How germy is the public pool?
Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks — from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social and mental health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface.
The reality of pool germs Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the 'ick-factor' of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit. The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly – and it doesn't kill everything. Every summer, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention issues alerts about swimming-related outbreaks of illness caused by exposure to germs in public pools and water parks.
A 2023 CDC report tracked over 200 pool-associated outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 across the US, affecting more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory issues, ear infections and gastrointestinal distress. Many of the outcomes from such infections are mild, but some can be serious.
Germs and disinfectants
Even in a pool that's properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can linger for minutes to days. One of the most common culprits is Cryptosporidium, a microscopic germ that causes watery diarrhea. This single-celled parasite has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days. It spreads when faecal matter — often from someone with diarrhea — enters the water and is swallowed by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the eye, can infect dozens of people.
Another common germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes hot tub rash and swimmer's ear. Viruses like norovirus and adenovirus can also linger in pool water and cause illness. Swimmers introduce a range of bodily residues to the water, including sweat, urine, oils and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, interact with chlorine to form chemical byproducts called chloramines that may pose health risks. These byproducts are responsible for that strong chlorine smell.
A clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine odour, as well as any other smells, of course. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it may actually be a red flag that means the opposite – that the water is contaminated and should perhaps be avoided.
How to play it safe at a public pool
Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions by both the pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won't kill you, no one wants to spend their vacation or a week of beautiful summer days in the bathroom.
(The Conversation)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
How germy is the public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee and perspiration – and the deceptive smell of chlorine
On hot summer days, few things are more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But have you ever wondered if the pool is as clean as that crystal blue water appears? As an immunologist and infectious disease specialist, I study how germs spread in public spaces and how to prevent the spread. I even teach a course called 'The Infections of Leisure' where we explore the risks tied to recreational activities and discuss precautions, while also taking care not to turn students into germophobes. Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks — from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social and mental health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface. The reality of pool germs Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the 'ick-factor' of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit. The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly – and it doesn't kill everything. Every summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues alerts about swimming-related outbreaks of illness caused by exposure to germs in public pools and water parks. A 2023 CDC report tracked over 200 pool-associated outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 across the U.S., affecting more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory issues, ear infections and gastrointestinal distress. Many of the outcomes from such infections are mild, but some can be serious. Germs and disinfectants Even in a pool that's properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can linger for minutes to days. One of the most common culprits is Cryptosporidium, a microscopic germ that causes watery diarrhea. This single-celled parasite has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days. It spreads when fecal matter — often from someone with diarrhea — enters the water and is swallowed by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the eye, can infect dozens of people. Another common germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes hot tub rash and swimmer's ear. Viruses like norovirus and adenovirus can also linger in pool water and cause illness. Swimmers introduce a range of bodily residues to the water, including sweat, urine, oils and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, interact with chlorine to form chemical byproducts called chloramines that may pose health risks. These byproducts are responsible for that strong chlorine smell. A clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine odor, as well as any other smells, of course. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it may actually be a red flag that means the opposite – that the water is contaminated and should perhaps be avoided. How to play it safe at a public pool Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions by both the pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won't kill you, no one wants to spend their vacation or a week of beautiful summer days in the bathroom. These 10 tips can help you avoid germs at the pool: Shower before swimming. Rinsing off for at least one minute removes most dirt and oils on the body that reduce chlorine's effectiveness. Avoid the pool if you're sick, especially if you have diarrhea or an open wound. Germs can spread quickly in water. Try to keep water out of your mouth to minimize the risk of ingesting germs. Don't swim if you have diarrhea to help prevent the spread of germs. If diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, often called 'crypto,' wait two weeks after diarrhea stops before returning to the pool. Take frequent bathroom breaks. For children and adults alike, regular bathroom breaks help prevent accidents in the pool. Check diapers hourly and change them away from the pool to prevent fecal contamination. Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming to help prevent swimmer's ear. Don't swim with an open wound – or at least make sure it's completely covered with a waterproof bandage to protect both you and others. Shower after swimming to remove germs from your skin. Lisa Cuchara, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University (This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: )
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Ice cream bars recalled in the US: Listeria alert announced in 23 states, full list of affected regions
No matter how much the summer heat prompts you, it would be better to freeze the ice cream cravings for now. Recently, Listeria has prompted the recall of more than 100,000 cases of ice cream bars in 23 states across the United States, according to the U.S. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Food and Drug Administration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 people in the United States are diagnosed with Listeria annually. The illness, caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, with about 260 deaths per year. Now it has contaminated 10 different varieties of Rich's Ice Cream, prompting a voluntary recall by the Florida-based brand on June 27. The recall was made public in a July 17 FDA enforcement report and continues now. Rich's Ice Cream recalled: Flavours to avoid Image credits: Getty Images Each product was sold in cases of 96 individually wrapped bars. The recalled lot numbers range from 24351 to 25156, based on Julian calendar dating. If you've recently bought one of these bars at home, check the packaging for the codes to see if it is recalled. These are flavours of ice cream bars contaminated with Listeria, you should avoid buying: Chocolate Crunch Cake Bar Strawberry Shortcake Bar Rich Bar Crumbled Cookie Bar Orange Cream Bar Fudge Frenzy Bar Cotton Candy Twirl Bar Savagely Sour Blue Raspberry Bar Savagely Sour Cherry Bar Cool Watermelon Bar Rich's Ice Cream recalled: List of affected regions Image credits: Getty Images The ice cream bars were shipped to 23 states across the US. These include: Georgia Nassau Bahamas Alabama Arizona California Florida Illinois Iowa Louisiana Massachusetts Montana Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Wisconsin What are the concerns with Listeria? Listeria is a foodborne illness caused by the food getting contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It typically affects pregnant women, older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection include fever, muscle ache, headache, diarrhea and more. If you have eaten any listeria-contaminated food, visit a medical professional immediately.
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
Child Dies After Brain-Eating Amoeba Attack - Know Early Signs Before It's Too Late
Another life has been claimed by the deadly Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, after a child in South Carolina, US, was exposed while swimming in a local lake. The organism causes a rare infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), which destroys brain tissue at an alarming rate. The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed the death on July 22, with doctors at Prisma Health Richland Hospital identifying the microscopic culprit. Found in warm freshwater, think lakes, rivers, and even improperly cleaned neti pots, Naegleria fowleri enters through the nose, travelling along the olfactory nerve to the brain. And while it doesn't 'eat brains' like in horror movies, the destruction it causes is no less terrifying. According to the CDC, over 150 cases have been reported in the US since 1962, with only four survivors. Don't Ignore These First Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba The most dangerous aspect of PAM is that it masquerades as a regular viral infection. Symptoms can show up 1–12 days after exposure, often too late for effective treatment. Early Symptoms Include: 1. Severe headache (especially behind the eyes or forehead) 2. High fever 3. Nausea and vomiting 4. Neck stiffness 5. Confusion or changes in behavior 6. Loss of balance and sensitivity to light Once the infection progresses, it can lead to seizures, hallucinations, coma, and ultimately death. Survival rates remain tragically low even with early hospital intervention. How to Protect Yourself and Your Family Experts recommend these precautions to reduce risk: 1. Never dive or jump into warm freshwater bodies without a nose clip. 2. Avoid disturbing lakebed sediment where the amoeba may be lurking. 3. Don't use tap water in neti pots unless it's been boiled, distilled, or sterilised. 4. Avoid freshwater swimming during extremely hot weather when water is stagnant. Bottom Line While the brain-eating amoeba is rare, it's fatal in most cases and strikes without warning. If you've recently swum in freshwater and develop severe headaches or neurological symptoms, don't delay, seek medical attention immediately. Your life may depend on it. FAQ 1. What is the brain-eating amoeba? Naegleria fowleri is a rare amoeba that destroys brain tissue after entering through the nose. 2. How do people get infected? Infection usually occurs when contaminated warm freshwater enters the nose during swimming or diving. 3. What are the first symptoms? Severe headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, and confusion are common early signs. 4. Is it treatable? Survival is extremely rare, but early detection and aggressive treatment may help. 5. How can I protect myself? Use nose clips, avoid disturbing sediment in warm lakes, and never use tap water in neti pots unless sterilised. (This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)
