home
RSS
Beware the germs in pools
A pre-swim shower can help keep swimming healthy for everyone in the pool this summer.
May 28th, 2012
11:38 AM ET

Beware the germs in pools

It's almost the beginning of summer and you know what that means: Swim season is here. But beware. No matter how clean they may look, public pools could have nasty germs lurking in the water causing them to be more like public bathrooms.

A recent survey conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council found one in five Americans admit to using a public pool for quick relief (urinating) and seven in 10 confessed to skipping a shower before going for a swim.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a pre-swim shower removes sweat, cosmetics and other dirt that could mix with chlorine to create irritants in pool water.

Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program, said, “These irritants, not the chlorine itself, cause red eyes when we swim and the strong chemical smell of some pools.”

How can this contamination be avoided? Make sure you shower with soap and water before you jump in the water.  Take small children on frequent bathroom breaks.  And make sure you have a lifeguard or operator who frequently makes sure the pH and chlorine levels in the pool are up to standard. Proper levels help keep pools healthy by destroying waterborne germs that can cause diarrhea, swimmer's ear and skin infections.

“Swimming is not a substitute for bathing.  Too many people unknowingly treat the pool as a communal bathtub,” said Dr. Chris Wiant, chair of the Water Quality and Health Council, an independent group sponsored by the American Chemical Council. “It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s important to shower before you jump in the pool to help keep swimming healthy for everyone in the pool.”

15 things your lifeguard won't tell you

If you are still leery of pool germs, the Water Quality and Health Council is providing free pool test strips this summer so swimmers can check the pH and chlorine levels in their public pools. You can request them here.

Last summer, the Water Quality and Health Council mailed more than 32,000 free pool test strips to swimmers. Data submitted by swimmers across the nation last summer showed that 54% of pools tested had unacceptable chlorine levels and 47% had inappropriate pH levels.

If you'd like more information, visit the CDC’s website for tips on healthy pools.

 Post by:
Filed under: CDC • Germs • Public Health
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (163 Responses)
  1. italian restaurants orlando

    Hello friends, its a great piece of writing concerning cultureand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.

    https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/christinis-ristorante-italiano/Location?oid=2292646

    February 18, 2021 at 08:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Cheap Usa Proxies

    Thanks for the posting. My spouse and i have often observed that many people are eager to lose weight because they wish to show up slim and attractive. However, they do not often realize that there are many benefits for losing weight additionally. Doctors say that over weight people experience a variety of conditions that can be instantly attributed to their excess weight. The great thing is that people who sadly are overweight along with suffering from numerous diseases can reduce the severity of the illnesses simply by losing weight. It is easy to see a continuous but noted improvement in health if even a moderate amount of weight-loss is obtained.

    https://Dreamproxies.com/buy-proxies/100-private-proxies/

    February 18, 2021 at 12:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. SocialMedia Services2021

    Best Marketing Services – Cheapest on Market. SMM Supreme is the Top 5 Best Social Media Website in the World. Best Quality-Price Ratio on the market with 714,928 orders until now. – Facebook Fan Page Likes for $4.50/1000 – Instagram Followers for $0.78/1000 – Youtube Views: $1.62/1000 – Twitter followers: $2.10/1000 – Paypal Deposit – Bitcoin Deposit – Fast order processing – 1 Hour Delivery Our Website: https://smmsupreme.com/services

    https://bit.ly/3iYGuRO

    February 19, 2021 at 16:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. ClarkTauts

    0527l 4p872 lylw

    March 2, 2021 at 00:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Judith Warrell

    you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you're doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you've performed a excellent job on this matter!

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 4, 2021 at 10:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Window Washing Service River North Art District, Denver, CO

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://www.wboc.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 01:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Curtis Park, Denver, CO

    nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful

    https://www.wicz.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 02:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Window Washing Service University Hills, Denver, CO

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    March 20, 2021 at 02:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Window Washing Service River North Art District, Denver, CO

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://www.htv10.tv/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 03:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Window Washing Service Curtis Park, Denver, CO

    Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.

    https://www.wpgxfox28.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 04:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Window Cleaning Service Auraria, Denver, CO

    nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful

    https://www.wtnzfox43.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 06:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Window Cleaning Service West Colfax, Denver, CO

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.

    https://www.thecowboychannel.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 08:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Window Washing Service Lower Highlands, Denver, CO

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://lifestyle.koltcountry.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 09:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Athmar Park, Denver, CO

    Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?

    https://lifestyle.967thewolf.net/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 09:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Five Points, Denver, CO

    Thanks for the information.

    https://lifestyle.southernsportstoday.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 10:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Best Window Washing Service Near Me Auraria, Denver, CO

    Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work

    https://lifestyle.thepodcastpark.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 20, 2021 at 10:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. okXsPsuodE

    a level drama coursework help professional essay writing service cv writing service west sussex persuasive speech the ncaa should pay college athletes

    March 20, 2021 at 14:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. cost of tree removal Foothills North Phoenix, AZ

    https://beavertreeservices217253079.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/choosing-a-tree-service-professional/

    March 21, 2021 at 13:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Window Washing Service Auraria, Denver, CO

    very nice! Ireally like your blog

    https://lifestyle.us983.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 01:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Window Washing Service Athmar Park, Denver, CO

    Thank You for your information

    https://lifestyle.967wshv.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 02:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Window Cleaning Service Civic Center, Denver, CO

    Thanks for the information.

    https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 23:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Window Cleaning Service Civic Center, Denver, CO

    Thanks for the information.

    https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 26, 2021 at 00:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. fine dining Orlando

    I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.

    https://italianrestaurantinorlando.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/what-makes-good-italian-food-and-a-great-italian-restaurant/

    March 26, 2021 at 01:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. fine dining Orlando

    I really like this post

    https://italianrestaurantorlando.blogspot.com/2021/03/why-are-italian-restaurants-so-popular.html

    March 26, 2021 at 02:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. orlando italian restaurants

    Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/115707363/Finding-Your-Favorite-Italian-Restaurant-in-Your-Area

    March 26, 2021 at 05:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. italian restaurants downtown orlando

    Thanks for the information.

    https://www.scoop.it/topic/why-italian-restaurants-are-great-for-special-occasions

    March 26, 2021 at 06:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. best Italian Orlando

    Great article. Couldn't be write much better! Keep it up!

    https://diigo.com/0k0eg0

    March 26, 2021 at 06:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. fine dining Orlando

    Thank you, I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?

    https://christinisristoranteitaliano.wordpress.com/2021/03/24/italian-restaurants-are-the-best-places-to-go-for-a-night-out/

    March 26, 2021 at 07:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Italian Orlando

    very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.

    https://christinisristoranteitaliano.blogspot.com/2021/03/reasons-why-italian-restaurants-can-be.html

    March 26, 2021 at 07:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. italian restaurants downtown orlando

    This blog is great check it out

    https://christinisristorantefl.tumblr.com/post/646552041051865088/an-italian-restaurant-for-a-romantic-date

    March 26, 2021 at 08:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. italian restaurants orlando

    thanks for sharing!

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/116109573/Italian-Restaurant-Gateway-to-the-Culture-of-Italy

    March 26, 2021 at 08:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. tree removal Estrella Vista Phoenix, AZ

    Fairly high-quality explanation. continue the good work

    https://beavertreeservices217253079.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/choosing-a-tree-service-professional/

    March 26, 2021 at 09:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. tree removal cost Garfield Phoenix, AZ

    Thanks for the information.

    https://beavertreeservices.tumblr.com/post/645924617753673728/tree-trimming-is-not-for-everyone

    March 26, 2021 at 10:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. fallen tree removal Garfield Phoenix, AZ

    this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/115640721/Hiring-Tree-Trimming-Services-For-Your-Lawn

    March 26, 2021 at 11:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. cost of tree removal Foothills North Phoenix, AZ

    I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.

    https://diigo.com/0k01yr

    March 27, 2021 at 00:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. cost to remove tree Southern Gardens Phoenix, AZ

    thanks for sharing!

    https://beavertreeservices.blogspot.com/2021/03/benefits-of-hiring-tree-removal-service.html

    March 27, 2021 at 00:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. cost of tree removal South Park Phoenix, AZ

    thanks for sharing!

    https://www.scoop.it/topic/tree-trimming-costs-what-factors-in

    March 27, 2021 at 02:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. auto body collision repair near me

    nice information for a new blogger. it is really helpful

    https://autobodyrepairraleigh.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/taking-your-vehicle-to-an-auto-body-repair-specialist/

    March 27, 2021 at 02:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. auto body repair estimate Raleigh

    carry on, dont stop

    https://autobodyrepairraleigh.tumblr.com/post/646009480132329472/all-you-need-to-know-about-quality-auto-body

    March 27, 2021 at 03:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. gYDnbZLMSO

    strange meeting poem essay academic essay writing service does money buy happiness synthesis essay homework help the old man and the sea

    March 27, 2021 at 04:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. auto body repair shops near me

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/115710583/Tips-for-Finding-a-Collision-Repair-Service

    March 27, 2021 at 05:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. auto body repair

    Wow this blog is very nice!

    https://diigo.com/0k0evo

    March 27, 2021 at 06:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Window Washing Service Golden Triangle, Denver, CO

    this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.

    https://www.scoop.it/topic/clean-windows-without-the-stress-a-professional-window-washing-service-is-your-cleaning-solution

    March 27, 2021 at 06:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. ac unit repair Mission, TX

    Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.

    https://acrepairmissiontx.tumblr.com/post/646014129415553024/why-it-is-important-to-pick-a-quality-air

    March 27, 2021 at 06:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. basement remodeling ideas

    carry on, dont stop

    https://basementremodelcolumbusohio.blogspot.com/2021/03/all-about-basement-remodeling.html

    March 27, 2021 at 07:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Lincoln Park, Denver, CO

    Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

    http://news.southcarolina-magazine.com/story/306385/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business.html

    March 28, 2021 at 01:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. khLmShsYyx

    homework help tulsa library academic essay writing service thesis help in chandigarh gcse it coursework help

    March 28, 2021 at 06:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Window Cleaning Service Civic Center, Denver, CO

    Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.

    http://google.com.kh/url?q=https://goo.gl/maps/bDKYVuKajtBKA72h9

    March 28, 2021 at 07:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Window Washing Service Jefferson Park, Denver, CO

    Wow this blog is very nice!

    http://google.co.ck/url?q=https://posts.gle/FaTsydGwPrG8sewb9

    March 28, 2021 at 08:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Best Window Washing Service Near Me Golden Triangle, Denver, CO

    This blog is great check it out

    https://google.co.za/url?q=https://posts.gle/FaTsydGwPrG8sewb9

    March 28, 2021 at 08:27 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3

Post a comment


  

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.