In the hot summer days, few things are more refreshing than immersing themselves in a pool, public pool or aquatic park. But have you ever wondered if the pool is as clean as its crystalline blue water seems?
As an immunologist and specialist in infectious diseases, study how germs in public spaces are propagated and how to prevent transmission. I even impart a course called “Infections in leisure”, where we explore the risks associated with recreational activities and talk about the necessary precautions, at the same time not converting students into germophobes.
Swimming, especially in public pools and aquatic parks, entails certain risks, from slight skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections.
However, it also offers numerous benefits for physical, social and mental health. With some knowledge and a little caution, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what may be hidden under the surface.
The reality of germs in the pool
In some publications in media or social networks they usually highlight the “disgusting factor” of public pools. These concerns have foundation.
The good news is that chlorine, widely used in swimming pools, is effective in eliminating many pathogens. The bad news is that it does not act immediately or eliminate all germs.
Every summer, the Centers for the Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC) of the US, emit alerts on sprouts of swimming diseases, caused by exposure to germs in public pools and aquatic parks.
A 2023 CDC report tracked more than 200 outbreaks between 2015 and 2019 throughout the US, which affected more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory problems, ear infections and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Many of these diseases are mild, but some can be serious.
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Germs and disinfectants
Even in a pool properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can persist for minutes or days. One of the most common is the Cryptosporidiuma microscopic germ that causes aqueous diarrhea.
This unicellular parasite has a resistant outer layer that allows it to survive in chlorine treated water for up to 10 days. It spreads when fecal matter, often of a person with diarrhea, enters the water and is ingested by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the naked eye, can infect dozens of people.
Another frequent germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosaa bacterium that can cause cutaneous eruptions and the so -called “swimmer’s ear.” Virus such as Norovirus and Adenovirus can also remain in the pool water and cause disease.
In addition, swimmers introduce various body waste into water, such as sweat, urine, oils and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, react with chlorine and form chemical by -products called cloraminaswhich can assume health risks.
These by -products are responsible for the strong chlorine smell. A clean pool should not have that penetrating smell, or any other. It is a common myth that a strong smell of chlorine is a good sign: in reality, it can be a warning that water is contaminated and, perhaps, should be avoided.
How to play safely in a public pool?
Most risks related to pools or pools can be reduced with simple precautions, both by staff and bathers. And although most of the diseases associated with the pools are not fatal, nobody wants to spend their vacations or a week of beautiful summer days at home.
These 10 tips can help you avoid germs in the pool:
- Duch yourself before swimming. Rinse for at least one minute eliminates most of the dirt and body fat that reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
- Avoid the pool if you are sickespecially if you have diarrhea or an open wound. The germs spread rapidly in the water.
- Try not to swallow water to minimize the risk of ingesting germs.
- Do not nad if you have diarrhea to avoid the spread of pathogens.
- If you diagnose cryptosporidiosis (Also called “crypt”), wait two weeks after diarrhea disappears before swimming again.
- Go to the bathroom frequently. Both children and adults should do it regularly to prevent accidents in the pool.
- Check the diapers every hour and change them away from the edge of the pool to avoid fecal contamination.
- Sécate your ears well after swimming to help prevent infections such as the swimmer’s ear.
- Do not do with an open woundor be sure to cover it completely with an impermeable bandage.
- Take away after swimming To remove germs from your skin.
This article was originally published in The Conversation
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