Hotels are a place where people can get away from their daily routines and spend some time relaxing. For many people, a trip to the hotel’s pool is one of the main reasons for visiting the property. In addition to providing a place for people to relax, the hotel pool can also be a good way for guests to observe the local fauna.
However, little do guests know that the pool’s water is not always fresh. For those staying at a certain hotel, this article will tell them the truth about the pool’s water. Consider this your warning.
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Fresh Water Is Not Always Available At The Hotel
Depending on where you are staying at the hotel, you may or may not have access to fresh water. If you check out the hotel’s website, you will see that the water is not always fresh when you get there. For example, if you visit the Sheraton Naka Hotel in Japan, you will see the following message:
“Fresh water is available only in selected locations. So, when you visit these places, you will see that the water is fresh. However, in other locations, the water might not be fresh, in which case you will have to bring your own supply with you. Even when the water is fresh, it might not be safe to drink, in which case you should also bring your own drinking bottle.”
According to the hotel, the water might not be fresh in the places mentioned above, but it is safe to assume that the pool itself receives its water directly from a spring. Still, even in these cases, the water could be heavily chlorinated, so drinking it might not be the best idea. Especially since the hotel does not provide any other kind of water on site.
What this means is that, even though you may be staying at a hotel that has a pool, you should not assume that the pool will be fresh all the time. This is why it is important to always check the pool’s webpage before you visit the place, to know if there is any information about the water’s quality.
Hotel Pools Can Become Unpleasant To Swimming In
Even when the pool is clean and looks appealing, it is not good for your health to swim in a pool with a high alkalinity. This is why the hotel website mentions that the water might not be fresh in some locations. When the alkalinity is high, it will eat at your skin’s surface area, making you feel like you are getting out of the water rather quickly. Of course, you can always take a stroll by the pool and get some fresh air, but the truth is that swimming is not always the best idea when the alkalinity of the water is high. Still, this is a good thing for the environment, as it means the pool is not contaminated by human waste and it does not need as much water to be changed as regularly as a pool filled with fresh water would.
What Is The Standard Practice For Cleaning The Pool?
The Sheraton Naka Hotel in Japan cleans its pool each week, with a professional pool cleaning company coming to the hotel every six weeks. However, it is not only about the frequency of the cleanings, but also about the type of chemicals used. For example, the company uses a pool chemical that is both natural and biodegradable. Still, even when using environmentally sound chemicals, it is important to properly dispose of them after use. Otherwise, this could mean trouble later on.
This company provides a pool cleaning service that is totally affordable and worth it, as hygiene is a major concern for anyone visiting a hotel. Still, sometimes, the cost of having a pool cleaned can add up, especially if you are staying at a higher-end hotel.
How Is The Water Tested For Alkalinity?
There are several methods that can be used to test the alkalinity of the water at a hotel. The most common one is to use litmus paper, which is available in most chemistry or biology stores. Simply add a few drops of the liquid to be tested to the paper, wait for a few minutes, and then check the paper for any changes. If you are using a smartphone, you can download an app that will do the same thing automatically, without you having to manually test the water each time you use the pool.
If you see a different color on the paper, it means the pool’s water has an alkalinity level above what is considered “pure water”. Still, it is perfectly safe to swim in these pools as long as the alkalinity is within acceptable limits and the pool is cleaned regularly. Otherwise, you might end up with a nasty case of poisoning, which is not something you want to experience while on vacation.
The Benefits Of Swimming In A Hotel Pool
Even if the water is not freshly changed, it is still good for your health to swim in a pool at a hotel. This is because the chlorine levels in the pool are usually low, so the water is not overly chlorinated. Still, you should drink fresh water only when available, to maintain good hygiene. Still, there are many benefits to swimming in a hotel pool. Here are just a few:
- It is good for your muscles
- It is good for your skin
- It is good for your mood
- It is a great way to meet new people
- It is a place to relax
- It is a way to get some fresh air
- It is a way to exercise
- It is a way to clear your mind
- It is a way to experience new things
The Dangers Of Swimming In A Hotel Pool
Hotel pools are a great way for people to relax and forget about their daily stresses, but there are still some dangerous aspects associated with them. If you are not careful, you could get sick from the water’s alkalinity or contaminated by a virus in the pool. If you are staying at a property where these risks exist, it is best to stay away from the pool or take the necessary precautions.
Alcoholic drinks are among the major causes of liver damage. Even though the Sheraton Naka Hotel in Japan says the water is safe to drink when limited to no alcohol is consumed, it is still best to avoid it. Still, other kinds of water contamination are also a cause for concern. For example, an algae bloom in the pool will severely clog the pipes, making it difficult for the water to be changed. In this case, it would be better to stay away from the pool or at least put the pool’s drain near the bank, so the water can be changed easily. Even when these measures are taken, it is still a good idea to test the water regularly for algae and other waterborne pathogens.
Taking a dip in a hotel pool is a lot of fun, especially when the water is fresh. Still, it is good to know the risks before you get in the water, to have an enjoyable and healthy experience.