How safe is the public pool people enjoy? How clean is the
water? US Media Studios examines the safety of public pools.
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| How clean is the water in a public pool? |
A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention states that almost 80 percent of the 50,000 public pools, hot
rubs and water playgrounds they tested had at least one violation. One in eight
inspections resulted in immediate closure due to serious health and safety
problems. The highest numbers of closures were related to “kiddie” wading
pools. Closures result from common contamination in the water such as fecal
matter or urine.
Poop in the pool does have to be seen to be prevalent.
Microscopic particles can stem from an adult with diarrhea getting in the pool
or hot tub. The swim diapers worn by infants, toddlers and small children are
not preventative in keeping fecal particles from getting in the water. Wading
pool water is shallow and easily warms up in the heat of day.
Safety is another public swim issue which led to some
closures. Lack of lifeguards, lack of safety equipment, poor drain coverage, a
pH level too low –these can close a favorite water park or pool immediately. Inadequate
disinfectant concentration is also to blame for closures. So too is a pool with
an unusually high amount of chlorine in the water.
US Media Studios suggests checking public health records for
all public pools, including those in condo and apartment communities, homeowner
associations, hotels, motels and resorts.
Summer is around the corner. Some US states are already experiencing
summer temps. As the heat moves in, people head to pools to cool off. We remind
readers to take a shower before entering the pool. Take small children to the
rest rooms every hour and be sure to clean bottoms well. After all, no one wants to swim with poop in
the pool.
