Texas summers can certainly be brutal. How does a true Texan refresh and cool off in the extreme heat? Why in a pool, of course!
But as much as we want to float around our pools all summer long, we know that proper pool maintenance requires regular pool cleaning and chemical testing for proper balance. If we don’t stay on top of it, our refreshing pools can quickly become a summertime nightmare.
The flip side, however, is that spending time cleaning your pool in this heat can also be an extremely dangerous proposition, if you aren’t careful. Be sure to educate yourself on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are very different animals requiring different treatment steps.
Even better, be sure to take the proper preventative measures to prevent such an event altogether. Heat exhaustion can occur when proper hydration is not maintained. Physical activity exacerbates fluid loss, as well, so it is critical that we drink much more water or beverages containing electrolytes throughout the day; even BEFORE we feel thirsty. Additionally wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing, protective hats and sun screen, avoid strenuous activities and alcoholic beverages, and hiring a pool cleaning service will help minimize risk.
It is crucial to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion before it turns into the more serious heat stroke. Exhaustion symptoms may include: headache, weakness, nausea, profuse sweating, and clammy or pale skin, as well as a possible accelerated heart rate.
- It is extremely important to monitor the heat exhaustion symptoms as it may turn into heat stroke, which is far more serious. Heat stroke can occur when your body gets too hot or when heat exhaustion goes untreated. Symptoms of heat (sun) stroke include the following: confusion or loss of consciousness, body temperature above 105, red or flushed skin with no sweating, and dizziness or nauseous.
At this point it is critical to get inside somewhere cool immediately and lay down. At this stage, do not drink any fluids, but instead sponge or spray warm or slightly cool water all over the body and call a physician for further medical advice.
