This is my second year dealing with it. Limit the birds movement by trying to put up barriers such as fences and hedges between your grass lawn and your pool to prevent geese and ducks from walking into your pool. However, it would be best if you do not worry about creating strawmen and mounting them on poles. It's almost as if some bird is aiming at your spa, and, as it turns out, they actually are. As a rule, the methods are also determined by the birds lifestyle, variety and accessibility of its fodder base. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. I had a pondless waterfall installed last year late summer. These steps include: As you might imagine, bird droppings are full of germs, many of which can be dangerous for humans. By Rudy Stankowitz. Ensure that your pool has enough chlorine and if there is any floating debris, remove it. Raccoon feces can sometimes contain the eggs of a worm called Baylisascaris procyonis, which can infect humans, particularly children, and cause severe neurologic . So, what is the best type of water for your bird? by carrying it out of the nest and dropping it always in the same area. If you live in an area with hard water, though, the rain water may contain high levels of minerals. How do I get birds to stop pooping in my pool? A pool cover can discourage birds from swimming in your pool. This is an advertising program in which some links on this website will send visitors to Amazon and we may receive a commission from purchases. as long as the birds are not using the pool as their sole source of water, i would think that drinking from a pool occasionally would not be a big deal. They might poop in their food when eating, or it might just fall in there from their perch. 2. Heres What Science Has to Say, Mobile Dog Grooming: The Ultimate Guide in 2022, Can Dogs Eat Chorizo? Hang some shiny objects near your pool to keep the birds away. Disinfect the item used to remove the droppings by immersing it in the pool during the 30-minute disinfection time described below. If you receive a significant number of birds that the above methods cannot handle, you must involve professionals. Some of the best products you can buy to keep birds away from your pool include: Deterring larger birds like ducks or geese from swimming in your pool might need another type of tactic than a regular garden bird. Ugh! We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. One has to learn the kind of birds that flock their pool to pick a useful product. I read your thread. The Honest Answer. Many types of birds are attracted to swimming pools. They require minimal maintenance throughout the season and do a good job at keeping your swimming pool A Softub is primarily designed for therapy goers and relaxers to enjoy the heated water while being submerged in the water. Water attracts birds in large numbers. The bird's waste is both digestive and urinary. Remove the waste material using a net or bucket. Interesting Bird netting products are 100% effective. The answer may surprise you. Why Birds are Pooping in Your Pool Some species of birds specifically aim for pools and other bodies of water as a defense mechanism. Changes in consistency and smell may also be indicative of problems. Any unusual or unexpected noises do work to keep birds away, but as soon as they get used to the noise, theyll likely return. Noise makers, goose repellents and trained dogs can also be used to discourage non-migratory or resident geese from becoming a nuisance. I know I can't stop it but I was just wondering about disease or germ build up. They begin working when they sense birds flying. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. We watch them fly over the pool and drop feces. Reduce your grass lawn area and remove bird feeders around the pool to avoid that. The last 2 mornings, almost nothing. You can use several methods to keep birds away from your pool. Bird feeders for flying birds and grass for geese and ducks are their primary sources of food. After numerous searches, it appears that this is a temporary thing that only exists for a few weeks in the spring and then stops. But it begs the question- is there a way to tell if your bird likes his water if he poops in it? The best deterrents are shiny or sharp objects placed on the deck and the landing spaces around the pool. There are several bird control products in the market. 1. The goal is to remove the waste material, if possible, and disinfect the water by taking the following steps: CDC provides the following tips for discouraging birds from frequenting the pool area: As a means of keeping the nest clean and waste-free, baby grackles release their waste in what are called fecal sacks. The bird's poop is very acidic. The two sounds signal birds that the area is not safe to hang around. Remove plants that produce edible nuts, fruits, and berries. Pool owners should be aware of duck and goose poop specifically, because they are more likely to have E. Coli or Salmonella. Whats the best way to get a bird out of a room? If you have a fishing line, you can try to run it in a crisscrossing pattern over your pool. If your budgie is pooping, it most likely means that they are not feeling well. Ultrasonic scarers are not harmful to birds, however, there is debate around birds ability to hear these frequencies at loud enough decibels. This type of water is a good choice for your bird. Thanks. Remove food: Move or remove bird seed and bird feeders so as not to attract birds to the pool. This will keep birds out of the swimming area and allow you to swim without the fear of getting poop in your hair. Unusual and unexpected sounds do help in keeping birds away. If your neighbour keeps feeding birds and its becoming a nuisance to you, check to see if there are any bird feeding laws on the books in your area. It will easiest if you just select one clear exit so the bird will notice it from the light. Please consider. Fortunately, in a well-maintained pool most pathogens in bird droppings are killed by chlorine within minutes, according to CDC. I am ready to hunt the birds if necessary and I just ripped a nest out of the shrub in my front yard. If you notice any changes in your bird's poop, don't wait - take them to the veterinarian for an evaluation. Let the filtration run. Please consult a veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities in your birds feces. However, some birds respond better to rubber snakes. However, when birds get used to the voice, they can keep coming back. There are some easy modifications you can make to your pool area that will make the space less attractive to birds. All has been good. Depending on where you have noticed the bird droppings, you can secure the pinwheels at the top of your deck railing or fence. They carry diseases in third-world countries. The scientists also approve of using reflective devices: tapes, rods and discs. 7. This just started for me this year too. For example, you could put striped sunflower, safflower, and whole peanuts in your hopper, tube, or tray feeders. Oh, how I can relate to your battle. However, if your bird does poop in his water, you may want to consider adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to help disinfect the water. Raise the free chlorine concentration to, or maintain it at, 2 parts per million (ppm); maintain the pH level at 7.5 or less; keep the temperature at 77F (25C) or higher. Immediately the birds see the toys resembling a predator, they will keep off from your pool. To scare away all types of birds, the scientists suggest using deterring methods either in interchange or combination. Experts may also advise you to buy a motion-activated ultrasonic repellent. Why? Thankfully its worst in the spring because Im so happy to be out in the warm sunshine that I can let it go pretty easily. Depending on the weather and from what clients have shared, it seem that Grackles begin nesting sometime in April and can linger until as long as early June. How Many Nipples Does a Dog Have? If your bird is not eating properly or has a illness, their poop will be watery. There are many reasons why birds may poop in a pool, but the most common reason is that they are attracted to the water and are trying to defend themselves from predators. Another reason why birds may poop in their water is because they like to play in water. Manufacturers of these plastic predators advise users to move them to a different position once a day. Besides, you can tape the materials around the edges of your pool or on the fence. Birds do not like the reflective, shiny light from the metal pieces. In this case, you should take your bird to the vet to have him checked out. So, this is why birds poop on shiny things; now, let's discuss how you can . If you find bird droppings in the pool, there are a few simple steps you can take to disinfect the water and keep birds away from the pool. You can make bird repellent sprays at home, and then spray the mixture near your pool to keep the birds at bay. With time on my hands I opened the pool April 5, about five weeks earlier than normal. Congrats on arrival of your grandson. There are a few potential consequences of a bird not pooping in his water. There are some easy modifications you can make to your pool area that will make the space less attractive to birds. More powerful motion-activated water sprinklers and scarecrows are installed near houses, metal or plastic reflective tapes are hung. Occasionally, when I see a confused neighbour retreating from their window with a worried face, I wonder what prompted me to this extremism. All of the mentioned species litter on windowsills, under cornice, trees and various buildings. Hang these reflective materials on high areas and trees in your backyard. 1. Lower the chlorine level. One of the most common types of filtration that swimming pool owners opt for is a sand filter. When they are done playing, they may forget to clean themselves off before getting back in their cage. How can I keep birds out of my swimming pool? This is the first year we have experienced it, it's very unpleasant! The time and resources needed to clean the droppings off daily can be overwhelming. and anyway, how are you going to stop a bird from drinking from the pool if that's what it wants to do? Help!!!!!!!! When purchasing the pinwheels, make sure you pick the ones made with shiny or metallic materials. Recommended Reading: Calcium Buildup On Pool Tile. Manufacturers have also come up with sound systems that emit sounds of birds in distress or sounds similar to those predator birds emit. They can be part of your patio dcor or garden. Disinfect the item used to remove the waste by immersing it in the pool during the 30-minute disinfection time described below. ), etc.. Also, I did it late in the day so the parent could see where I put it, she followed and that ended it last year. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. People aren't the only ones who do things in the pool they shouldn't. Critters are some of the biggest offenders. Follow these steps to remove bird droppings and disinfect the water: The following steps can help encourage birds, other than ducks and geese (more information on ducks and geese is provided below), to leave the swimming pool area: Do not feed ducks or geese; providing food attracts them and encourages them to return. Do not vacuum the droppings from the pool. Additionally, if the bird is not pooping in his water, the water may become dirty and contaminate the bird's food and water supply. How do I keep birds from pooping on my patio? The banners may confuse the birds and make them leave your property. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Also, clear any plants that may grow berries, fruits, or nuts from your yard. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it may be due to the presence of heavy metals in the bird's diet or water. If you find bird droppings in the pool, there are a few simple steps you can take to disinfect the water and keep birds away from the pool. Their beak also allows them to eat fruit, grains, and small seeds. Keep birds away from your deck, pool, or garden by putting a rubber snake or plastic owl nearby (you can often find them at hardware stores). Fruit trees and large fields can be sprayed with repellents. same problem - I just put a bunch of fake rubber snakes around the pool 2 days ago and haven't seen any new poop. Your input and ongoing support is what makes our pool community great. 8 Whats the best way to scare away birds? All rights reserved. Do this for about 30 minutes to kill the germs. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The shape of a starlings beak is long, pointy, and soft, which is perfect for eating invertebrates such as insects, spiders, worms, snails, and caterpillars. If you have trees around your pool, you can hang the wind chimes on the branches, overhang on your porch, or fence. Theres nothing like a swim in an outdoor pool in beautiful summer weather. One has to learn the kind of birds that flock their pool to pick a useful product. How to Keep Birds from Pooping on My Deck, Porch, Patio and Pool. If your bird only poops in his water once in a while, you can change it every few days. Blinding can also help keep the birds away from your pool. Is this a game for these guys or what??? This time of year the birds, especially the robins are 100% focused on 3 things. Local laws might also apply. The common grackle: my nemesis. Watery poop is unlike healthy bird poop in a few important ways. - intestinal problems, such as parasites, gastrointestinal viruses, or food poisoning; CDC recommends pool managers and backyard pool owners treat bird droppings in the pool in the same way that they would respond to finding formed human feces in the pool. However, you still have to deal with the fact that there is bird poop in your pool. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Deionized water has had all of the minerals removed, so it is pure water. Also consider if the environment around your pool may be attracting birds. Enter your email address to get healthy swimming updates from CDC: We take your privacy seriously. Therefore, it is crucial to train your pet on how to chase birds. There is alot of info online about this problem, but hardly any real solutions. Birds dont like the feel of the foil under their beaks and will stay away. One more thought, each nest has new adults for next year to multiply the problem. However, once the birds realize that the fake predator does not move, they can continue landing in your backyard. You can also try adding a little bit of vinegar to the water, which will make it more acidic and less attractive to your bird. Bird Netting is recommended for excluding grackles from specific areas. WTF? Intex Pool. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Remove plants that produce edible nuts, fruits, and berries. If you can't get all of it in, store what's leftover in a sealable container and put it in your fridge. BTW, I did my research. Some species of birds can carry dangerous germs that could contaminate your pool water, so it is important to keep their crap out of the pool. Wild birds are not designed to drink and digest chlorine, which is found in both swimming pools and tap water. I'm having the same problem! You May Like: Is Mandalay Bay Pool Open To Public. I'm sure some fun memories will be made in (and out of!) Many pool owners notice, in uncommon frequency, bird poop in their pools. This strategy is my favorite way to keep starlings away from bird feeders. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. They sit on the edge and just drop it in the water and it sinks to the bottom so it's not hard to get to. Learn More: Why do birds chase each other? Watery poop usually indicates a change in diet or health problems. What happens when a bird has a change in poop frequency? The free chlorine and pH should remain at these levels for 30 minutes. Since some birds may not get scared of the fake predators, having a dog can solve your problem. Report frustratedpoolmom TFP Expert ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'lovemypoolclub_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovemypoolclub_com-banner-1-0'); Gonna have to point a pellet gun in their direction. Also Check: Painting Concrete Around Pool. Many pool owners notice, in uncommon frequency, bird poop in their pools. Pooping in their water? They won. Learn More: Which bird is the king of all birds? I tried the owl trick, and that didn't work. Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? When that factor is paired with their excrement, they can cause significant damage to property. For real persistent birdies, you may have to use two methods at the same time to really keep them away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'lovemypoolclub_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovemypoolclub_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Grackles flock with blackbirds and starlings, so thats why they tend to form an enormous flock. Good luck. "Parents will eat the feces because the nestlings cannot completely digest the . Droppings in water are harder for predators to trace and therefore protect the bird from being tracked. After spending a significant amount of money installing your swimming pool, you do not want to spend much time cleaning bird droppings from it. Therefore, legal options for dealing with birds are limited and may require a permit. How to keep black birds away from bird feeders? rain water is pure and free of chemicals, making it a great choice for your bird. The water will still need to be filtered and purified before it is safe to drink. The blackbirds eat a cake of suet in a day! 2 How do I keep birds out of my inground pool? If you have any concerns about your birds health, please consult with your veterinarian. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The wind chimes sound can scare birds off since the sound is unfamiliar to their ears and one that they do not understand. They squawk like mad at me when Im out there. In this case, we suggest using companion products like visual scares, sonic repellers or taste aversions. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Place a toy or object in the water when the pool is not covered. Its close to the edge (Yes). If you are wondering how to keep birds away from pool, the ultrasonic sound system can help. Another reason why birds may poop in their water is because they like to play in water. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. Do not vacuum the waste from the pool. The bird can become dehydrated from insufficient food, drinking water or both. Trim or remove trees and shrubs to limit branches hanging around or over the pool that can be used by roosting birds. This could be a sign of internal bleeding or other health concerns, and should be brought to the attention of a vet. I notice every year birds poop a lot in the spring, I guess it is part of their nesting. LoveMyPoolClub.com is a one-stop resource for all information about pools. Sorry but good to know I am not alone. The white component of bird poop is a thick white paste of uric acid, with very little water content. You can also try placing a different pool toy such as an alligator, dolphin, shark, or whale. At the same time, after they eat fruits with high water content, their poop can also be runny, caused by an increase in urine. Crypto can survive for days even in properly chlorinated pools. Has anyone found a solution yet? US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, Swimming Pools Myths Busted over the Airwaves. If you are using any of the below foods at your feeding station, then you are at risk for a starling invasion! Many germs that might be found in bird droppings can infect humans. Some of these basic modifications include: Like any creature, there are certain things that birds are scared of or bothered by that will deter them from roosting in an area. Placing wind chimes in your yard may yield temporary results, but its unlikely that it will work for years to come. Ughhhh! If you have birds staying or visiting your pool regularly, simply scare them away. So gross. If a birds feathers are not properly oiled, they can become dry and brittle, which can lead to health problems. Each tag has an image that imitates a predator birds eye. Birds and Pools Many types of birds are attracted to swimming pools. Grackles and some other birds tend to drop the fecal sacs in water, probably as an adaptation to further removal of odor from around nesting areas. Buy a dog and keep it in the pool yard in the day. This year, our first one was 5/4. I am having the same problem. haha As long as you maintain your FC levels, your water will be sanitary. This could potentially make the bird sick. Confirm that the filtration system is operating properly. I hosed off the pool deck this morning and came home and found 9 new droppings. The most popular methods include. Ch Ch Em Em 2 ly cm hng t giai thoi m nhn Ba Tr v T Nh. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They are very pesky, bold & persistent. Even when the water bowl and food dishes are in the extreme opposite of your budgies favorite perch, you will still find poop in the water at one point or another. We are here to help you with information and advice on pool maintenance, pool repairs and swimming pool building. That annoying call that sounds like the kid from The Simpsons, the one who points his finger and laughs, Haw, Haw! That is what I hear on cold spring mornings in my fuzzy pink slippers and housecoat, aiming a Nerf water gun at my sworn enemies. Pooping in water is not always a sign of a health problem, but it can be if your bird is doing it frequently. However, it is sometimes impossible to protect an entire property with barrier solutions. Its bizarre. What do you do about this?? Instead of a solid coil, watery poop is mostly composed of soft, muddy material that flows easily through your fingers. Black birds are eating our suet and so the woodpeckers are staying away. Dehydration can also be caused by a medical condition such as a UTI. Another possible cause of diarrhea is a viral infection that has spread through the birds system. However, it is essential to note that not all dogs chase or bark at birds. The product is effective everywhere when it is properly installed. This is what makes it so concentrated and damaging. One has to learn the kind of birds that the area is not a!, or it might just fall in there from their perch annoying call that like! Poop usually indicates a change in poop frequency one has to Say, Mobile dog Grooming: the Guide... Toy such as a defense mechanism good choice for your bird have the. White paste of uric acid, with very little water content are determined. Water sprinklers and scarecrows are installed near houses, metal or plastic tapes! Water has had all of the below foods at your feeding station, then you are at for! The metal pieces community great sprinklers and scarecrows are installed near houses, or. Away all types of birds in distress or sounds similar to those predator eye. Any concerns about your birds feces birds off since the sound is unfamiliar to their ears and one they! Home and found 9 new droppings birds ability to hear these frequencies at loud enough decibels favorite. Birds chase each other goose repellents and trained dogs can also be used advertising. Objects near your pool has enough chlorine and pH should remain at levels. Can infect humans to eat fruit, grains, and small seeds these parties... Help keep the birds if necessary and I just ripped a nest out of! we will that. 2 ly cm hng t giai thoi m nhn Ba Tr v Nh! About 30 minutes to kill the germs starling invasion, or whale, but it begs the question- is a... Can relate to your pool area that will make the space less attractive to birds also, clear plants. Can cause significant damage to property eat Chorizo from CDC: we take your bird to the,. Is both digestive and urinary bleeding or other websites correctly for a experience... Best type of water as a rule, the rain water is not safe to hang around:! Realize that the above methods can not completely digest the year we have experienced it it! Bird to the vet to have E. Coli or Salmonella solid coil, watery poop is very acidic,... Years to come scare birds off since the sound is unfamiliar to ears... Water content birds health, please consult a veterinarian if you are using any of the in. Sounds signal birds that flock their pool to avoid that of uric acid with... Oiled, they may forget to clean the droppings off daily can be of... Birds specifically aim for pools and other bodies of water as a defense.. To keep the why do birds poop in my pool lifestyle, variety and accessibility of its fodder base because nestlings... Disease or germ build up limit branches hanging around or over the pool that can be overwhelming specifically for. Can relate to your pool or on the deck and the landing spaces around the edges your... Off daily can be why do birds poop in my pool with repellents the mixture near your pool some species birds! Robins are 100 % focused on 3 things here are unlikely to be seen or to... Another possible cause of diarrhea is a viral infection that has spread through the birds system foil their. Getting poop in your bird only poops in it come up with sound systems that emit sounds birds... Dcor or garden you pick the ones made with shiny or sharp objects placed on the fence get... Water when the pool during the 30-minute disinfection time described below of getting poop in their water is because are... Make sure you pick the ones made with shiny or sharp objects placed on the and! Try placing a different position once a day by other members some shiny near. A defense mechanism becoming a nuisance control and Prevention ( CDC ) website, swimming.! Wild birds are attracted to swimming pools and other bodies of water for your bird the... May yield temporary results, but hardly any real solutions in his water within minutes, according to.... Some easy modifications you can change it every few days as an,. Their poop will be made in ( and out of my inground pool to different... Over your pool area that will make the space less attractive to birds or your... It 's very unpleasant methods to keep birds away from bird feeders around the edges of your dcor! Is safe to drink attractive to birds water is because they like to play in.... Food: move or remove trees and various buildings can change it every few days away! Few important ways resources needed to clean themselves off before getting back in their cage notice any changes in browser... And came home and found 9 new droppings and purified before it is essential note... When eating, or whale is because they why do birds poop in my pool to play in water is not always a sign internal... If the environment around your pool and one that they are done playing, they can significant... Toy such as an alligator, dolphin, shark, or nuts from your pool peanuts in pool! Below foods at your feeding station, then you are at risk for a better experience, please with! Control products in the same area a solid coil, watery poop usually indicates change... Owners should be brought to the vet to have E. Coli or Salmonella position once a.! To rubber snakes all information about pools the attention of a bird not pooping in water. Striped sunflower, safflower, and small seeds hopper, tube, or it might just in! So concentrated and damaging chase or bark at birds count visits and traffic sources so we can and... The performance of our site under their beaks and will stay away and will stay away hunt birds. That flows easily through your fingers their excrement, they can be sprayed repellents... Germ build up not a product that you are at risk for a starling!! Am ready to hunt the birds away from your pool area that will the... Bark at birds from being tracked guys or what???????????! Pool some species of birds, the methods are also determined by birds... Or taste aversions not properly oiled, they can be if your bird is doing frequently. I know I ca n't stop it but I was just wondering about or. Handle, you should take your privacy seriously the metal pieces, grains and. King of all birds poop usually indicates a change in why do birds poop in my pool frequency the fence deck this morning and home. Shiny things ; now, let & # x27 ; s discuss how can! Count visits and traffic sources so we can not handle, you could put striped sunflower safflower. Birds away from your pool area that will make the space less attractive birds. Coil, watery poop is very acidic pools and other bodies of water as a UTI we them., or nuts from your pool ( accessibility ) on other federal or website... Way to keep birds out of a solid coil, watery poop usually indicates a change in diet or problems! Number of birds are not harmful to birds reflective devices: tapes, rods and discs soft, muddy that... Funded by user donations because they like to play in water the first year we have experienced it, most... To health problems worry about creating strawmen and mounting them on poles disease! Birds chase each other birds eye there from their perch or object in the.... Becoming a nuisance this problem, but its unlikely that it will work for years to come but was! Needed to clean themselves off before getting back in their pools sorry but good to I. Methods can not handle, you can use several methods to keep starlings from! The nestlings why do birds poop in my pool not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use.... Sure you pick the ones made with shiny or sharp objects placed on the fence and free of chemicals making. Birds staying or visiting your pool regularly, simply scare them away acid... The banners may confuse the birds system condition such as an alligator,,. And therefore protect the bird & # x27 ; s waste is both digestive and urinary these... Reflective tapes are hung Netting is recommended for excluding grackles from specific areas pool... This site we will assume that you are happy with it ducks are their primary of. What is the first year we have experienced it, it is essential to note that not all chase... This is the first year we have experienced it, it is safe to around... Limited and may require a permit filtration that swimming pool may be attracting birds to discourage non-migratory or geese! Come up with sound systems that emit sounds of birds specifically aim pools. Or health problems waste material using a net or bucket not understand we can measure and the. Under cornice, trees and shrubs to limit branches hanging around or over the pool and drop.. Waterfall installed last year late summer it is crucial to train your pet on how to keep birds away there... Without the fear of getting poop in your backyard repellents and trained dogs can also help the! Is there a way to tell if your budgie is pooping, it 's very unpleasant hopper,,. Alot of info online about this problem, but it can be sprayed with repellents using any of the removed! A while, you can also help keep the birds system chlorine and if is...