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Public pools, with their inviting, shimmering waters, are a perfect escape on a sweltering summer day. However, inadequate maintenance and improper treatment can turn these pools into breeding grounds for harmful germs, leading to illnesses and spoiling the enjoyment. Discover essential tips to ensure your safety and comfort while enjoying a public pool.
During high school, I considered joining the water polo team, but a friend revealed that senior players would prank newcomers by urinating and farting in the pool before practice. 'Don’t worry, the chlorine will neutralize everything,' she assured me, noticing my horrified reaction. Despite her reassurance, I remained doubtful—and my skepticism was justified, as I ultimately decided against joining.
Don’t Assume Pools Always Have Sufficient Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is responsible for the distinct, pungent odor of pools, but its primary role is to eliminate harmful pathogens like E. Coli, Cryptosporidium (Crypto), Giardia, and other recreational water illnesses. When present in sufficient amounts, chlorine ensures that dangerous bacteria remain at levels too low to cause illnesses such as stomach problems, skin rashes, or ear infections.
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted numerous public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds in five states (California, Arizona, Florida, New York, and Texas) for health violations. These violations were primarily due to inadequate levels of chlorine and bromine, another disinfectant. Bromine functions similarly to chlorine but is often used in hot tubs due to its stability in higher temperatures.
According to the CDC, pools should maintain chlorine levels of at least 1 parts per million (ppm), while hot tubs require 3 ppm. Bromine levels need to be slightly higher. These guidelines also apply to private backyard pools. However, managing pool chemistry is a complex task.
The CDC report highlighted that, after insufficient chlorine levels, improper pH balance was the most common violation. Maintaining pH within the recommended range (typically 7.2-7.8) is crucial to ensure chlorine’s effectiveness while minimizing discomfort. If the pH is too high, chlorine becomes less effective; if too low, it can cause severe irritation to the eyes and skin—a common experience for many swimmers.
Other frequent violations involved poorly maintained equipment, such as pumps, filters, and chemical feeders, which can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. The CDC report acknowledges that operational and maintenance issues, often leading to closures, are alarmingly common in public pools.
While not all pools adhere to strict regulations, you can perform a quick visual check to determine if it’s safe to swim. For instance, if the pool’s bottom isn’t clearly visible, it may indicate poor maintenance or cleaning, and swimmers could be at risk. Additionally, the absence of safety equipment like a life ring suggests the pool may not comply with essential safety standards.
Take Steps to Minimize Contaminants in the Pool
No matter where you swim, pools are likely to contain traces of urine, sweat, and other unpleasant substances, which are beyond your control. However, the issue often lies more with the swimmers than the pool itself. You can contribute to a cleaner environment by following these practical and sensible tips:
Avoid swimming with stomach issues: While it may seem like common sense, the CDC has dedicated an entire article to this issue. Diarrhea, which remains contagious for up to two weeks, is a major source of contamination. Even well-chlorinated pools take time to neutralize pathogens, and some, like Crypto and Giardia, are resistant to chlorine. The simplest solution is to keep individuals, especially children, with diarrhea out of the water.
Rinse off before entering: Most pools provide showers nearby or in locker rooms. The CDC advises a full minute of rinsing to remove sweat, dirt, urine, and fecal matter. While sweating is inevitable, avoiding other bodily fluids in the water is crucial.
Never urinate in the pool: Though convenient, peeing in the pool poses significant health risks. Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile and can spread norovirus and other harmful bacteria. If urinating is discouraged, it goes without saying that defecating is absolutely unacceptable.
Schedule bathroom breaks for kids: Teaching children not to urinate in the pool is ideal, but regular bathroom breaks can help minimize accidents. Swim diapers are not foolproof and won’t prevent bodily fluids from contaminating the water.
Avoid swallowing pool water: While accidental ingestion may happen, it’s best to avoid swallowing any water to reduce health risks.
Cover open wounds: Open cuts or recent surgical wounds increase the risk of infection. Waterproof bandages are essential, and in some cases, it’s better to avoid swimming altogether.
While the likelihood of contracting a recreational water illness is relatively low, the risk still exists. This doesn’t mean you should avoid pools altogether (unless you’re experiencing diarrhea). However, it’s wise to stay prepared for unexpected incidents.
Risks Extend Beyond Germs
Beyond germs, public pools present another significant hazard: drowning. The CDC reports that drowning ranks as the fifth leading cause of unintentional death across all age groups.
Children aged 1 to 4 are particularly vulnerable, making constant supervision essential. Never leave them alone near water. Pool Safely, an initiative by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, offers the following advice:
Assign a designated Water Watcher, an adult responsible solely for monitoring children in the water. This person should avoid distractions like reading, texting, or using their phone. Keep a phone nearby for emergencies, and if a child goes missing, check the pool immediately.
Beyond supervising children and inexperienced swimmers, it’s crucial to understand the signs of drowning. Contrary to dramatic portrayals in media, drowning is often subtle and easy to miss. In a crowded pool, the risk increases as splashing and movement can mask someone struggling in the water.
If you’re not a strong swimmer or trained in water rescue, avoid attempting a rescue yourself, as you could become another victim. Instead, seek help from a lifeguard or a competent swimmer.
In an emergency, don’t wait for medical professionals to arrive before starting CPR. Even if you’re unsure of the proper technique (hint... here’s a helpful video), begin chest compressions to the beat of the 70s hit “Stayin’ Alive.” Quick action, especially for a drowning victim, can significantly reduce the risk of brain damage, as noted by the CDC.
Whether you’re a frequent swimmer, someone seeking relief from the heat, or a pool owner, visit the CDC’s Healthy Swimming website for more tips on ensuring safety and creating enjoyable pool experiences for you and your family every summer.
Illustration by Sam Woolley. Images courtesy of armsultan and Lotzman Katzman.
