Staying In The Swim

While summer is almost over, the warm weather is not, and First National Real Estate says it is just as important now to consider pool safety, cleaning and maintenance, particularly in the light of the recent tumultuous events occurring across Australia.

According to Paul Taylor, from Taylor’s First National, natural disasters, such as bushfires and floods have the ability to increase the usual risks and hazards associated with swimming pools.

“When a swimming pool is not properly maintained, it could lead to serious health problems for families,” Paul said.

“That’s why it is important to continuously test pool water quality, vacuum it regularly and keep it clean from debris.

“But when a storm, flood or bushfire, hits a town, this importance increases tenfold.

“The effect of natural disasters on homes with pools in the immediate vicinity, as well as surrounding areas, is often so devastating that the backyard pool seems the last thing to worry about.

“In many ways it may be, but before you put the pool at the bottom of the urgent list, consider the increased risks and health hazards posed by the natural disaster.

“Floodwaters may have brought sewage or muddy waters into your swimming pool, or fallen branches and chemical run-offs may have been introduced as a result of bushfire fighting activities, or from roofs covered in bird droppings and other animal matter.

“Not to mention the health hazards that burning houses, sheds and other buildings or structures can leave in rubble and ash that may find their way into the swimming pool.”

Hazardous household materials that may be present after a fire include asbestos, ash from burnt treated timbers such as copper chrome arsenate or CCA, medicines, garden or farm chemicals, other general cleaning chemicals, metal and other residues from burnt household appliances as well as ash and dust.

Electrical damage could also present a problem for the home swimming pool if equipment has been compromised and an obvious drowning hazard is created if the pool fence has been burnt or damaged.

Another potential risk is that posed by snakes, spiders and other pests who have used the pool as a safe harbour during and immediately following a natural disaster.

“Mosquitoes and other types of bacteria, such as those found in algal blooms, may use the pool as a breeding ground, particularly if it remains unused for a period of time,” Paul said.

“So, no matter what, any water left in the pool should be superchlorinated, following the instructions of a pool technician, to limit algal and bacterial growth.

First National urges home and property owners who have a pool that has been damaged as a result of a natural disaster to contact the relevant insurance agent and get the concerns seen to immediately.

“These issues need immediate consideration as they can represent possibly duty of care issues for property managers,” Paul said.

“They must be considered as part of any insurance claim, which is why it is critical the pool is not emptied by the home owner or property manager, no matter how much debris or potential hazard is exposed, as it may damage the pool’s structure and increase the repair costs.

“Our best advice is to seek advice from a pool professional for a safety and damage assessment, contact a licensed electrician to check circuits and electrical fittings and consult the council for any water restrictions regarding the emptying and any refilling of your pool. “

Storms, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters can be devastating, but fast effective action can save a lot of stress, pain, anxiety, time and money.