Swimming offers an excellent way to get fit and to stay healthy. However, it's very important to understand the dangers posed by dirty public pools and water parks. Too often, most of us assume that pool managements stick to strict standards to keep pools clean. But there's no national uniform procedure in place for maintaining pools.
Whether you're a committed swimmer or a family looking for
some pool-time fun, you have the right to know: are pools clean?
Before you leap in, find out what may be prowling beneath
the surface.
1. Feces
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average
swimmer contributes at least 0.14 grams
of fecal matter to pool water — usually within the first 15 minutes of entering.
And, a CDC report of routine pool inspections released in
2020 found that nearly one in 5 pools posed serious violations that threatened
public health.
2. Bacteria - E. Coli
E. Coli — the bacteria most commonly associated with fecal
matter. It’s not always the kids and this can't completely be pinned on them.
While it's true that improperly potty-trained children can bring fecal matter
into the water, adults share the blame.
When you forgo rinsing with soap and water before entering
the pool, you introduce fecal matter into the water. A simple shower with soap
before entering the water can significantly cut the risk of contamination.
And for the little ones, be sure to change diapers in the
bathroom or designated diaper-changing area — not poolside, which increases the
risk of germs getting into the water.
3. RWIs
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs that
are spread by swallowing contaminated water present in swimming pools, hot
tubs, water parks, lakes, and oceans.
According to the CDC, there has been an increase in the
number of RWI outbreaks in the past two decades.
The most common RWI is diarrhea. Other RWI infections
include:
Gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic
wound, most common is diarrhea (caused by germs like Crypto and E. coli)
Chlorine and other disinfectants don't kill germs instantly.
Also, the mixing of chlorine with pee and sweat uses up the chlorine in the
pool, which would otherwise kill germs. That's why keeping chlorine at
recommended levels is essential to maintain a healthy pool.
4. Cryptosporidium
("Crypto")
Cryptosporidium — or Crypto, for short — is a parasite that
causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Protected by an outer shell
that allows the parasite to survive for up to 10 days even in chlorine-treated
water, this means that even well-maintained pools can spread Crypto among
swimmers.
Crypto has become the leading cause of swimming pool-related
outbreaks of diarrheal illness. From 2015 to 2018, according to the CDC,
reported Crypto cases increased by over 200 percent.
Fortunately, by following good hygiene at water parks and
public pools, you can help prevent Crypto.
5. Giardia
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea. The
parasite is found on surfaces or in contaminated soil, food, or water. Like
Crypto, Giardia is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive
outside the body for long periods of time, and which also makes it tolerant of
chlorine.
A person can get infected by swallowing Giardia cysts (hard
shells containing Giardia) found in contaminated food or water. Cysts are
immediately infectious once they leave the host through feces.
While the parasite can be spread in different ways, water
(drinking water and recreational water) is the most common method of
transmission. It can be passed from person to person, or from animal to person.
If you swallow contaminated water, such as in a public
swimming pool, you are at risk for getting a Giardia infection, and Giardia
infection rates tend to rise in the summer months.
6. Pee in the Pool
One in three swimmers admit to peeing in the pool, according
to a survey conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council.
But the faux pas goes beyond the average, recreational
pool-goer. Nearly 100 percent of elite competitive swimmers are reported to pee
in the pool — regularly.
Disgusting, yes. And also unhealthy. Urine interferes with
the chemically-treated pool water and essentially eats up the chlorine, which
is intended to kill harmful germs. If too many people pee in the pool or dive
in while sweaty, that could mean less available chlorine to wipe out germs.
7. Chlorine By-product
When we enter the water, we add our sweat, urine, invisible
fecal matter, lotion, and sunscreen to the soupy, invisible brew of chemicals
and bacteria present in the pool water.
Enter chlorine, which is intended to kill bacteria and germs
in the water. But if you notice a strong odor of chlorine at a public pool,
it's actually not a good thing. It indicates a maintenance problem. A
well-chlorinated pool should in fact have little odor.
What are the proper
free chlorine levels?
Pools: free chlorine level
(1-3 mg/L or parts per million [ppm]) and pH (7.2-7.8) maximize
germ-killing power
Hot tubs/spas: disinfectant level (chlorine [2-4 parts per million or ppm] or bromine
[4-6 ppm] and pH [7.2-7.8]) maximize germ-killing power
The problem is that all of the bodily fluids we bring into
the pool react with existing organic matter and with the chlorine in the water.
In one study, scientists examined how those reactions produce potentially toxic
chlorine by-products, which have been linked to lung and skin irritation,
allergies, asthma, and bladder and liver cancer.
Practice these hygiene tips to stay safe:
- 1. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands vigorously.
- 2. Don't swallow pool water. Crypto can be spread by drinking contaminated water. Since Crypto is not killed by the amount of chlorine in pools, never swallow water in a public pool or hot tub.
- 3. Protect others. Don't swim if you have diarrhea (this is especially essential for children wearing diapers). If you are diagnosed with Crypto, don't swim for at least two weeks after diarrhea stops.
- 4. Shower before you swim. Always rinse yourself well before entering the water.
- 5. Wash children before and after swimming. Before they enter the water, wash children using soap and water, especially their bottoms. Also wash kids after they use the toilet, or after their diapers are changed.
- 6. Check children. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks and check their diapers often. And be sure to change diapers in the bathroom and never by the pool.
References
1.
LaKind J,
Richardson S, Blount B. The good, the bad, and the volatile - Can we have both
healthy pools and healthy people? Environmental Science & Technology. 2010.
2.
Richardson
S, DeMarini D, Kogevinas M, et al. What's in the Pool? A Comprehensive
Identification of Disinfection By-products and Assessment of Mutagenicity of
Chlorinated and Brominated Swimming Pool Water. Environmental Health
Perspectives. 2010.
3.
Amy
Boulanger
Lions Daily tips are for informational purposes only.
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