Swimming Pool Pollutants

Whether a swimming pool is used for recreation or exercise, it is important that its water is safe. When a swimming pool is not maintained properly, the resulting biological pollutants can cause severe illness. Exposure to these swimming pool pollutants can be minimized by guidelines for swimmers, water testing and daily cleaning, especially for a public swimming pool.

Biological Pollutants

• Microscopic image of E. coli bacteria

  One of the biggest threats to public health related to swimming pools is waterborne illness. Waterborne illness is the result of contamination by fecal matter, vomit and other body fluids. Exposure to these biological pollutants can result in severe illness and, in some cases, death. Among the biological pollutants found in contaminated swimming pools are Cryptosporidium and Escherichia coli, which is often abbreviated as E. coli.

Crytosporidium

• Cryptosporidium is a common parasite in polluted swimming pools, and it is the pathogen that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium is is chlorine-resistant, which means it can be difficult to get rid of with conventional chlorine treatments. It can be found in feces. People who contract cryptosporidiosis experience diarrhea, which can result in rapid fluid loss and lead to dehydration.

E. Coli

• The pathogen E. coli lives in the intestines of humans and animals and is passed through the oral-fecal route. An individual who ingests swimming pool water that is contaminated with E. coli is at risk for severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome. The syndrome can result in toxins that destroy red blood cells, leading to kidney failure. Older adults and young children are especially susceptible to this illness, which can result in death.

Pollutant Reduction

• Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent biological pollutants in swimming pool water. Whether the pool is in a back yard or public park, measures can reduce the swimmers' risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.

  The pool should maintain the proper pH. When pH is too high, chlorine is not an effective sanitizer. Removal of solid contaminants such as animal and human feces from the pool requires using a telepole with a net. Other debris, including leaves and bugs, should be removed, too. Manufacturer's instructions state the proper use of chlorine and other chemicals. When contamination occurs, check the pool's chlorine concentration before and after cleaning. The pool's filtration system should be in good working order.

  Following guidelines can prevent contamination of a pool by swimmers. For example, children who are not toilet trained and people with incontinence should be prohibited from the pool. Pool users should take showers before swimming and wash their hands after using a toilet. Pets and other animals should not be permitted to swim or play in public pools.