The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the nation’s swimming pools are not as clean as they may look like. Government researchers advise taking some precautionary measures to prevent getting infected with nasty germs.
CDC explained that the bulk of the infections is caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium, which seems to be immune to the substances used to keep swimming pools safe. Cryptosporidium causes diarrhea, so swimming with diarrhea can help spread the parasite even more.
Most of the outbreaks caused by the Cryptosporidium were traced back to hotel swimming pools. Experts also warn that having bloodshot eyes after swimming in a public pool means that somebody has peed in it. The redness is caused by a mix of urine and chemicals in the pool.
The nitrogen in the urine combines with the chlorine and it forms what’s known as chloramine and it’s actually chloramine that causes the red eyes,
CDC researcher Michele Hlavsa explained.
Don’t Swallow Water in Swimming Pools
The effect can be caused by a mix of chlorine and other types of human waste including poop and sweat. Also, you can check if the water is clean by smelling it. The more people have peed in it, the stronger the smell of chlorine in the pool. Swimming pools that have clean water don’t smell like chemicals.
It is worth noting that chlorine’s main purpose is not to disinfect the pool when somebody has peed in it. Its job is to kill germs like E. Colli. When people start to poop, pee, and sweat in the water, chlorine starts fighting these things, making it less effective in killing pathogens.
CDC advises pool owners to buy pool testers to check chlorine level and pH. A healthy chlorine level stands between 1 to 3 ppm. Also, a healthy pH for swimming pool water stands between 7.2 and 7.8.
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