Don’t Overheat During Summer

It’s August in Austin, which means daily temps above 100 degrees. Spending time in your inground pool is really the only way to enjoy the outdoors this time of year. However, even in the pool, spending time in this heat can also be extremely dangerous if you aren’t taking the proper measures to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion. At Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we want you to have a safe summer by recognizing the symptoms of both heat stroke and heat exhaustion, as they are each treated differently.

Heat exhaustion typically occurs when a person hasn’t been properly hydrated in extreme heat, and can be exacerbated when engaging in physical activity. Often times when hanging out at the pool, we don’t feel thirsty and tend to overlook staying hydrated.

Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Accelerated Heart Rate
• Pale or Clammy Skin
• Profuse Sweating

Here are some ways to prevent heat exhaustion:

• Stay hydrated. Drink Gatorade or some other electrolyte replacement beverage. Drink often, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol in extreme heat
• Avoid strenuous exercise in extreme heat
• Dress in loose-fitting and light colored clothing
• Wear a sun hat
• Go inside when feeling overheated

Here are some ways to treat heat exhaustion:

• Lay down in an air-conditioning room or shaded area
• Drink non-alcoholic fluids
• Loosen clothing

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. The treatment differs from that of heat exhaustion, which is why it’s important to understand the difference.

Here are some symptoms of heat stroke/sunstroke:

• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Temperature above 105
• Red or flushed skin with no sweating
• Dizzy or nauseous

Here are some ways to treat heat exhaustion:

• Get inside immediately
• Do not give any fluids (this is different than treatment of heat exhaustion)
• Sponge or spray warm or slightly cool water all over the body.
• Call a doctor

Knowing these signs can prevent what could potentially be a very dangerous condition, and will allow you to continue enjoying your Pool this summer. Enjoy your swim!

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