Recreational Water Illness (RWI)
According to the Centers for Disease Control, recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by contaminated water. Maintaining required sanitizer and pH levels can help to prevent most RWIs. Diarrhea is the most common RWI, caused by microorganisms such as "Crypto", E. coli, Giardia, and Shigella.
Ways to protect against RWIs:
- Do not swim if you currently have diarrhea, and do not swim for 2 weeks after the last episode of diarrhea
- Take a cleansing shower before swimming, with soap and warm water
- Do not swallow the water
- Wash your hands before and after swimming
- Wash your children with soap and warm water before swimming
- Use fitted swim diapers for your children
- Take children to the bathroom frequently
- Change diapers in bathrooms, not at poolside
For more information about RWIs, please click here
Maintaining Water Quality
Parameter | Range |
---|---|
Free Chlorine* | 1 - 5ppm |
Bromine* | 2 - 4ppm |
pH* | 7.2 - 7.8 |
Turbidity* (water clarity) | Clear Water |
Entrapment* Prevention | Approved Covers in good condition, etc. |
*These are imminent hazards which will result in immediate closure until corrected.