Swimming is a low-impact, healthy activity with mental and physical health benefits. These health benefits include cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, weight maintenance, stress reduction, improved body posture, balance coordination, and endurance building. Most swimming in the United States takes place in residential and public pools. According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, approximately 309,000 public swimming pools and 10.4 million residential pools in the United States. On the other hand, the ‘above ground modern pool’ can become breeding grounds for disease-transmitted pathogens, especially if they are not properly maintained. Even if the swimming pool is regularly sanitized, some hardy bacteria and pathogens can potentially infest the pool. The following article discusses the health risks associated with an above ground pool and best kind of inground pool.
Since swimming pools have many health benefits, it is crucial to ensure proper hygiene is maintained. They can become death traps if infested by disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Therefore, public and residential swimming pools must be regularly sanitized to prevent water contamination. There is the need to engage local pool repair personnel or search for “best swimming pool companies near me” for regular checks and maintenance.
Since ancient times, pools have brought people together for fun, entertainment, relaxation, and in some cases, pools were used in religious ceremonies or as therapy. Fast forward to today, and swimming pools are still use for these same reasons. However, a hidden danger that’s been lurking in America’s swimming pools for quite some time has resurfaced with a vengeance, causing confusion, illness, and fear.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an official report late last month as a result of a series of outbreaks caused by pathogens found in many of the nations pools. According to the report, the outbreaks caused 1,788 cases of illness, 95 hospitalizations, and one death between 2011 and 2012, the last years of which statistics are available.
The main culprit illness-causing culprit of the CDC’s report is a microscopic fecal parasite called Cryptosporidium. Encased in a hard outer shell, the parasite is capable of living in chlorine-treated water for over a week, and can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and moderate to severe stomach discomfort. These symptoms can last for up to three weeks in some cases, while the body struggles to rid itself of the parasite.
It can be especially difficult to totally eliminate chlorine-resistant microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium, however, the CDC urges both pool owners and pool goers to be proactive about pool safety.
The CDC recommends pool goers shower in cool to cold water immediately before and after swimming in a pool in order to rinse of any potentially dangerous pathogens and microogranisms. In addition, the CDC urges those who may already have diarrhea to steer clear of swimming pools until symptoms subside.
All pool owners strive to achieve and maintain sparkling water clarity, silky pool water, the perfect temperature, and the delicate balance of pH levels in order to keep the water clean and healthy. Maintaining the right pH levels is integral to not only keeping the water clear, but also for keeping it healthy enough to swim in. Despite keeping up with their maintenance schedule, pool owners often struggle to completely eliminate chlorine-resistant microorganisms.
