Objects that are not wanted in the pool can’t help but sometimes find there way in there. When accidents happen, check below for what to do.
Automobile antifreeze (ethylene glycol):
Automobile antifreeze is extremely toxic. Drain the pool completely and clean the filter with Filter Brite. Contact the local Health Department for instructions on draining the pool due to the water containing a toxic chemical.
Broken thermometer – possible mercury contamination:
Most pool thermometers manufactured recently do not contain mercury. The newer thermometers contain alcohol. Verify that the temperature indicator was coloured (normally red) and not silver. If the thermometer indicator was coloured, it is alcohol and the only contamination that is of concern is broken glass or plastic from the thermometer itself. If the indicator was silver from an older thermometer, it is likely that mercury is in the pool. Silver-coloured liquid droplets in the pool will be due to mercury.
Mercury is an extremely hazardous material. If there is any threat of mercury being introduced to the pool, evacuate the pool immediately and shut down the pump and filter. Contact a hazardous waste disposal company (Yellow Pages) for further direction and possible disposal of the mercury/pool water. This all depends on local and state regulations.
Animals:
Dead Animals – Unfortunately, this does happen occasionally, and the poor creatures contribute bacteria and other contaminants to the water. If a dead animal has been found in a pool, a serious health threat exists. Do not allow anyone to enter the pool until the water has been treated.
- Remove the animal and dispose of it properly.
- Shock the pool with 4 – 5 times the normal amount of Burn Out Extreme or Burn Out 35.
- Clean the filter with Filter Brite.
- Watch the sanitiser residual and do not allow it to drop below 2.0 ppm for one week. Shock as needed to maintain this level or higher.
- Do not swim until the residual drops to 5.0 ppm or lower.
Live Animals – Live animals enjoy pools as much as people, but do tend to bring more in with them. If dogs, ducks or other creatures have gone for a dip, simply follow with a shock application for your sanitiser type. Note that dogs have an impact 50 to 80 times higher on chlorine levels than do humans, so higher sanitiser consumption is normal if they are allowed into the pool. In addition, a dog’s skin can lose moisture if allowed into a pool, and excessive exposure has been linked with canine dermatitis. Ducks can be deterred from landing on the pool water by applying a maintenance dose of AlgiGuard. This modifies the surface tension of the water and reduces the water-repellence of the duck’s feathers. In essence, the duck feels like it is sinking and will not return to such treated water.
Dry ice (liquid nitrogen):
Dry ice can be used in pools safely. After using the dry ice, add 1 bag of Burn Out Extreme per 50,000 litres or 250 grams of Burn Out 35 per 10,000 litres. As dry ice tends to lower pH, check and adjust if needed.
Faecal matter:
Faecal matter can be a serious health hazard. Cryptosporidium can be introduced to the pool and even in small amounts can cause illness in swimmers.
- Evacuate the pool and remove as much of the solid matter as is possible.
- Shock the pool with 4 – 5 times the normal amount of Burn Out Extreme or Burn Out 35.
- Clean the filter with Filter Brite.
- Watch the sanitiser residual and do not allow it to drop below 2.0 ppm for one week. Shock as needed to maintain this level or higher.
- Do not swim until the residual drops to 5.0 ppm or lower.
Fertiliser:
CAUTION: Check with the fertiliser manufacturer for toxicity. Some fertilisers contain toxic chemicals and draining may be necessary.
If larger amounts of fertiliser have entered the pool, check for iron or copper content as some fertilisers contain metals. If metals are present, add Pool Magnet according to label instructions.
Check for chlorine demand. Nitrates from the fertiliser can cause a very high demand and may require that the pool be drained.
Petrol or motor oil:
As it is insoluble in water, petrol or motor oil will float on top of the pool.
- Turn off the pump and soak up as much as possible with absorbent materials such as rags, Styrofoam, etc.
- Turn the pump back on and shock the pool with twice the normal shock dose of Burn Out Extreme or Burn Out 35.
- Clean the filter with Filter Brite to remove any oil that has entered the filter.
- Do not swim until the residual drops to 5.0 ppm or lower.
Laundry detergent:
In cases where a great deal of laundry detergent has been added to the pool, a drain may be necessary. In less extreme cases, Antifoam Concentrate can be used as often as needed to keep foaming to a minimum. Shock the pool to help break the detergent down with the normal shock dose of Burn Out Extreme or Burn Out 35.
Lawn mower:
The main contamination when a lawn mower falls into the pool is from the gas and oil that are released into the water. Remove the lawn mower, and proceed to treat as above for petrol or motor oil.
Paint – oil based (enamels):
CAUTION: Check with the manufacturer for toxicity of the product. If the paint contains toxic chemicals, a drain will be necessary.
- For small amounts of oil based paint, turn off the pump and soak up as much as possible with absorbent materials such as rags, Styrofoam, etc.
- Turn the pump back on and shock the pool with twice the normal shock dose of Burn Out Extreme or Burn Out 35.
- Clean the filter with Filter Brite to remove any paint or solvent that has entered the filter.
- Do not swim until the residual drops to 5.0 ppm or lower.
- For large amounts of paint, turn off the pump and soak up as much as possible, then drain the pool.
Paint – water-based (acrylics):
Unfortunately, water based paint will dissolve in the pool water. It will be necessary to drain the pool. After draining, be sure to chemically clean the filter.
Water bugs and other insects:
Water bugs enter water and pull a sac of air around themselves and use the water tension to skate around the water. They are not harmful, but they may bite. To kill water bugs once they are in the pool, apply a maintenance dose of AlgiGuard. This reduces water tension so that they drown.
