How germy is the public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee and perspiration – and the deceptive smell of chlorine

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 Immunologists and infectious disease expertsI will study how reproduction spreads in public places and how to prevent it from spreading. I teach a course called “Leisure Infectious Diseases,” where I explore the risks associated with recreational activities and discuss precautions, and be careful not to turn my 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, there are many physical, social and spiritual aspects of swimming. Health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about it being lurking beneath the surface.

Pool bacteria reality

Summer news headlines and social media posts In many cases, the spotlight is shining on the “ick-factor” of the communal swimming space. These concerns have some benefit.

The good news is that Chlorine widely used in poolsIt is effective in killing many pathogens. The less good news is that chlorine doesn’t work immediately and doesn’t kill everything.

Every summer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The issue warns of the outbreak of swimming-related diseases caused by exposure to bacteria in public pools and water parks. 2023 CDC Report Tracked over 200 pool-related outbreaks From 2015 to 2019, it affected more than 3,600 people across the United States. 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 culprits is Cryptosporidiummicroscopic bacteria It causes watery diarrhea. This single-cell parasite has a strong outer shell that can survive in chlorinated water 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 aeruginosabacteria It causes a hot tub rash Swimmer’s ears. Viruses like Norovirus and Adenovirus It can also remain in the pool water 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, Interacts with chlorine to form chemical by-products It is 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 too much for at least a minute will remove most of the dirt and oils from your body. Reduces the effectiveness of chlorine.

• Avoid pools if you are sick, especially if you have diarrhea or open wounds. Bacteria can spread quickly in water.

• Please try Keep water away from your mouth To minimize the risk of ingesting bacteria.

• If you have diarrhea, do not swim if it helps prevent the spread of bacteria.

• If diagnosed with Cryptosporidium Diseaseoften referred to as “codes”, and waits before returning to the pool two weeks after diarrhea has stopped.

• I often take a bathroom break. As well as children and adults, regular bathroom breaks can help prevent accidents in the pool.

• To prevent fecal contamination, check the diapers every hour and keep them away from the pool.

• After swimming, dry your ears thoroughly Helps to prevent swimmers’ ears.

• Don’t swim with open wounds – or at least make sure it’s completely covered with waterproof bandages to protect both you and others.

• After swimming, you shower to remove bacteria from your skin.