May is Water Safety Awareness Month—and in Arizona, that means more than floaties, fences, and supervision. While preventing drowning is (rightfully) the top priority, there’s another layer of safety that often goes unnoticed: the quality of the water itself.
“Safe swimming means safe water,” says Bryan Nisbet, Co-Founder and Master Technician at Pool Birdie, a Scottsdale-based company redefining residential pool care. “Without weekly testing and proper balancing, pools can harbor contaminants that pose serious health risks—rashes, infections, or worse.”
Water safety isn’t just about who’s in the pool—it’s about what’s in the pool.
According to Bryan and the Pool Birdie team, many of the Valley’s residential pools fail to meet even basic safety standards—especially once the summer heat sets in. Arizona’s intense UV exposure and rising water temperatures accelerate chemical breakdown and bacteria growth, meaning what worked in March won’t cut it in July.
“By August, the chemical demand on your pool doubles,” explains Bryan. “You’re battling evaporation, dust from monsoons, and constant use by kids, pets, and guests. It’s when most pool systems fail—and when issues become expensive.”
That’s why Pool Birdie uses a chemical balancing method rooted in the Saturation Index, a scientific formula that evaluates a pool’s overall health—not just its pH.
“We’re not just dumping chlorine in and leaving. We give homeowners a full chemical breakdown every visit and work to keep their system energy-efficient and safe year-round.”
For Pool Birdie founders Keenan and Nikki Murphy, who live and raise their family in Arcadia, starting the company wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal one.
“We were the typical homeowners—struggling to find a reliable pool service that didn’t cut corners,” says Keenan.
So, what’s really floating around in a seemingly clean pool?
- Chloramines: Formed from chlorine mixing with sweat, oils, or urine—can irritate eyes and lungs.
- Cyanobacteria: Can cause rashes, illness, and liver damage.
- Cryptosporidium: Chlorine-resistant parasite behind most pool-borne illnesses.
- Excess stabilizer: Reduces chlorine effectiveness and can damage pool surfaces.
“Stabilizer levels should never be ignored,” warns Bryan. “It’s one of the main reasons people can’t keep their water balanced—and it can degrade your system over time.”
The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make
Neglecting filter maintenance. “Your filter is like your pool’s liver,” Bryan says. “If you’re not cleaning it properly, everything else you’re doing is pointless.” Filters should be professionally cleaned every 4–6 months depending on usage and regularly inspected during weekly service.
From Cold Plunges to Automation
Pool Birdie technicians also manage everything from steam rooms and cold plunges to automation and full equipment upgrades. They’re big proponents of salt systems, which produce daily chlorine and require less frequent draining.
“We’re seeing a shift toward smart pools,” says Bryan. “Homeowners want to manage everything from their phone—but even with automation, you still need expert oversight.”
Monsoon Season—Are You Ready?
Late June through August is notoriously tough on pools. Heavy rain, wind-blown debris, and sudden pressure drops wreak havoc on water chemistry and filtration.
“If you’re not increasing filtration time or adjusting chemical levels after a storm, your pool is almost guaranteed to go off balance,” Bryan says. “And algae blooms can happen overnight.”
It’s Not Just a Pool—It’s Part of Your Health
“A lot of people see the pool as just entertainment,” Bryan adds. “But in Arizona, it’s part of your wellness routine. It’s where you de-stress, move your body, host guests—it should be as clean and cared for as your kitchen.”
With an employee-first culture, a strict technician vetting process, and a flat monthly fee (no surprise summer charges), Pool Birdie is redefining what it means to truly own a pool in Arizona.
“Don’t be afraid to ask who’s in your backyard,” Bryan says. “You deserve to know your technician, trust them, and rely on them.”
poolbirdie.com
“Just because your pool looks clear doesn’t mean it’s clean. Without weekly testing and proper balancing, it can harbor contaminants that pose serious health risks—rashes, infections, or worse.”