General Information

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Pool Temperatures

The ideal pool temperature recommended by the National Pool and Spa Association (NPSA) is between 78 - 82 Fahrenheit. The Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex heats pools to stay within this range.

In the Fall and Winter, colder temperatures combine with the cool air from the San Francisco Bay to create strong winds and fog. These elements cool the water at a faster rate throughout the day. The more shallow water pools will cool faster than the competition pool, which stays fairly constant due to the size and volume of water. We recommend that participants bring a warm wrap and towel and possibly wear a rash guard shirt or wet suit when participating in swim activities during he Fall/Winter season.

Chlorine and Chemistry

The Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex uses 12% liquid chlorine bleach in the pools. It is injected by pumps and monitored by computer 24 hours per day to stay within the normal limits of the county health code when bathers are present. Aquatic Complex staff also manually tests the pools several times each day. Chlorine keeps pools sanitized and prevents algae and bacteria growth. It kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms, which may be in the water. By destroying contaminants, it keeps water healthy and clear.

A wide variety of swimsuit materials are available today. However, many of them are not colorfast for extended wear in chlorinated pools. They can fade quickly.

Wind Chill

Brentwood winds are well known. In summer, cool air from the San Francisco Bay rushes in and towards the hot interior valley and brings strong afternoon and evening winds. Wind cools the water in the same way it cools a wet swimmer. Afternoon swimmers in warmer water may feel cooler because of the wind chill factor.

Cool Kids

Young children will feel this more readily as their smaller body mass reacts faster to temperature changes. Keeping shoulders underwater once wet, wearing a T-shirt in the pool, and eating a light snack for energy prior to swimming will help maintain body heat. During evening swim lessons, it is not unusual for infants and toddlers to have to end their swim lesson after 15 minutes due to chilling. Blue lips and shivering means it is time to get out of the water and warm up.

Keep Chlorine Working

Chlorine dissipates quickly on crowded days with high bather loads. The sun's heat and ultraviolet rays also diminish chlorine levels. The warmer the pool, the faster the chlorine is used. The water slides and water features also make it disappear rapidly through aeration. Close monitoring of chlorine and Ph keep our water clear, safe and enjoyable for our guest.

Swim Diapers

All bathers bring dirt, possible viruses and bacteria into the pool. Good chemistries and chlorine levels will kill most contaminants quickly. E-coli is killed in 2-10 seconds in a chlorinated pool. However for the comfort of all of our guest, we ask that babies wear swim diapers. No one who has had diarrhea in the past two weeks should swim in a public pool. teach your children to NOT DRINK the pool water.

Eye Burn

Nitrogen molecules from urine, sweat and organic matter can form chloramines or combined chlorine. This is the primary cause for eye burn and "chlorine odor." the chloramines can be eliminated only if sufficient levels of chlorine are present.

To get rid of combined chlorine, pools are shocked with even more chlorine when no bathers are present (only at night). This breaks the bonds of the chloramines and allows it to oxidize into the air. Bathers are not permitted in the water until chlorine levels return to normal. Some people are more sensitive to chlorine and combined chlorine. They may wish to wear goggles for their eye comfort and shower after swimming to reduce skin irritation.

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