On a hot summer day, few are as refreshing as the pool dip. But have you ever wondered if that crystal blue water is as beautiful as you can see?
As an immunologist and infectious disease expert, I research how reproduction spreads in public places and how to prevent it from spreading. I teach a course called “The Intections of Leisure” to explore the risks associated with recreational activities, discuss precautions, and at the same time, to avoid turning students into germphobia.
Swimming in public pools and water parks in particular comes with a unique set of risks, ranging from mild skin irritation to gastrointestinal infections. However, swimming also has physical, social and mental health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about it being lurking beneath the surface.
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Pool bacteria reality
Summer news headlines and social media posts often highlight the “eek factor” of the co-swimming space. These concerns have some benefit.
The good news is that chlorine, widely used in pools, is effective in killing many pathogens. The less good news is that chlorine doesn’t work instantly – and it doesn’t kill everything.
Every summer, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Issues warn about the outbreak of swimming-related diseases caused by exposure to bacteria in public pools and water parks. The 2023 CDC report tracked over 200 pool-related outbreaks between 2015 and 2019, affecting over 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory problems, ear infections, and gastrointestinal distress. Many of the consequences of such infections are mild, but some can be severe.
Bacteria and disinfectants
Even in pools that have been properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can remain for a few minutes to several days. One of the most common causes is cryptosporidium, the microscopic germ that causes watery diarrhea. This single-cell parasite has a strong outer shell that can survive in chlorinated water for up to 10 days. Feces often spread when they enter the water and are swallowed by another swimmer. Even small amounts of people that are invisible can infect dozens of people.
Another common reproduction is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is the bacteria that cause the rash in hot tubs and swimmers’ ears. Viruses such as noroviruses and adenoviruses can also remain in the water of the pool and cause illness.
Swimmers introduce a variety of body residues into the water, including sweat, urine, oil and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, interact with chlorine, form a chemical by-product called chloramine, which can pose health risks.
These by-products are responsible for their strong chlorine odor. Of course, a clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine smell and other smells. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it could actually be a red flag that means the opposite of the fact that the water is contaminated and should probably be avoided.
How to play safely in a public pool
Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions from both pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won’t kill you, no one wants to have a beautiful summer day of vacation or a week in the bathroom.
These 10 tips will help you avoid bacteria in the pool.
Shower before swimming. Rinse for at least 1 minute to remove most of the body’s dirt and oil, which reduces the effectiveness of chlorine. Avoid pools if you are sick, especially if you have diarrhea or open wounds. Bacteria can spread quickly into the water. You can keep the water in place to minimize the risk of intake. If you can’t swim, you won’t swim, but if you are diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, which is often diagnosed as “crypto”, wait two weeks after diarrhea stops, then two weeks after diarrhea stops before getting frequent bathroom breaks. As well as children and adults, regular bathroom breaks can help prevent pool accidents. Check your temporary diapers every hour and change them away from the pool to prevent fecal contamination. It thoroughly drives the ears away after a swim, helping to prevent swimmers’ ears.
This edited article will be republished from the conversation under a Creative Commons license. Please read the original article.
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