Tag Archives: swimming pool

Avoid Swimming Pool Sickness

And I thought chasing after a wet, naked child in public was a problem… Imagine taking your kids to the city pool to cool off on the first day of summer vacation, then being forced to spend the next week nursing them back to health. A growing number of kids are getting sick from swimming in public pools.  The problem has become so widespread the Center for Disease Control recently issued a warning to parents about protecting their children from recreational water illnesses. Heath experts say even regularly maintained pools can contain contaminants like cryptosporidium.  If a person doesn’t shower … Continue reading →

Going to the Pool

How old was your baby when you first took him swimming? Was it a positive experience? Summer is approaching, and we just bought our baby’s first swimming suit. The purchase may have been unnecessary, but we really enjoyed picking through the adorable styles and prints. When we arrived home, I started thinking about whether our baby would ever enter a pool or lake this summer. I don’t hesitate to bring her in the water because of fears that she will drown. We’ll always have two adults around at all times (one holding her, one there on the rare chance that … Continue reading →

Green Swimming Pools

Summer can be great fun in the swimming pool, but did you know that reliance on chlorine can be harmful? In fact there are studies that have linked exposure to the chemical by swimmers to an increased risk for asthma? If you aren’t squeamish, here is one other little piece of information for you. Studies have shown that when bodily fluids, such as sweat and urine mix with chlorine it can form toxic products called chloramines? In addition to these issues, there is the fact that chlorine is pretty bad for your hair and can make your skin smell as … Continue reading →

Is Pool Chlorine Bad for You?

I don’t want to put a damper on your summer fun… but that chlorine in your pool is a pretty powerful chemical. Chlorine can be highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if not diluted. The upside of chlorine: this chemical helps disinfect the pool water. It helps curb algae growth and keep bacteria under control. Swimming in a contaminated pool can be dangerous to your health! The downsides of chlorine: A 2006 study found that children who are prone to asthma are at increased risk of developing the disease if they swim regularly in an indoor chlorinated … Continue reading →

Swimmer’s Ear

If you love to swim, you’ve probably encountered Swimmer’s Ear at least once in your life. I had it once when I was younger and I hope I never ever have it again! My ear hurt all the way down into my jaw and I was miserable until it cleared up. So what is Swimmer’s Ear? It is an infection of the ear and ear canal, usually caused by a germ by the name of “pseudomonas aeurginosa”. It is a pretty common germ found in soil and water. If you have Swimmer’s Ear, you may feel itching or pain (or … Continue reading →

Make a Simple Sandbox

If your kids love to play in the sand, but you cannot justify spending the money to build and fill a large sandbox, make a smaller, simpler, portable version. It is inexpensive and simple to do, and your children will still enjoy it. Playing in the sand is an excellent form of play that allows children to be creative and use their imaginations. Start by purchasing a large, shallow storage container with a lid. Long, low containers, such as those made for under the bed storage are perfect. Next, purchase a couple of bags of play sand and fill the … Continue reading →

Simple Sandboxes

Would your child love to have a sandbox? You don’t have to spend a lot of money having one built. You can construct one yourself, or you can make a really simple sandbox using these ideas. What a Swimmingly Fun Idea Purchase a small plastic swimming pool. Measure it and dig a hole that it will just fit inside, place it in the hole, and fill it with sand. You can find bags of sand at nurseries, home improvement centers, and garden centers. You should be able to purchase 25-50 pound bags of sand for just a few dollars each. … Continue reading →