Experts warn about swimming in pools – it can also carry health risks
Regular disinfection and monitoring of chlorine and pH levels are key to preventing infections.
Swimming is one of the healthiest physical activities – it cools you down, engages your whole body, and relaxes your mind. But even though pool water often looks clean, experts warn: behind the apparent clarity, many microorganisms may lurk that pose a health risk, especially if the water isn’t properly maintained, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.
Regular disinfection and monitoring of chlorine and pH levels are key to preventing infections. The most at-risk groups include children, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who spends a lot of time in the water.
Water that looks clean
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can spread by swallowing contaminated water, skin contact, or inhaling droplets that float above the surface. That’s why pools must be regularly treated with chemicals like chlorine and bromine.
One of the most common pool-related illnesses is diarrhea. Even the smallest amount of contaminated water can cause infection, especially if someone who is currently ill or recovering from an intestinal infection is in the water.
Cryptosporidiosis
The parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of diarrhea outbreaks in pools because it can survive even in water treated with standard amounts of chlorine. For this reason, most public pools require users to shower before entering, and people who have recently been ill should avoid swimming.
Health experts warn that untreated diarrhea can last up to two weeks and cause severe dehydration, especially in children. Medical help should be sought if there is black stool, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, or diarrhea lasting more than two days.
Hot tub rash and swimmer’s ear
If hot tub water isn’t properly disinfected, it can cause a rash from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This red rash can appear a few hours after leaving the water.
The problem is more common in hot tubs because heat speeds up chlorine breakdown, allowing bacteria to multiply faster.
Another common complaint among swimmers is swimmer’s ear – an infection of the outer ear canal that happens when water gets trapped in the ear. It most often affects children, with symptoms like pain, itching, swelling, and sometimes pus discharge.
Prevention includes thoroughly drying the ears, and special drops that dry out the ear canal can also be used – but only after consulting a doctor.
Steam can be dangerous
The bacterium Legionella, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, can also spread by inhaling steam or mist from hot tubs and pools.
This respiratory infection is especially dangerous for older adults, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, muscle aches, and digestive problems.
Although the disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, early detection is key to recovery.
Test the water
To prevent infections, pool water can be periodically tested using readily available home test strips. But experts’ most important advice remains the same: don’t go into the water if you’re sick, always shower before swimming, and shower and change clothes as soon as possible after getting out.
