The cool, glistening waters of public pools are certainly seductive on a hot summer day.
Heres what you should probably know to stay safe (and cool) in a public pool.
Coli,Cryptosporidium(Crypto),Giarda, and otherrecreational water illnesses.
Bromine acts similarly to chlorine, but its generally used inhot tubs because its more stable in warmer temperatures.
For bromine, its a bit more.
(These figures apply to your own backyard pools, too.)
But swimming pool chemistry is pretty complex.
When the pH is too high, theres less available chlorine.
However, sometimes the problem is less the pool itself and more the people that go in it.
you’re free to help out.
Some germs, like Crypto and Giarda, are highly tolerant of chlorine.
Youre probably going to sweat anyway, but hopefully you wont pee or poop in the water… Youre posinga greater health hazardthan you know, becauseurine is actually not sterile.
It can spreadnorovirusand other general nasties none of us want.
Use waterproof bandages for open wounds:Open wounds make it easier for you to get infected.
In reality, the risk of getting a recreational water illness is small, but real.
It doesnt mean you oughta avoid the pool entirely (you do if you have diarrhea though).
Just be ready for those Code Browns.
The Danger Beyond Germs
Public pools often pose another even greater danger: drowning.
According to the CDC, drowning is thefifth most common cause of accidental deathfor people of all ages.
Never leave them unattended.Pool Safely, a brainchild of theU.S.
That should be their only task they shouldnt be reading, texting or playing games on their phone.
Recruit help from a lifeguard (if theres one on duty) or a skilled swimmer instead.
If it comes down to it, dont delay CPR by waiting around for medical personnel to come.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
