{"id":57014,"date":"2025-07-26T10:42:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T14:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=57014"},"modified":"2025-07-26T10:42:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T14:42:27","slug":"how-germy-is-a-public-pool-an-infectious-disease-expert-weighs-in-on-poop-pee-and-perspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2025\/07\/26\/how-germy-is-a-public-pool-an-infectious-disease-expert-weighs-in-on-poop-pee-and-perspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"How germy is a public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee, and perspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On hot summer days, few things are more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But have you ever wondered if the pool is as clean as that crystal blue water appears?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an\u00a0immunologist and infectious disease specialist<\/a>, I study how germs spread in public spaces and how to prevent their spread. I even teach a course called \u201cThe Infections of Leisure\u201d where we explore the risks tied to recreational activities and discuss precautions, while also taking care not to turn students into germophobes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks \u2014 from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social, and mental\u00a0health benefits<\/a>. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality of pool germs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the \u201cick-factor\u201d<\/a> of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools<\/a>, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly \u2013 and it doesn\u2019t kill everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every summer, the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>\u00a0issues alerts about swimming-related outbreaks of illness caused by exposure to germs in public pools and water parks. A 2023 CDC report\u00a0tracked over 200 pool-associated outbreaks<\/a>\u00a0from 2015 to 2019 across the U.S., affecting more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory issues, ear infections, and gastrointestinal distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germs and disinfectants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in a pool that\u2019s properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can linger for minutes to days. One of the most common culprits is Cryptosporidium<\/em>, a microscopic germ<\/a> that causes watery diarrhea. This single-celled parasite has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days<\/a>. It spreads when fecal matter \u2014 often from someone with diarrhea \u2014 enters the water and is swallowed by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the eye, can infect dozens of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Showering before and after swimming in a public pool helps avoid both bringing in and taking out pathogens and body substances. Hafid Firman Syarif\/iStock via Getty Images Plus<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another common germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/em>, a bacterium<\/a> that causes hot tub rash and swimmer\u2019s ear<\/a>. Viruses like norovirus<\/a> and adenovirus<\/a> can also linger in pool water and cause illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimmers introduce a range of bodily residues to the water, including sweat, urine, oils, and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine,\u00a0interact with chlorine to form chemical byproducts<\/a>\u00a0called chloramines that may pose health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These byproducts are responsible for that strong chlorine smell. A clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine odor, as well as any other smells, of course. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it may actually be a red flag that means the opposite \u2013 that the water is contaminated and should perhaps be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How to play it safe at a public pool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions by both the pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won\u2019t kill you, no one wants to spend their vacation or a week of beautiful summer days in the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These 10 tips can help you avoid germs at the pool:<\/p>\n\n\n\n