County commissioners warn about dangers of green pools

It's the peak of the green pool season.

That is when thick green sludge covers the top of stagnant water in a swimming pool that hasn't seen a cannonball or an inner tube in quite some time.

Clark County commissioners say the backyard blight is a public health hazard because the film can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, potentially exposing neighbors and the community to serious diseases such as West Nile virus.

Last year, the county recorded 11 cases of the disease, which can cause vision loss, numbness, paralysis and even death in the most serious instances. In 2010, that number was zero.

At a news conference Thursday, Commissioners Susan Brager, Larry Brown and Mary Beth Scow urged residents in unincorporated areas of the county to "be the eyes and ears" of the community and file complaints of green pools with local code enforcement agencies through the county website or by calling 702-455-4191.

The trio also called on citizens in cities valleywide to contact their local governments about the issue. They asked utility workers to report green pools, too.

Since 2010, the county has drained more than 350 green pools, including more than 30 last month. The county drains about five pools on average per week. Pools are drained within 24 hours of a complaint being filed. That quick response "emphasizes just how serious we take this issue," Scow said.

Once the county drains a pool, a $250 lien is placed on the property, a county spokesman said.

When the housing market crashed, Las Vegas became the epicenter of the foreclosure crisis. People picked up what little they could and left behind their homes - and pools. What once were signs of economic success, pools suddenly stamped the neighborhood's abandoned homes as they turned green.

About 90 percent of the county's problem is a direct result of abandoned, vacant and foreclosed properties.

Brager, a Realtor, said she has seen an increase in green pools.

"As I go out and show properties, it's amazing," said Brager, who leads the commission. "You do see a larger abundance of green pools than we've ever seen in the past."

Last year, Las Vegas city officials passed an ordinance forcing banks that own vacant, dilapidated properties into keeping them maintained or face fines or jail time, including the upkeep of pools. Brager said she wants to bring a similar ordinance to her colleagues for consideration.

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@review journal.com or 455-4519.