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:

• Remove colour, suspended particles, organic material and some bacteria
• Boosts effectiveness of sanitizers like chlorine
• 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)
  
• Chlorine level (0.5 - 1.5 ppm Free Chlorine recommended)
• pH-acid/base level (7.2 - 7.8 recommended)
• Temperature (70 - 90 degrees F recommended)

Salt Water Pool Tips

• Adjust control knob on salt system to meet demand

• Maintain proper salt and stabilizer levels

• Visually inspect pool to confirm proper filtration and chlorination

• Keep pool recirculation system running constantly

• Check salt level in pool every six months

• Confirm salt unit producing chlorine (green light)

• Clean cell to remove calcium deposits and maintain chlorine production

Safe Chemical Storage

Do:

• Read and follow manufacturer directions
• Use personal protective equipment when handling chemicals
• Keep chemicals in a cool, dry, vented and locked place
• Store chemicals off floor at reasonable height
• Store dry chemicals above liquid ones
• Clean up spills immediately

Don't:

• Store chemicals near flammable materials (paper, solvents, paint, etc.)

• Mix chemicals

• Leave chemical containers open

• Use same scoop for different chemicals

Safe Pool Fencing

A pool-ready fence:

• Prevents direct access to pool from house and other areas of yard
• Meets municipal bylaws and height regulations
• Self-closes and self-latches with inside latch
• Features minimum 1.2m in height and gaps narrower than 10cm wide
• Is free of items that would allow easy entry (trees, buildings, etc.)
• Has gate latch above children's reach and always locked when not in use

Safety Equipment Checklist

Are you prepared with these supplies?:

• Lifesaving equipment, like safety ring with a rope, near the pool.
• First-Aid kit
• Telephone with emergency numbers located near the pool
• Properly-fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs) around the pool for toddlers and beginner swimmers

Pool Rules

Do:

• Encourage feet-first entries
• Ensure sufficient path of entry for slides and dives; slide feet first only
• Restrict diving or sliding to one person at a time
• Ensure slide or diving board matches your pool manufacturer's guidelines
• 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

• 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)