7 Surprising Insights About Pool Poop from the CDC’s Swimming App

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Just when you thought swimming was all about fun in the sun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) delivered some unsettling news: a nasty parasite called cryptosporidium (or “crypto” for short) is making waves in pools and hot tubs. Unlike E. coli, which can be eliminated in under a minute with proper chlorination, crypto can survive for up to 10 days in chlorinated water. I decided to check out the CDC’s Healthy Swimming app to get the lowdown on the germs we might be bringing into our swimming spots. Here’s what I discovered:

1. Many pool facilities employ a single filtration system for multiple pools, meaning that one person’s unfortunate encounter with bad clams could potentially infect an entire waterpark.
2. Crypto is encased in a robust outer shell that allows it to resist chlorine and remain infectious even in well-maintained pools.
3. Your backyard plastic pool can turn into a breeding ground for recreational water illnesses (RWIs) since they typically lack chlorine and filtration systems.
4. It’s best to avoid drinking from public pools (I know, there goes my summer hydration plan!) and sitting on the jets. The thought of having a concentrated stream of potentially contaminated water shooting at you is something I would rather not experience.
5. Interactive fountains, or “sprayparks,” may seem like a great way to cool off, but they can also spread illnesses. In one incident back in 2005, around 1,700 people were infected with crypto at a spraypark, with 425 cases confirmed in the lab.
6. Shockingly, more than 20% of American adults are unaware that swimming while experiencing diarrhea can contaminate the water. While I wasn’t in that group, the idea of swimming under those conditions is repugnant enough that I can confidently say I’ve never contributed to this problem.
7. The United States has over 7.3 million hot tubs in operation. Whether that’s a lot or not is up for debate, but it’s a fun fact to share next time the conversation turns a bit… well, messy.

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In summary, understanding the risks associated with pool environments is crucial for a fun and safe swimming experience. Stay informed, and remember: when in doubt, avoid the water if you’re feeling under the weather!