4 Facts That Might Make You Quit Swimming In Public Pools

Hello, guys, it's your favorite health blogger, Paul Samuel FitnessDoctor

Thinking about taking a dip into a public pool to cool off, well think again. Many public pools are crawling with germs -- and, if not treated properly, can pose a major health risk.

Before heading to the pool at any time, find out what could be lurking in the water -- and learn how to protect yourself and your family.

1. 1 in 5 adults pees in the pool

Though it may seem like a habit most people would grow out of after childhood -- or preferably, never pick up in the first place -- many adults admit to relieving themselves while swimming.

In fact, a 2012 survey conducted by the Water Quality & Health Council found that one in five U.S. adults urinates in the pool.

2. There’s probably poop in the pool, too

Copyright: Paul Samuel FitnessDoctor (realfitbody.com)

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1 in 8 public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds was shut down because of health and safety violations, including excessively dirty water.

The most common cause of contamination: fecal matter that rinses off children or people who go swimming while suffering from diarrhea.

"Contamination can occur via direct release of formed or diarrheal feces or as much as 10 grams of fecal material can rinse off a young child's perianal surface and into the water," the report states.

3. Some bacteria are resistant to chlorine

Chlorine is the major chemical used to kill germs in the pool. When chlorine is added to pool water to kill germs that can cause illness if ingested, it takes time to work.

The chemical eliminates most germs in minutes, but some, such as Cryptosporidium, or "Crypto" for short, can live in properly treated pool water for several days.

4. Most people go swimming without bathing

The 2012 report from Water Quality and Health Council also found that nearly 70 percent of people do not shower before taking a swim in the pool -- adding to the number of germs in the water.

"Swimming is not a substitute for bathing. Too many people unknowingly treat the pool as a communal bathtub," Wiant said in the release. "It may seem counter-intuitive, but it's important to shower before you jump in the pool to help keep swimming healthy for everyone in the pool.

So there you have it.