OK, so you’ve installed a backyard swimming pool. You’ve followed the recommended procedures for cleaning it, filling it with water and sanitizing the water. You’ve measured the sanitizer content of the water and it meets all recommended residual levels. It’s time to get in and have some fun. But…are you totally safe from waterborne illnesses? Unfortunately, the answer is “not necessarily!”

If someone who is already sick gets into your pool, their illness can be unintentionally passed along to anyone else that’s in the water. Think about it. If someone has a cold or flu, or is experiencing diarrhea, or recently entered the pool immediately after using the bathroom without thoroughly cleansing themselves, or urinates or defecates or regurgitates into the pool, whatever illness they may have can be transmitted to anyone else in the water. Remember, no matter how hard you try, it is almost impossible to play or swim in water without getting a little in your mouth.

So what can you do?

You can learn to practice good hygiene before getting into the pool, and make sure that anyone else planning to use the pool does so as well. Here are a few examples of good hygienic routines that you and your family can practice to reduce the risks of getting sick in your pool:

• Take a shower using a mild soap. Wash and rinse before getting into the pool.
• Small children in the pool should be given frequent bathroom breaks.
• Everyone should wash their hands after using the bathroom but before entering the pool.
• If there are diapered children using the pool, make sure that both the child and the hands of the “diaper changer” are washed before getting back into the water.  (Note: for those of you that use swim diapers, you may be interested in a recent release by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.  Click here.)
• Don’t let your friends use the pool if they are currently ill.
• Don’t be overly concerned about letting pets into your pool.  They “normally” do not carry many diseases that transmit to humans.  However, you need to be aware of the issues involved when allowing your pets into the water. To be sure, check with your veterinarian.
• Don’t allow people or animals that look dirty to enter your pool.
• If someone has a fecal accident in the pool, get everyone out of the water and remove the fecal matter, if formed. Check the sanitizer and pH levels of the water. If all levels are adequate, then it is most likely safe to re-enter the water. However, if the fecal accident involves diarrhea, get everyone out of the pool and “shock” the water. Check with the instructions that came with your sanitizer supply or contact your pool service company for assistance.
• Finally, as best as possible, try not to swallow the pool water.

Ultimately, the easiest and best way to keep from getting sick in your swimming pool is to use a little common sense. Swimming in your backyard pool can and should be a happy, safe and enjoyable experience for you, your family and friends.  You can keep it safe and healthy by ensuring that everyone practices good hygiene.