Public Swimming Pools And The Risk Of Infections

To avoid problems when bathing in public swimming pools, it is essential to take care of the level of hygiene, avoid swallowing water and shower immediately after going out. What other measures must be taken into account?

Children splash around, adults swim, and grandparents relax. Public swimming pools are synonymous with fun, recreation and family vacations. The problem is that the biggest attraction of summer also carries some risks that we must consider.

In these public places, water can become a channel for the transmission of many infections capable of affecting various parts of the body. For the prevention of these health problems, maintenance and continuous cleaning are very important, but they are not an absolute guarantee.

Sometimes cleaning tasks and chlorine are not enough to protect us from some microorganisms. Next, we will explain what are the possible threats when going to a public swimming pool.

Why are there infections in swimming pools?

Water is one of the ideal scenarios for the reproduction and survival of an infinity of passive and harmful microorganisms. Bromine and chlorine contribute to its elimination, but there are always factors that facilitate contamination.

The worst thing is that the first polluting factor comes from the bathers themselves. Among the elements susceptible to contamination are:

• The rust.
• The sweat.
• Mucus.
• The droppings of birds and other animals.

The picture is complicated when the water is heated by the sun’s rays. All these conditions together facilitate the rapid reproduction of bacteria and parasites that sometimes survive cleaning tasks.

Risks in public swimming pools

In the following points, we will delve a little more into the conditions that can be suffered when visiting a public swimming pool. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to prevent them later!

1. Various types of viruses

Viral skin diseases are normally associated with submerged baths, because they are spread by contact with the dermis. For example, papilloma causes a wart, and this kind of benign condition can be transmitted by being in water. The hands and feet are the parts most vulnerable to these forms of infection.

Similarly, as detailed in a publication of the Revista Biomédica de Colombia, enteric conditions —that is, those that affect the digestive system— can also be transmitted through water, even in those suitable for consumption. In recreational pools, this can be caused by inadvertent ingestion of the liquid or by parasites that come into contact with the skin and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.

Likewise, the submerged bath lends itself to the transmission of bacteria, according to an investigation published in the Journal of the National School of Public Health . The salmonella is one of the most common and is transmitted by the accumulation of feces in ponds, although there are other environmental origin.

2. Pathogenic protozoa

Taking this last cited publication as a reference, protozoa are also transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of water. The problem is that these microorganisms are related to the high level of toxicity created by the use of some chemicals.

The same chlorine with which it is intended to kill microorganisms can be a trigger for pathogenic protozoa if it is used excessively. The case of public swimming pools with excess chlorine is also dangerous. This type of treatment can cause lung diseases, such as asthma, according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal .

With this in mind, the risks of the pool will somehow be present in every bathroom. Balance in cleaning is essential for health.

The pool and delicate skin

When coming into direct contact with pathogens, the skin is perhaps the most vulnerable part of all. For example, people who suffer from acne can be more affected in their wounds when they come in contact with water.

According to a Medline Plus publication, one of the commonly contracted dermal infections at these spread sites is the granuloma. They are those characteristic dry pustules that settle on the elbows and knees. Although it is not considered a serious evil, its treatment is very slow.

There are fungi in the water too, so it is not uncommon to get athlete’s foot after a good dive. The high incidence of this skin disease in swimmers is confirmed by research published in the European Journal of Epidemiology .

How to avoid infection in public swimming pools

Everything said above does not mean that we cannot go to spend a day of relaxation in the public swimming pools. There are precautions we can take to avoid getting sick.

1. Use insulating elements

Plastic sandals, swimming goggles, and ear plugs can help prevent conditions like athlete’s foot, eye inflammation, and otitis.

2. Shower after bathing

The shower with drinking water is important after a day of bathing. Carrying a soap in your bag to use when showering will help remove germs from your skin.

3. Avoid swallowing water

Although it sounds logical, this is important to avoid enteric viruses that can affect the digestive system. This is a fundamental measure in the case of children, since with their games and their beginnings in swimming, they tend to swallow more water than adults.

Take care of hygiene when visiting public swimming pools

As we can see, public swimming pools can be a source of infection and disease. However, by taking some precautions it is possible to minimize the risk of contagion.

The most advisable thing is to assemble the backpack in advance and carry all the mentioned elements, both to use during the stay in the pool and afterwards. Finally, it is advisable to consult with your doctor if there are doubts about it or if you experience symptoms of any of the aforementioned conditions.