By Kia McCarthy, NP
Department of Pediatrics

For many of us, warm summer days often mean a refreshing dip in a pool. Before you jump in with both feet, however, it’s important to know that ingesting pool water can be hazardous to your health.

In most cases, swallowing a small amount of pool water will not harm you. However, children playing in pools will sometimes swallow larger amounts of water which can make them ill. The chlorine used to disinfect pool water can cause digestive distress with symptoms including vomiting, difficulty breathing, and prolonged coughing. As soon as your children are old enough to swim, it’s important to teach them to avoid drinking or swallowing any pool water.

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can also cause problems

In addition to chlorine, ingesting pool water can expose you to other hazards. Swimmers can carry leftover fecal matter as well as bacteria, viruses and parasites on their skin. Once in the water, these organisms can infect other swimmers. One microscopic parasite, Cryptosporidium, can survive even in pools that are well-maintained with chlorine. Carried in fecal matter, Cryptosporidium is known to cause gastrointestinal illness including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Other common pool-related illnesses to watch out for include skin rashes, swimmer’s ear, pneumonia or flu-like illnesses, and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract. Small children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals are at greatest risk to contract disease from contaminated pools.

Following some simple rules can help

Keep in mind that pool-related illnesses are still rare. If a disease outbreak does occur, authorities will close public pools (and water parks) until they are safely decontaminated. Following the guidelines below will help keep the water cleaner and make a day at the pool safer for all:

• Everyone (including children) should shower before entering a pool and rinse off after swimming. This will help wash away harmful contaminants.
• Never enter a pool if you are sick and make sure any cuts are completely covered with a waterproof bandage.
• Bathers who have had diarrhea within 14 days should never enter a pool.
• Pets and other animals also carry germs and should be kept out of pools.
• And it goes without saying, never use a pool as a bathroom!

Remember, it takes just a little effort to help make a day at the pool safer for everyone!