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Preventing E. coli Contamination in Your Pool Water

Baby in pool with "poop happens" caption

 

Jumping into the pool for some family fun is some of the most cherished moments, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep reading to discover why a free water analysis is a crucial step to ensure the safety of your kids and your pool.

How E. coli make its debut in the watery realms of pools

Infants and young children enjoy pool play, but accidents are common. Despite using swim diapers, fecal matter can enter water due to leaks. Another factor in pool contamination is swimmers not showering before entering. E. coli bacteria, present in everyone, remains on skin in small amounts—about 0.14 grams. Like germs from unwashed hands, not showering before swimming leads to bacteria shedding into the water, intensified by more unwashed swimmers. Recreational water illnesses spread via ingestion, contact, or inhalation of germ-contaminated water. People ingest pool water more than expected; adults swallowed around 37 milliliters on average during a 45-minute swim, with children consuming double that amount. Ingested germs reside in the gastrointestinal tract before excretion, continuing the cycle.

Can the E. coli in the pool actually make anyone sick?

Recreational water illnesses typically manifest through prevalent symptoms such as diarrhea, skin rashes, ear discomfort, cough and congestion, and eye irritation. Among these, diarrhea stands out as the most frequent occurrence, unfortunately. Adding to the challenge, individuals already afflicted with diarrhea can inadvertently transmit the condition to fellow swimmers, exacerbating the situation when they partake in recreational water activities.

Tiny tots take the lead in vulnerability.

Those most prone to acquiring recreational water illnesses includes children, expectant mothers, our esteemed elders, and individuals who harbor health conditions or rely on medications that lower their body’s prowess in combating germs and maladies.

Tackle the issue of E. coli with these steps.

Ensuring your pool and family’s well-being hinges on a simple yet crucial step: regular water testing and proper pool maintenance. In the cooler months, aim for biweekly water tests, ramping up to weekly checks during active pool season. This diligent upkeep significantly diminishes the risk of water-related illnesses, as proper sanitizer levels—like chlorine—can neutralize threats like E. coli. By diligently monitoring your pool’s chemistry, you safeguard against harmful pathogens.

The good news? Poolwerx offers complimentary water tests. Don’t hesitate to reach out or drop by to learn more about keeping your pool pristine and your loved ones safe. Your family’s health is worth the effort.

Other pool health tips from the CDC

The CDC recommends that parents of young children take the following steps:

  1. Keep feces and other contaminants out of the water.
  • Do not swim when you have diarrhea.
  • Shower with soap before you start swimming.
  • Take a rinse shower before you get back into the water.
  • Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes.
  • Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet or changing diapers.
  1. Check the chlorine level and pH before getting into the water.
  • Proper chlorine levels maximize germ-killing power.
  1. Do not swallow the water when you swim.

The CDC recommends that parents of young children also take the following steps:

  • Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or check diapers every 30-60 minutes.
  • Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper-changing area and not at the poolside where germs can rinse into the water

 

 

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