Information Update - Remember to regularly test and clean water in your swimming pool and spa

OTTAWA, June 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Many Canadians look forward to summer as a time to enjoy swimming or relaxing in a backyard pool or spa. With warmer days coming, remember to regularly test and sanitize pool or spa water,to avoid getting sick.

Pools and spas are good places for microorganisms like bacteria and viruses to grow and live. Even if the water looks clean, it could be contaminated. Swimming or bathing in water that hasn't been properly sanitized can cause ear and stomach infections or skin rashes, so make sure you test the water every day that your pool or spa is used.

What you should do

• Always maintain the proper water balance in all types of pools and spas. Test your water balance daily for sanitizer levels, pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness using a good quality test kit from a store that sells pool and spa equipment. You can also have your water tested by a pool and spa dealer.
• Empty and clean inflatable and kiddie pools regularly, since the water is not usually treated.
• Control algae levels.  Algae can make pool and spa surfaces slippery and can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers.
• Do not mix different pool and spa chemicals together to avoid dangerous chemical reactions.
• Pool and spa chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place, away from sunlight, and flammable materials, such as gasoline and fertilizers.
• For ALL types of pools and spas, it is important to follow the directions when using swimming pool and spa chemicals. The label tells you how much of the product to use and how to handle the product safely, including the use of proper protective equipment.
• All pool and spa products (chemicals and devices) used to control microorganisms and algae must be registered or scheduled under the Pest Control Products Act. Make sure the label of your pool and spa products have either a PCP number or "Scheduled under The Pest Control Products Act".
• You can also use Health Canada's online search to check for the most recent product information. You can also check the new pesticide label search mobile app.
• Swimming pool and spa devices that generate or dispense a sanitizer have detailed instructions in the user's manual, on the package and on the device itself. Always read the label and the user's manual before installing and using a device.
• Always wash your hands after handling any chemical.
• Keep all pool and spa chemicals away from children and pets to prevent accidental exposure.

Report health and safety concerns

Report any adverse events from a pest control product to the manufacturer, who is required by law to report it to Health Canada. You may also report an incident directly to Health Canada by completing an incident report form.

For more information

• Swimming pool and spa cleaning
• Use pesticides safely
• Are pesticides safe?

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SOURCE Health Canada

Media Inquiries: Health Canada, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709