{"id":39973,"date":"2025-07-23T12:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeandnews.com\/articles\/?p=39973"},"modified":"2025-07-24T06:01:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T06:01:16","slug":"how-germy-is-the-public-pool-an-infectious-disease-expert-weighs-in-on-poop-pee-and-perspiration-and-the-deceptive-smell-of-chlorine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeandnews.com\/articles\/how-germy-is-the-public-pool-an-infectious-disease-expert-weighs-in-on-poop-pee-and-perspiration-and-the-deceptive-smell-of-chlorine\/","title":{"rendered":"How germy is the public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee and perspiration \u2013 and the deceptive smell of chlorine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lisa Cuchara<\/a>, Quinnipiac University<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On hot summer days, few things are more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But have you ever wondered if the pool is as clean as that crystal blue water appears?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an immunologist and infectious disease specialist<\/a>, I study how germs spread in public spaces and how to prevent the spread. I even teach a course called \u201cThe Infections of Leisure\u201d where we explore the risks tied to recreational activities and discuss precautions, while also taking care not to turn students into germophobes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks \u2014 from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social and mental health benefits<\/a>. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality of pool germs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the \u201cick-factor\u201d<\/a> of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools<\/a>, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly \u2013 and it doesn\u2019t kill everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> issues alerts about swimming-related outbreaks of illness caused by exposure to germs in public pools and water parks. A 2023 CDC report tracked over 200 pool-associated outbreaks<\/a> from 2015 to 2019 across the U.S., affecting more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory issues, ear infections and gastrointestinal distress. Many of the outcomes from such infections are mild, but some can be serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germs and disinfectants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even in a pool that\u2019s properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can linger for minutes to days. One of the most common culprits is Cryptosporidium<\/em>, a microscopic germ<\/a> that causes watery diarrhea. This single-celled parasite has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days<\/a>. It spreads when fecal matter \u2014 often from someone with diarrhea \u2014 enters the water and is swallowed by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the eye, can infect dozens of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Showering before and after swimming in a public pool helps avoid both bringing in and taking out pathogens and body substances. Hafid Firman Syarif\/iStock via Getty Images Plus<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another common germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/em>, a bacterium<\/a> that causes hot tub rash and swimmer\u2019s ear<\/a>. Viruses like norovirus<\/a> and adenovirus<\/a> can also linger in pool water and cause illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimmers introduce a range of bodily residues to the water, including sweat, urine, oils and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, interact with chlorine to form chemical byproducts<\/a> called chloramines that may pose health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These byproducts are responsible for that strong chlorine smell. A clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine odor, as well as any other smells, of course. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it may actually be a red flag that means the opposite \u2013 that the water is contaminated and should perhaps be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to play it safe at a public pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions by both the pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won\u2019t kill you, no one wants to spend their vacation or a week of beautiful summer days in the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These 10 tips can help you avoid germs at the pool:<\/p>\n\n\n\n