Here in the UK, the weather is warming up and more and more of us are thinking about heading away on holiday. With UK temperatures getting into the 30s over the summer, you may also be looking for a local pool for a refreshing dip. But while swimming is a fun and healthy activity, you might be wondering ‘Can pool water make you ill’? If the question is on your lips, you might want to read this post and arm yourself with the potential health risks associated with contaminated water.
Can Pool Water Make You Ill?
Did you know that recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are a group of diseases caused by germs and chemicals found in the water that you and I swim in? These illnesses can affect the stomach, skin, ears, respiratory system, and more. It’s a good idea to understand what to look for and how to prevent any issues arising from a dip in your local outdoor pool or even a pool on your annual summer holiday.
Understanding Recreational Water Illnesses
Recreational water illnesses are primarily caused by swallowing, breathing in, or coming into contact with water contaminated by germs. You’ll find that this contamination often results from faecal matter introduced into the water by swimmers. It’s possible that even a small amount of pool water can carry enough pathogens to cause illness.
The most common swimming-related illnesses include:
Diarrhoea is often caused by germs like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus, and E. coli. These pathogens can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, and watery diarrhoea.
You’ll find common conditions like hot tub rash, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can result in itchy, red bumps on the skin. This bacterium thrives in warm water environments like hot tubs and spa pools. That can include home hot tubs, not just public ones.
Swimmer’s ear is actually a pretty well-known one within the swimming world. It’s an infection of the outer ear canal which can cause pain, itching, and swelling. It's often the result of water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment for bacteria to grow.
Respiratory infections can be caused by breathing in mist or aerosolised water from contaminated sources. Doing this can actually lead to respiratory illnesses, including Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. These conditions are caused by Legionella bacteria and can result in flu-like symptoms.
High-Risk Environments - Can Pool Water Make You Sick?
You’ll find that some places pose a higher risk for RWIs. Here’s what to look out for.
Public Pools and Water Parks
As more people use public pools and water parks, you have a much higher chance of contamination. Splash pads and water playgrounds, popular among young children, have been linked to outbreaks due to inadequate chlorine levels and the difficulty of maintaining proper disinfection.
Hot Tubs and Spa Pools
The warm water in these facilities is a bit of a breeding ground for bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to skin infections and hot tub rash. Proper maintenance and regular monitoring of water temperature and chlorine levels are really important. If you have a hot tub at home, you’ll want to test your water regularly and maintain it properly.
Hotel Pools
You’ll want to check with the hotel you are staying in, as often hotel pools may not always be maintained to the same standards as public pools. Holiday makers should be cautious and look for the telltale signs of cleanliness and proper water maintenance.
Natural Bodies of Water
In summer, lakes, rivers and oceans are the ideal spot for a cooling dip, but these spots can be contaminated with harmful algal blooms, Naegleria fowleri (a rare but deadly amoeba), and other pathogens. We’d suggest doing your research and avoiding swimming in areas with warnings. You should also check for visible signs of pollution.
Vulnerable People
While anyone can contract an RWI, certain groups are at increased risk. These include young children, as they are more likely to swallow water and may not have fully developed immune systems. Older adults should be careful, as well as ageing immune systems can make it harder to fight off infections.
If you are pregnant, you’ll want to be aware of where you are swimming, as some infections can pose risks to both you and your unborn child. The same goes for people with weakened immune systems. This includes people with chronic illnesses, such as chronic lung disease or liver disease, or those undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system. These groups are more susceptible to severe infections.
The Best Way to Stay Safe
Preventing RWIs is simply down to a combination of personal responsibility and proper facility maintenance. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and others.
We’d suggest showering before swimming as sluicing yourself down will rinse off sweat, dirt, and oils that can contaminate the water.
You should also avoid swimming when you are ill. This is especially important if you are suffering from diarrhoea. You must not swim until at least two weeks after symptoms have stopped.
For small children, swim nappies can help contain any accidents, but they are not leak-proof. We’d suggest checking little ones' nappies regularly.
You can protect yourself by ensuring you don’t swallow pool water. You may find that even a small amount can introduce harmful germs into your system.
If you have any cuts or grazes, you should use waterproof bandages to cover them. This will help to prevent infection.
If you want to know if your pool is clean, why not ask? If you are swimming in a local pool, ask at the reception about their maintenance and how they keep swimmers safe. If the pool or hot tub belongs to you, you’ll want to check the ph levels and chlorine levels. You’ll also find that a well-functioning filtration system is crucial for keeping the water clean.
When to See A Doctor
If you find yourself at the end of symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, skin irritation, ear infections, or flu-like symptoms after swimming, you should speak to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and the spread of illness to others.
Swimming is a great way to stay active and cool off during the warmer months, but it’s important to use your common sense and follow a few simple rules. By understanding the risks and mitigating them, you can enjoy your time in the water while minimising the chance of getting ill. You’ll find that the best way to prevent recreational water illnesses is through a combination of personal hygiene and ensuring that pools and hot tubs are properly maintained.
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