What You Need To Know Before Buying a Swimming Pool
May 22, 2023
When summer arrives, the first thought is usually to get out and enjoy the heat; a pleasant break from the cold winter and cool spring temperatures. But you also need to be careful. Sunny days are fun and enjoyable, but they can also be hazardous to you and your family’s health if you don’t take the proper precautions.
In this article, we’ll go through some of our top tips to help you and your family stay safe while enjoying the hot Canadian sun and your Narellan Pool.
Weather forecasts are a great way to enable you to plan ahead, arranging your outdoor activities around the peaks of the sunshine. Of particular importance when checking the weather forecast is the UV index. The UV index is an indicator of how much UV radiation you can expect on a given day. Its importance cannot be understated when trying to stay safe in the sun, as UV rays are what cause sunburn and increase other health risks. The UV index is often published alongside the daily weather forecast, especially during the summer — it is always available on the Canadian Government website.
The index is important as it gives you an indication of the types of protection and the amount of time you should spend in the sun. The higher the value the more at-risk you are and therefore the less time you should spend in the sun that day. Pay special attention to UV index values over 5 as these indicate burning can occur in less than an hour. A common myth is that darker skin tones can spend more time in the sun without increasing their risk, but that is false and all skin tones are at equal risk.
SPF is the rating for the amount of protection that sunscreen, and some moisturizers with an SPF rating, can give you. The higher the SPF rating the more protection against the sun’s UV radiation you will have. The Canadian Government recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and applying it at least 15 minutes before you plan to go out into the sun.
Sunscreen should also be reapplied regularly to maintain its protection; different products will have different advice for reapplication so be sure to read the instructions on the container. When using sunscreen around the pool, it’s important to select a waterproof version to get the best protection for the longest period.
Giving yourself some portable shade and protection from the direct sunlight with the right kinds of clothing can go a long way to keeping you safe in the sun. Lightweight clothing is best to prevent you from overheating, and try to keep your clothing dry, or pack a change, as wet clothing offers less protection.
Children and young babies should always wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats as their delicate skin and eyes are at particular risk, however, this is good advice for all age groups.
Dehydration can be a major issue when out in the summer heat, especially so when swimming or relaxing in the cool pool water. Spending time in the water can often lead to feeling like you need to drink less as you are not as hot and thirsty. Regular fluid intake is still crucially important, though, regardless of whether you feel thirsty, to help your body replenish fluid loss through sweat and regulate its temperature.
A great way to enjoy the summer sun at home is with a swimming pool in your own backyard. Get in touch with Narellan Pools today to find out more about the fantastic range of fiberglass swimming pools we have on offer.
