Do you ever wonder about the quality of water that you are swimming in? Do you ever think about what is truly in the water that you are swimming in? Most people assume that if the water is clear and blue that it is safe to swim in and we can’t fault people for thinking that way but if you enjoy swimming in commercial/public swimming pools we want this blog post to inform you on what could be in the water and what precautions you should take before you swim in it! Water quality has been in the news over the last few months and is extremely common to hear about especially during the long, hot summer months with multiple bathers in a swimming pool. Please keep in mind that this is to inform you that all of this goes far beyond just body oils, suntan oils and urinating in the swimming pool. This is also to inform you that there are certain things that normal chlorine (sanitation) can’t help with. That’s why if you enjoy swimming in public pools it’s extremely important to be very aware of what you could come in contact with.
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.” It is the most common waterborne disease with the following signs and symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Upset stomach
- Slight fever
*Please be aware that some of these signs and symptoms can take 2-10 days to appear after being affected.*
As a swimmer you should be concerned because Cryptosporidium is the leading cause of waterborne illnesses in the United States and some of the symptoms could last up to 2-3 weeks. Children, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems are those that are at the highest risk of catching Cryptosporidium.
How do you get Cryptosporidium?
Swallowing recreational water that is contaminated with Cryptosporidium – meaning that even if one person with diarrhea is in the swimming pool… that can affect everyone even with proper sanitation levels in the swimming pool.
How do you protect yourself or your family from getting Cryptosporidium?
- Stay out of the swimming pool if you have diarrhea
- Always take a shower before you get into the swimming pool
- Never swallow the water
- Make sure you always get out of the pool if you need to use the restroom
If you frequent public swimming pools you have the right to ask how they take care of the swimming pool. You have the right to be concerned about proper chemistry levels in the swimming pool and if you see anyone defecate in the pool, please exit the swimming pool and make someone aware of it as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about the possibility of your swimming pool being affected by Cryptosporidium, increasing the chlorine levels isn’t going to be enough as you’re going to need to change out the water as well. Please be aware that at Pool Water Recycling, our mobile filtration system can and will remove Cryptosporidium from the swimming pool without draining it. If you’re curious to know more, please contact us today so we can show you how we can help!
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