Get your pool ready for summer!

THE long months of winter mean many pools have been neglected, and a recent study has revealed that 96 percent of Aussie pools are not fit to be swum in.

pool

THE long months of winter mean many pools have been neglected, and a recent study has revealed that 96 percent of Aussie pools are not fit to be swum in.

Thanks to a build up of bacteria, just four percent of the 1000 pools sampled across the country showed a healthy pH balance, and only 1 in 5 were properly chlorinated.

How to create an outdoor retreat

"Our water testing showed just how badly people let their pools slide with some pools being ignored for up to four months," John O'Brien from Poolwerx, who conducted the study, said.

"Your pool may look clean but if you haven't maintained it over the past few months there could be few 'bugs' waiting to break out.

"Untreated pools can cause real harm to your family and friends with the increased levels of microorganisms, algae and bacteria posing serious health risks like diarrhoea, ear infections, and eye and skin irritations."

Eco-friendly pools

So if you are a pool owner, now is the time to get it fit for summer! Here are five tips to get your pool looking healthy:

1. Check pool equipment to ensure it is running properly
2. Ensure the pH level is within healthy levels
3. Make sure chlorine levels are adequate to disinfect all microorganisms
4. Vacuum and skim the pool regularly
5. Organise a regular professional check-up