Survey Reveals What's Really in Our Public Pools

   By drodriguez  Jun 04, 2012

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As the hot summer months approach, the public swimming pool will begin to look more and more tempting to you and the kids. But before you throw on the suit and water wings you may want to take a look at a recent survey reported about in Parenting magazine revealing the nitty gritty on pool cleanliness.

According to the latest survey from the Water Quality and Health Council, one in five Americans admit to urinating in public pools. The survey also reveals that 7 out of 10 say they do not shower before entering a pool. Contaminants and germs from cosmetic residue, body oils, sweat, and dirt enter the pool easily when swimmers skip the shower room before taking a dip.

Chair of the Water Quality and Health Council, Dr. Chris Wiant, warns pool goers, “Swimming is not a substitute for bathing. Too many people unknowingly treat the pool as a communal bathtub.”

If the germ killing pH and chlorine levels are not up to par in the public pool you visit, all of these contaminants can lead to skin infections, swimmer’s ear, and even diarrhea.

The Water Quality and Health Council advises that a quick rinse with soap and water for you and the kids directly before swimming can make a world of difference in keeping public pools a cleaner place. Also, enquiring about your local public pool’s pH and chlorine levels will give you piece of mind and can alert caretakers when maintenance is needed.

What do you think of the survey revealing some of the bad habits many bring into the pool with them?

Do you worry about germs when taking your kids to public pools? What precautions do you take?