FLORENCE, Ky. — Memorial Day weekend is the time many public swimming pools open for the summer.

While many Kentuckians are looking forward to taking a dip, they may not realize the amount of work that goes into making sure they don’t get sick when they dive in. 

Before gates to pools can open in northern Kentucky, they need to pass inspection. Katlyn Branscum and other inspectors with the Northern Kentucky Health Department have stayed busy doing inspections at each of the region’s roughly 360 pools.

“It turns pink, and that indicates that it’s chlorinated," Branscum said, holding up a vial of pool water.  "And then you add drops until it’s clear."

Along with chlorine levels, she also checks for things like potential of hydrogen and alkalinity.

Justin Hancock, environmental health manager, said the department looks at safety and recirculating equipment, besides water quality. 

“It is important because if it’s a chlorine pool, you have to maintain your free chlorine," Hancock said. "Some pools use bromine as a disinfectant. You’re trying to ward off viruses and bacteria, so that’s where that is vital and making sure the filtration equipment is functioning properly to filter out any contaminants."

Not all pools pass on first inspection.

“It’s common for pools to maybe hit a couple bumps getting the season going, but we give them a follow up and come back,” Hancock said.

The health department said it’s important to avoid going to a public swimming pool if people feel sick.

In addition to these initial inspections, the department does monthly water quality checks and a close out inspection on each pool.