​The most common infections you can get in the pool

Although chemicals in pool water like chlorine and bromine kill many viruses and bacteria, there are still some bacteria lurking in the water and it's important to know what you can do to avoid them.

"Illnesses that occur in swimming pools are always associated with contaminated water," explained Jasen Kunz, an expert in waterborne disease prevention.

"Illnesses can also result from contact with chemicals found in water or from inhalation of vaporizing chemicals," Kunz noted.

"That's one of the reasons why, if there's a faecal accident in the pool, there's a protocol that lifeguards and pool managers have to follow before they let people back in the water," Clare Rock explained.

Millions of microbes can end up in the water when diarrhea ends up in the water, and people can get sick if they ingest even a small amount, Kunz told HuffPost.

Additionally, one does not necessarily have to have an accident in the water for others to become ill. Small particles of feces can fall off the body while swimming, so you may not necessarily see them in the water.

Some of the most common germs you can pick up in a pool include the bacteria cryptosporidium, giardia, shigella, E. coli and norovirus.

Depending on the causative agent, the consequences can be diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, fever or stomach pain.

Swimming pools and water parks contain precisely defined amounts of chlorine or bromine in order to effectively prevent the spread of germs.

“But people can still be exposed to germs for the time it takes for chlorine to kill them,” explains Jessica Lum.

Cryptosporidium, also known as crypto, is particularly resistant to chlorine.

According to a study, this bacterium was the cause of 49% of cases of infectious diseases in water areas such as swimming pools, saunas and water parks from 2015 to 2019.

The most common infection caused by this bacterium is cryptosporidiosis, which is an intestinal infection that causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

“Chlorine or bromine inactivates or kills bacteria in properly treated water within minutes,” Kunz said. "However, cryptobacteria can survive for more than seven days."

Swimmer's ear is an infection caused by bacteria when pool water remains in the outer ear canal.

When water sits there for too long, it breaks down the protective wax and provides a moist environment for bacteria to multiply.

Swimmer's ear most often occurs in children and is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms include pain, itching, redness and swelling of the ear.

Irritation can occur when pool chlorine turns into a chemical irritant when combined with sweat, urine and dirt.

These irritants are called chloramines and can cause red eyes, itching, rashes, nasal irritation, coughing, and lung irritation.

When you smell chlorine in the pool, it means chloramines are turning into gas in the surrounding air.

That's why it's a good idea to shower before entering the water and never pee in the pool.

Urinating also reduces the amount of chlorine in the pool, which is necessary for the chlorine to kill unwanted bacteria.

In addition to chloramine, inappropriate pH levels in pools can lead to skin and eye irritation, Kunz adds.

How to protect yourself from possible infections?

For starters, it's important to learn about the pool or water park before you visit. It is useful to check the inspection reports for the pool you wish to visit so they are aware of any history of health or safety issues.

Be sure to shower before entering the water and avoid the pool if you have diarrhea problems.

In addition, do not go to the pool if you have an open wound. If you have a wound and still want to go to the pool, bring waterproof plasters. Finally, avoid swallowing pool water. And by all means, shower after swimming in the pool.