COVID -19 UPDATE APRIL 14 2020
In response to the most recent Government of Ontario Actions
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We at Doctor Pool remain open to field your questions and concerns about your swimming pool, please call or email. Our online store will remain open to purchase essential chemicals to keep your pool properly sanitized and safe.
We will still Open Pools, provide weekly maintenance and emergency service repairs to pumps and equipment, we will not provide equipment upgrades, new covers etc. Our teams will be following strict social distancing procedures.
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Our firm will still be providing some essential services under the following section of the latest list posted by the Province.
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Maintenance
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Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.
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COVID-19 & Your Swimming Pool
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The CDC has released guidance on COVID-19 and water transmission, including recreational bodies of water like pools or spas. We encourage you to read this information and share it with others who may have questions about the spread of Coronavirus through water. "There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19."
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Please Remember the Dangers of Stagnant swimming pool water
A swimming pool can be a great addition to your home, but without regular and routine maintenance, it can become a danger. Stagnant swimming pool water poses serious health hazards. Without proper coverings, filtration, and treatment; you'll have stagnant swimming pool water running through your hands.
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Consider these Health Risks Before You Allow Stagnant Swimming Pool Water in Your Backyard:
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Mosquitos
Stagnant water anywhere is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These pests are a nuisance, but they also carry disease. If you let your pool water become stagnant, you risk infection from mosquito-borne illness.
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These include:
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West Nile virus
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Many people display no symptoms of this virus. Those who do may experience fever,
headache, diarrhea, skin rashes, and, in rare cases, severe neurological side effects.
Septic arthritis
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Septic arthritis is a joint infection that results in severe pain. The joint may be swollen or red and feel tender to the touch. Septic arthritis can occur from a mosquito-borne virus.
Viral Encephalitis
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This dangerous inflammation of the brain carries few obvious symptoms. Typical patients experience mild flu-like symptoms of fever, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Severe symptoms include loss of sensation, temporary paralysis, and the onset of seizures.
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The risks of stagnant swimming pool water don't only apply to humans, but also mosquitoes may transmit deadly diseases such as heartworm and tapeworms to your furry friends.
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Bacteria
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Stagnant water breeds more than mosquitos. Certain strains of bacteria also thrive in poorly-maintained pools. Bacterial health risks include:
E. coli
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Escherichia coli bacteria enjoys moist environments. Most strains won't do too much harm beyond a brief bout of diarrhea, but severe versions cause severe cramping, bloody stool, and vomiting. A severe strain of e. coli will warrant a trip to the doctor.
Dysentery
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This condition results in bloody diarrhea and stems from an infection of Shigella bacteria.
Maintenance and Prevention
You can prevent your pool water from stagnating and breeding diseases by making sure you have a filtration system for your pool, and that it's working correctly. Perform routine checks of all your pool parts. If you find a leak that is a clear sign your pool requires repair.
Routinely Check:
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Filtration pump
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Filter
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Sanitizer
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Inlets
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Skimmer
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Main drain
As long as everything is in working order, mosquitoes should not be able to use your pool water to breed, and the sanitizer will provide chemicals to kill any stray bacteria.
Keeping your pool covered when not in use can also prevent mosquitoes breeding or untreated rainwater from contaminating the surface. However, mosquitoes only need an inch of standing water to lay eggs. So, you’ll want to make sure your pool cover is clear from standing water as well.
A well-maintained pool is a pool that you'll be able to enjoy to the fullest. Simple maintenance will ensure your pool water is safe and not stagnant.
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