How to Avoid E. coli in your Pool

  Pool playtime is great family fun, but there are some things to watch out for. Keep reading below to find out why a free water test is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your little ones–and pool–healthy and safe. 58% of public pools contain E. coli. In a 2013 study, The CDC collected samples of water from pool filters from public pools and tested the samples for genetic material (for example, DNA) of multiple microbes. The study found that 58%of the pool filter samples tested were positive for E. coli, bacteria normally found in human feces. Presence E. coli is an indicator of fecal contamination being present in the water. What introduces E. coli to pools? Infants and young children love to spend time playing in the pool. Infants and young children also tend to have accidents. Swim diapers are  not fool proof and fecal matter can leak out. But people may not know that there is another factor that contributes to a contaminated pool–when swimmers don’t shower before they get in. E. coli is a bacteria that everyone has inside their body and although people don’t like to think about it, people often will have small amounts of E. coli on their skin as well. People typically have about 0.14 grams of poop (about the same amount as a few grains of sand) on their bodies at any given time. Just how not washing your hands can spread germs that make someone sick, not washing your body before taking a swim can lead to shedding the bacteria into the water. The more unwashed swimmers in the pool, the more bacteria that can spread. You can get recreational water illnesses by swallowing, having contact with, or breathing in mists or aerosols from water contaminated with germs. You might think you don’t swallow pool water, but you probably do… at least a little bit. A 2006 study found that during a 45-minute swim, adults swallowed 37 milliliters or water on average or almost two tablespoons. Children swallowed twice that amount. Once swallowed, germs live in their new host’s gastrointestinal tract until they’re pooed out, beginning the cycle again. Can the E. coli in the pool actually make anyone sick? The most common symptoms caused by recreational water illnesses are diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, cough or congestion, and eye pain. Diarrhea is the most common recreational water illness and unfortunately people who are already sick with diarrhea can spread it to others when they get in recreational water. Children are among the most vulnerable. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who have health problems or take medicines that lower their body’s ability to fight germs and sickness are the most at risk of developing recreational water illnesses.

How to: How to get your pool ready for summer

With the warmer weather approaching, now is the time to give your pool a pre-summer makeover. You may find that if your pool has had limited use, it may need some TLC. Want to get your pool in top shape, but you’re not sure where to start? Check out our top tips below.

What to know about your dog and your pool

  Your pool can be a great source of entertainment and exercise for your dogs while helping them keep cool. Keep reading below to find out why a free water test is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furry friend–and pool–healthy and safe. A single dog in a pool is equivalent to 3 or more people. People often underestimate the impact their furry family members have on their pool’s water balance. When your dog goes for a swim, he raises your pool water’s pH and uses up chlorine faster than a human. In addition, their fur will introduce more contaminants into the water than people typically bring in. Fur tends to trap all kinds of particles, including dirt, dander, bugs and other pests, and even poop. Because of this, animals have small particles of fecal matter stuck in their fur. This fecal matter contaminate the pool’s water, which can lead to the transmission of Recreational Water Illnesses such as E. coli, Giardia, Hepatitis A and Cryptosporidium. Fur can clog up filters and equipment. Just like how humans shed 100-200 hairs each day, dogs also shed their hair, especially in the summer time. Even hypoallergenic dogs experience some shedding, but if you have a dog with a long coat or double coat, you are probably already aware of just how much hair comes off them. When dogs swim in the pool, hair they have shed will get into the water. And as your pool filters your water, it will get into and potentially clog your filter and other pool equipment. If you don’t check your equipment regularly, it may impact your filter and pool pump’s ability to clear out contaminants.

Coronavirus & Pools FAQ

During these uncertain times, it’s important to understand what you can do to ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Below are our most frequently asked questions about pool use and the Coronavirus.