Drinking pool water can cause illness. Despite treatment, it may contain substances and microorganisms that cause health issues if ingested. Understanding potential contaminants and their effects can help swimmers take precautions.
Common Contaminants in Pool Water
Pool water contains substances and organisms that pose health risks. Chlorine, the primary disinfectant, reacts with organic matter introduced by swimmers, such as sweat, urine, oils, and skin cells. These reactions create disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including chloramines, which are responsible for the distinct “chlorine” smell often associated with pools. This strong odor indicates chlorine is used up reacting with contaminants, instead of effectively sanitizing it.
Even in properly chlorinated pools, some germs can survive. Common microbial contaminants include bacteria like E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Shigella, along with viruses such as norovirus and adenovirus. Parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia are resistant to chlorine and can remain infectious in pool water for days or even weeks. Fecal matter from swimmers is a source of these pathogens, allowing them to spread in the water.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Ingesting contaminated pool water can lead to illnesses, known as Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs). Frequent symptoms involve the gastrointestinal system, including watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. Specific pathogens can cause distinct issues; for example, E. coli infections may result in severe diarrhea and, in rare cases, kidney damage, while Giardia can cause prolonged diarrheal illness lasting weeks.
Beyond digestive problems, exposure to pool water can cause respiratory symptoms. Inhaling chloramines, which are airborne in pool areas, can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, congestion, wheezing, and a sore throat. More severe respiratory infections, such as Legionellosis (including Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever), can occur if contaminated water vapor is inhaled.
Skin and eye irritations are also common after swimming. Redness, itchiness, and a burning sensation in the eyes, often termed “swimmer’s eye,” can result from chemical imbalances, particularly chloramines, or from exposure to certain bacteria like Pseudomonas. Skin rashes, including “hot tub rash,” are another possible outcome. The severity of these health effects can vary depending on the contaminant, the amount of water ingested, and an individual’s immune system. Children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity are more susceptible.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Prevention
If symptoms develop after ingesting pool water, monitor them. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent, such as diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours in children or two days in adults, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or bloody stools. Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth or infrequent urination, warrant medical assessment. For respiratory issues, persistent coughing for over 20 minutes after water ingestion may indicate water inhalation, requiring urgent medical care. Vulnerable individuals like infants or those with compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms.
To reduce the risk of illness from pool water, take several preventive measures. Avoid swallowing pool water and encourage children to keep their mouths closed while swimming. Showering with soap before entering the pool helps remove sweat, dirt, and other substances from the body that can react with chlorine. Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea, and wait at least two weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent spreading germs like Cryptosporidium. Frequent bathroom breaks, especially for children, and changing diapers away from the poolside help maintain water quality.