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Public pools (even well-maintained ones) carry a low but significant
risk of infection, mostly from human waste, and mostly for diarrhoeal disease.
This isn’t only from defecation accidents; people carry small amounts of faecal matter on their bodies (about 0.14g on average), which can wash off into the water. We also wash off chemicals from the cosmetics and body products we use.
Definitely don't be put off swimming, but take these sensible precautions to help prevent infection:
- Above all, don’t swim if you have diarrhoea.
- Don’t swallow pool water, and keep your eyes closed underwater or wear goggles.
- Don't swim if you have open cuts or sores.
- Have a quick shower just before and after swimming.
- Take kids on bathroom breaks every hour.
Read more about pools and hygiene.
- Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor.
@ORoseInn
Got a good green tip to share? Email me at oroseinn@sa.24.com or post on the EnviroHealth Forum – if it's a planet-saver, we'll publish it.
Image: Child in pool, Shutterstock
This isn’t only from defecation accidents; people carry small amounts of faecal matter on their bodies (about 0.14g on average), which can wash off into the water. We also wash off chemicals from the cosmetics and body products we use.
Definitely don't be put off swimming, but take these sensible precautions to help prevent infection:
- Above all, don’t swim if you have diarrhoea.
- Don’t swallow pool water, and keep your eyes closed underwater or wear goggles.
- Don't swim if you have open cuts or sores.
- Have a quick shower just before and after swimming.
- Take kids on bathroom breaks every hour.
Read more about pools and hygiene.
- Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor.
@ORoseInn
Got a good green tip to share? Email me at oroseinn@sa.24.com or post on the EnviroHealth Forum – if it's a planet-saver, we'll publish it.
Image: Child in pool, Shutterstock
