With summer just around the corner and everyone trying to squeeze into their teeny, tiny bathing suits, there’s one thing on our mind – pools.
Who doesn’t want to lay out and get some sun and also cool off by diving into some ice, cold water when it’s upwards of 100 degrees outside? There’s nothing like a pool party to get us ready for some summer fun.
But, what if I told you that the pool ain’t that clean and you might end up swimming in some dirty, dirty poop water? You might change your mind, right? (At least, I’d hope so…)
According to a new study released by the Water Quality and Health Council is giving us the summer scaries – because pools are not as clean as you thought they were.
According to the study –
- 1 in 4 adults swim within 1 hour after having the runs (diarrhea).
- 50% of adults never shower before going for a swim.
- 3 in 5 adults swallow pool water while swimming.
So – basically, we’re all swimming in poop/dirty water and accidentally swallowing it, too.
Now, I know you’re thinking – that’s why we use chemicals in the pool – like chlorine. But, there are some germs that can get into the water that can get us really, really sick. Pathogens – bacteria – can infect us with waterborne diseases and that’s something that can completely ruin your summer vaca – and your life.
According to BuzzFeed Health, when adults go swimming after they have the runs and don’t clean up, they risk spreading “bacteria (E. coli, shigella, campylobacter), viruses (hepatitis A, typhoid), and parasites (giardia, cryptosporidium).”
Crypto is dangerous because it can remain in your body for weeks and there’s absolutely no cure – plus, it’s immune to chlorine, which usually kills most germs.
And, with over half of the adults who swim swallowing water every time they enter a pool, it puts everyone at risk.
So – here’s what you should know:
If you have stomach issues – don’t go swimming. You’re only hurting everyone you know and love, and a few of us strangers. Shower before you go swimming – not all water is meant to cleanse your nasty body. Stop opening your mouth underwater – for any reason.