Ask a Pool Operator
Click here to see questions and responses so far
Our Latest Blog Posts
Swimming Pool Myths Worth Correcting
Whether it’s for swimming lessons, swim meets, swim parties, water aerobics or just plain splashing around on hot day, your family will probably spend some significant time in a pool this summer. As a research microbiologist specializing in water quality and public health safety, I’d like to correct four common swimming pool myths to help your family enjoy a “Healthy Pools” summer.
Myth #1: The heavy chemical smell around the pool is a reminder that chlorine is present in the water for killing germs.
Fact: A properly disinfected swimming pool has no strong chemical smell, despite the presence of chlorine disinfectant to destroy germs. That surprises most people. In fact, the odor we notice around pools arises from the presence of chloramines in pool water. Without turning this into a chemistry lesson, chloramines form when chlorine disinfectants react with contaminants brought into pools on the bodies of swimmers. These contaminants include perspiration, urine, body oils and cosmetics. Chloramines are irritants that can redden the eyes of swimmers and make their skin itchy. Ironically, while many people think a pool chemical smell means there is too much chlorine in the water, more chlorine disinfectant may actually be needed to destroy the irritating chloramines.
Myth #2: Chlorine in pool water turns your hair green.
Fact: Green hair is associated with swimming and blondes display this best, but don’t blame chlorine. The green color comes from metals, such as copper, in the water, which are added to control algae or may be leached from pool plumbing and fixtures. Now green hair looks good on some but here is a hint: Wear a swim cap. If you hate that idea, experts recommend a thorough hair-rinsing as soon as you leave the pool, followed by a gentle shampoo.
Myth #3: Pool water is disinfected, so it’s alright if my children swallow some.
Fact: Teach your children to avoid getting pool water in their mouths. Chlorine does kill waterborne germs, but chlorine levels fluctuate in pools, especially busy, crowded pools. And germs are not equally susceptible to chlorine–some germs take longer to destroy than others. Pool staff is responsible for keeping chlorine levels within an acceptable range, but, unfortunately, not all pools are carefully maintained. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid swallowing pool water. But if this sounds like rather passive advice, please read on.
Myth #4: It’s up to only the pool operators to keep pools healthy.
Fact: There’s so much you can do, too! To minimize irritating chloramines, shower before swimming and never pee in the pool. Take young swimmers on frequent bathroom breaks and make sure they wash their hands. Anyone with diarrhea must stay out of the water. Learn to recognize the signs of a Healthy Pool, and notify pool staff if those signs are missing. Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging swimmers to measure the pH and free chlorine level of pool water this year to make sure they are swimming in a Healthy Pool. It’s a simple test done with a color-coded plastic strip, and you can even order a free test kit at www.healthypools.org/freeteststrips. If you find unacceptable pool readings, inform pool staff, who should correct the pool chemistry. If this does not happen, CDC recommends you notify your local public health department. Finally, upload your results on the Healthy Pools site to see how your pool compares to others around the country.
Here’s to a great summer in only the healthiest of pools!
(Joan Rose, PhD, is the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at Michigan State University and a member of the Water Quality and Health Council)
Healthy Pools Protect Swimmers from Germs
Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for people of all ages. However, improperly chlorinated water puts swimmers at risk for recreational water illnesses like diarrhea and ear and skin infections. Test strips are an easy way to check the water and maintain a healthy pool. When testing pool water, swimmers should be sure that the free chlorine level is between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm) and the pH registers between 7.2 and 7.8. Please visit our website to order your free test strips.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a disturbing statistic: About 1 out of 8 public pool inspections conducted in 13 states in 2008 resulted in pools being closed immediately due to serious code violations. The venues that had the most disinfection violations were kiddie pools and water play areas. Unhealthy pools are more common than you may think. This new data underscores the importance of protecting yourself and your family at the pool this summer.
The CDC is encouraging all swimmers to be activists – check your pool water and immediately report any problems to pool staff. Test strips are a quick and easy way to measure if there is adequate chlorine to kill germs and if pH is in the proper range.
Last year’s survey by the Water Quality and Health Council found that one in five Americans pee in the pool. Urine, as well as sweat and even sunscreen, contains nitrogen that eats up some of a pool’s free chlorine, making it less effective in fighting off waterborne germs. To ensure on-the-spot protection, it is important to regularly adjust a pool’s chlorine levels.
Are you swimming in an unhealthy pool? The Water Quality and Health Council recommend you use your senses to recognize the signs:
o CANNOT SEE the floor drain in the deep end of the pool;
o SMELL a strong chemical odor; or
o FEEL sliminess on tile walls.
Free test kits are available on the Water Quality and Health Council website. For more information on preventing recreational water illnesses, please visit the CDC’s website.
(Chris Wiant, M.P.H., Ph.D., is president and CEO of the Caring for Colorado Foundation. He is also chair of the Water Quality & Health Council.)
Press Release – With This Year’s Swimming Season Just Around the Corner – CDC Issues Report on Unhealthy Public Pools and Need for Increased Testing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 |
Contact: Cameron Coursen (202)729-4189 Cameron.Coursen@Ogilvypr.com |
With This Year’s Swimming Season Just Around the Corner –
CDC Issues Report on Unhealthy Public Pools and Need for Increased Testing
Water Quality & Health Council Offers Free Test Kits In Response to CDC Pool Violation Data
ARLINGTON, VA (May 20) Unhealthy pools are more common than you may think. Newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underscores the importance of protecting yourself and your family at the pool this summer. The CDC reports a disturbing statistic: About 1 out of 8 public pool inspections conducted in 13 states in 2008 resulted in pools being closed immediately due to serious code violations. The venues that had the most disinfection violations were kiddie/wading pools and water play areas.
Improperly chlorinated water puts swimmers at risk for recreational water illnesses like diarrhea and ear and skin infections. This summer the CDC is encouraging all swimmers to be activists – check your pool water and immediately report any problems to pool staff. Test strips are a quick and easy way to measure if there is adequate chlorine to kill germs and if pH is in the proper range. Swimmers can take action to protect themselves with free pool test kits offered by the Water Quality & Health Council on its website.
“You can’t always trust your fellow swimmer to practice healthy swimming habits,” said Chris Wiant, Chair of the Water Quality and Health Council. “But, what you can do is test the chlorine level and pH of the water to make sure your pool is properly treated – and immediately approach pool staff if it is not.”
Test strips are an easy way to check the water and maintain a healthy pool. When testing pool water, swimmers should be sure that the free chlorine level is between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm) and the pH registers between 7.2 and 7.8.
Last year’s survey by the Water Quality and Health Council found that one in five Americans pee in the pool. Urine, as well as sweat and even sunscreen, contains nitrogen that eats up some of a pool’s free chlorine, making it less effective in fighting off waterborne germs. To ensure on-the-spot protection, it is important to regularly adjust a pool’s chlorine levels.
Young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to those germs that cause recreational water illnesses (RWI). These illnesses are on the rise. In just two years, between 2005 and 2006, 78 outbreaks were reported in 31 states – the largest number of outbreaks ever in a two-year period. Close to 4,500 people were affected.
“Chlorine and pH are a key defense against germs that can make swimmers sick,” said Michele Hlavsa, Chief of the Healthy Swimming Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When you visit a public pool, you can test the water yourself to help ensure a healthy swimming experience.”
Are you swimming in an unhealthy pool? You can use your senses to recognize the signs:
- CANNOT SEE the floor drain in the deep end of the pool;
- CANNOT HEAR the pool pump running;
- SMELL a strong chemical odor; or
- FEEL sliminess on tile walls.
Free test kits are available on the Water Quality and Health Council website. For more information on preventing recreational water illnesses, please visit the CDC’s website.
###
The Water Quality & Health Council (WQHC) is a body of independent scientific experts, health professionals and consumer advocates who serve as advisors to the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council, an industry trade association.
Pool Chemical Safety: Protect Yourself from Injuries
A number of pool chemical-related health events have made headlines in recent months, including a chemical leak at a Las Vegas hotel-casino and a filter pump malfunction at an Indiana water park that sent two dozen people to the hospital. However, many more incidents never make the headlines. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that as many as 5,200 emergency room visits per year are due to pool chemical–related injuries, and almost half of these injuries take place at home.
Pool chemicals help keep swimmers safe by killing bacteria and other germs that can lead to recreational water illnesses (RWIs). However injuries can occur in or out of the pool when critical safety rules for handling and applying pool chemicals are ignored. Inhaling fumes when opening pool chemical containers; attempting to pre-dissolve pool chemicals; and splashing chemicals in the eyes can cause injuries.
Fortunately, most of these injuries are preventable with proper chemical storage and handling practices. If you use pool chemicals, be sure to:
• Always store chemicals as recommended by the manufacturer, and prevent them from mixing or getting wet;
• Always secure chemicals away from children and animals;
• Always read chemical packaging and manufacturer directions before use;
• Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as glasses and gloves
• Never pre-dissolve solid chemicals or add water to liquid chemicals; and
• Never mix chlorine products with each other, with acid, or with any other substance.
While continuing its focus on preventing RWI’s caused by contaminated water, CDC is stepping up its efforts to prevent injuries caused by pool chemicals. To help spread the word to pool operators and backyard pool owners alike, we have developed a poster-sized check-list, which pool owners and operators can download or order for free by visiting Healthy Swimming Posters. This is another important tool to promote healthy swimming. Remember, healthy swimming is no accident!
Michele Hlavsa
Epidemiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Almost Half of Surveyed Americans Admit Unhygienic Pool Behavior
Do you know what’s in your public pool? A recent Water Quality and Health Council survey found that almost half (47%) of respondents admit to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy pool. One in five (17 percent) say they’ve urinated in the pool – and eight in ten (78 %) are convinced their fellow swimmers are guilty. As far as showering goes – forget it. Roughly one third (35%) pass the shower without stopping and three quarters (73%) say their fellow swimmers fail to shower before swimming.
Why Worry? Unclean water can lead to recreational water illnesses (RWIs) – diarrhea, respiratory illness, and ear and skin infections. According to the CDC, these illnesses are on the rise. Between 2005 and 2006, 78 outbreaks were reported in 31 states –the largest number of outbreaks ever in a two-year period. Close to 4,500 people were affected.
However, most respondents (63%) are unaware of illnesses associated with contaminated pool water. In fact, less than one quarter consider the frequency of pool cleaning and chemical treatment (23%) and even less (16 %) think about chlorine levels to maintain clean pool water. Remember, using your senses and following the CDC’s six simple swimming steps will help lead to a healthy and fun swimming summer.
Our Twitter Feeds
Keep in Touch
Email Subscription