We don’t live in a sterile world, and swimming pools have germs, like everything else. When it comes to healthy swimming, it’s the pathogens you want to avoid: any bacteria, viruses, or other organisms that cause infection and disease.
Accidents will happen, especially with young swimmers. Make an effort this summer to help protect yourself and other swimmers from recreational water illnesses.
By taking a few precautions, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of pools, spas, and waterparks while lowering the chance of you getting sick.
Facts About Recreational Water Illness:
“Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans…RWIs can be a wide variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections.” Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html.
Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium) is one of the most common causes of recreational water illnesses in the United States. It can cause prolonged diarrhea (up to 2 weeks).
What Should Pool Owners & Swimmers Look Out For?
- Cloudy Water
- No Circulation
- Strong Chemical Smell
6 Steps for Healthy Swimming:
- Shower before you get in the water.
- Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea, if you’re currently sick, or have an open wound.
- Avoid changing diapers by the pool.
- Don’t pee or poop in the water.
- Take kids on bathroom breaks every hour.
- Avoid swallowing the water.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Pool Water Clean?
- Test the water frequently.
- Properly shock* the water after a high bather load. *IMPORTANT: Contact an ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company before shocking the water.
- Set a regular schedule, so you don’t skip cleanings.
Combining the steps of healthy swimming with good chlorine and pH control will reduce the spread of recreational water illnesses.
Having a general maintenance routine is also crucial for the health of your swimmers. Cleaning the surface of a pool is required, but good maintenance also involves caring for your pool equipment. Without proper maintenance, a pool can develop algae, foul odors, slimy or cloudy water, and cause itchy skin and burning eyes for those who choose to swim in them.
Fortunately, there is a team of pool cleaning and maintenance professionals that can help keep your pool clean and safe for swimming.
ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company is your trusted team of pool professionals. ASP offers various maintenance programs tailored to meet the needs of both your lifestyle and your budget. The main advantage of using our pool professionals is knowing your pool has been properly balanced, weekly checks to make sure your equipment is working properly, and the extra time you get to enjoy using your pool instead of trying to maintain it yourself.
Contact an ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company professional today. Find a location near you at ASPpoolco.com/locations.