Cumberland Council is reminding residents that while the start of autumn might signal an end to peak swimming season, it doesn’t mean an end to swimming pool maintenance.
Mayor Greg Cummings encouraged pool owners to take extra care of water quality as the cooler months arrive and avoid allowing pools turning green or become a haven for mosquitos.
“As the warmer months recede, it’s tempting to take the ‘foot off the pedal’ when it comes to pool maintenance,” Mayor Cummings said.
“While you don’t have to chlorinate your pool as often in the cooler months, it’s important to maintain a good baseline quality for water.
“Council has already received a number of complaints about neighbouring pools going green or attracting mozzies, and this is likely to increase as summer wraps up.
“In really bad cases, neglected pools can become a health hazard for you and your neighbours, with bad smelling algae and mozzies breeding.
“Mosquitoes are a native insect that require water in which to breed. They may carry viruses such as Ross River Fever, which can cause illness with symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints.
“Over the past few years there has been a spike in Ross River virus infection notifications in NSW residents. In fact, last year, Ross River fever virus was detected in the neighbouring Bankstown-Canterbury area.
“Autumn is the peak time for mosquito borne viral infections and hence people should take steps to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for these viruses so prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites.
“The worst thing you can do is simply turn off the filter and forget about the pool.”
During autumn and winter, pool owners should be:
- Cleaning filters
- Keeping the chemicals in balance
- Adding an algaecide
- Using a pool blanket
- Maintaining the water level
Any portable pools should be drained.
“And don’t forget that the risk of drowning, especially to young children, doesn’t end with the summer. It’s important that swimming pool fences and gates are maintained year round,” Mayor Cummings said.
