How I Protect Myself on my Pool Route from the Sun and Toxic Chemicals

In this article I cover how I protect myself from the Sun's UV rays and from the chemicals on my pool route. Protecting yourself from the Sun is important since Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. More than 4 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.  Besides that almost all of the chemicals used in the industry are classified as carcinogens.

The main way I protect myself from the Sun is to stay covered up. I wear only long pants and long sleeve shirts which I roll up only exposing about 10 inches of my arm. This is the part that is going into the water so it is easier to just leave it uncovered. I wear collared shirts to help protect my neck and a wide brim straw hat to cover my face. I then apply SPF 50 baby sun tan lotion on the exposed areas, my arms, face and neck. I prefer the baby version because it goes on thick and is visible until it starts to wear out. It doesn't look pretty, but it is effective. So no shorts, tank tops and the like. Covering up from the Sun is crucial. And yes I get hot out there but sweating it is better than Cancer.

I also wear Nitrile coated work gloves that also protect my hands from the Sun and from the toxic chemicals I touch each day. They are affordable and are long lasting. Plus they are comfortable and do not hinder my daily work activities. You can learn more from this video I filmed on them:

Nitrile Coated Work Gloves by Wells Lamont: https://youtu.be/iHz3gNiB77w

You can order them here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VXNSV36?ie=UTF8&tag=swimmingpooll-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00VXNSV36


I mention that I wear knee pads on my pol route. I am not sure how guys can do it without them. I am on my knees constantly and without the knee pads I think I would be retired by now. They are a must out there. Here are the ones I use:

ProFlex® 335 Slip Resistant Rubber Cap Knee Pad – Review: https://youtu.be/68gqE6YPAjc

You can order he knee pads here:
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Slip-Resistant-Rubber-Knee/dp/B01GJEBXAQ/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=86bc9730f217691034be3a98732db283&creativeASIN=B01GJEBXAQ


You must protect your eyes or you will develop cataracts. The Sun is very damaging to your eyes and I wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. The best ones for your eyes are the ones that are polarized. They are 400 UV protection and as a side benefit they also cut down on the glare from the pool surface, making seeing the bottom of the pool very easy and clear. Here are the ones I use – make sure you order the mirrored lens type:

Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses Tr90 Unbreakable Frame - Lifetime Breakage Warranty: https://youtu.be/_17Xj-XT-FM

You can order the glasses here:
https://www.amazon.com/Duduma-Polarized-Sunglasses-Running-Unbreakable/dp/B015T1199K/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=eb5d6889337331ebf5aa22b9f524f6fc&creativeASIN=B015T1199K


The D.E. Filter media that is used to recharge the pool filters is considered an industrial carcinogen. Which means if you use it regularly like we do, and get large amounts in your lungs over years of exposure – you can develop lung issues including cancer. It says it right on the label. So I don't use the stuff now without a full face gas mask like the 3M one I show here. I did film it but don't have a vidoe ready yet.

You can order it here- it is around $140.00:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-7162-Full-Facepiece-Spray-Respirator/dp/B0002STR86/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c682f6af5d38e4fcd29e7a1bc81b5b78&creativeASIN=B0002STR86

Basically you want to do everything you can to protect yourself from the Sun and chemicals out in the field all day. Wearing clothes that covers most of your body, gloves and a mask when adding D.E. Are just some of the ways to stay safe out there.


Related Videos:
Become a Pool Guy or Pool Gal: https://youtu.be/pDW1dvoyszI
Maintain and Service A Swimming Pool: A Step By Step Guide: https://youtu.be/UmHqL2EvG10
Poolman Tips and Tricks: For Pool Service Professionals and DIY Homeowners: https://youtu.be/sUcjLt9Sk8s