and act quickly
- CHECK: For danger and responsiveness, tap gently and shout, “are you okay?”
- SEARCH: If casualty is responsive, look for bleeding from head to toe
- CARE: Open airway, check breathing and pulse and care for additional minor injuries
- CALL: If casualty is unresponsive, yell for help and send someone to call an ambulance (911)
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