14 DAY TRIAL // A while back, singer Kelly Clarkson admitted that she used to go number one while in the shower, which, quite understandably, raised a lot of questions as to the hygiene of such a practice. In light of a recent study that showed that an overwhelming one in five Americans urinate in public pools, experts have come up with a series of guidelines we should follow, now that summer is here, to avoid catching what is known as recreational water illness.
The study, whose findings have been made public almost two weeks ago, has led to increased concern as to health dangers we’re exposing ourselves to when going to a public pool, especially now that the Memorial Day weekend marked the opening of pools for summer throughout the US. The fact that the owners are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the water is clean and germ-free does not mean that we can display whatever pool behavior we see fit, therefore users are also highly encouraged to pay attention to the little details that can turn a pool into a genuine bacteria hot spot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pool goers should be specifically careful if they have small children with them, since they are the most likely to contribute to making an unhealthy pool water, if only on the basis that no one can see them. “Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.” the CDC says, as quoted by LiveScience.
Another thing all users should bear in mind is that they should never go swimming if they have diarrhea. Swallowing pool water is, again, a major no-no, even if everybody else makes sure all these guidelines are followed accordingly. Since almost one third of the Americans who took part in the survey also admitted to not showering before heading to the pool, the CDC also warns this should be mandatory – as also is “wash[ing] your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.”
According to Michele Hlavsa, an epidemiologist with the CDC, keeping the pool healthy is not something that’s entirely up to the owner, since swimmers also have to do their part. “Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for old and young alike. Proper water chlorination helps protect swimmers from germs that can make swimmers sick. But swimmers also have [a] role to play in maintaining a clean and healthy pool. Unhygienic behavior brings germs into the pool and makes it harder for chlorine to do its job.” Hlavsa tells, as quoted by the aforementioned source.