The Hidden Dangers of Public Pools

Summertime is here and everyone is ready to hit the public pool in an attempt to beat the heat. What many people don’t realize is that their local pool might not be as safe as they assume. Here’s a look at some of the most common dangers you and your family face when swimming in public waters.

As much as we would like to think that the chlorine in the pool kills everything off, it might not be true. Bacteria and viruses can really thrive in a moist area like a pool and the area surrounding it. A pool must be very carefully maintained in order to keep harmful germs at bay and many pools simply lack the high standards that are necessary. Also, if too many people are using the pool at once, the chemicals in the water may not have a chance to kill everything off before others are infected.

Any kind of infection can be spread in the water. A swimmer suffering from a stomach problem will have the bacteria or virus on their skin and this is easily washed into the water, to be accidentally ingested by another person. This is particularly true where small children swim. Swim diapers don’t hold everything in and even changing a diaper near the pool can result in bacteria getting into the water.

Certain types of bacteria, known as “crypto”, are able to survive for long periods of time in the water, even well-chlorinated water. Others take up to an hour or two to die off, which leaves plenty of time to infect other people who are swimming in the pool. Viruses can usually survive for quite a bit more time. Chlorine and other pool chemicals are not a guarantee against contracting a disease while swimming in public areas.

The dangers of public pools don’t end in the water. The dressing rooms can harbor mold which may cause respiratory problems in those who are sensitive to this sort of thing. The constant dampness harbors bacteria such as athlete’s foot and the like.

To keep yourself and your kids safe, avoid wading pools where contamination is more likely. Ask about the pool maintainance schedule and how often the chlorine levels are tested. You might also want to take your family swimming on days when there are fewer people in the pool and avoid contributing to the problem by keeping sick kids out of the water. Also, try not to let any water get in your mouth, since this is how most bacteria and viruses get into the body.

In the dressing room, don’t toss towels on the floor and then use them to dry off. Wearing flip flops or water shoes is a good way to avoid athlete’s foot and other fungi that might cause problems, take them off poolside.

While pools can be a fun way to cool off, it pays to remember that they are the perfect place for germs, viruses and bacteria to grow. Play it safe and take the precautions listed above.