The Effects of Swimming Pools on Health

There are numerous adverse health effects that can result from swimming in chlorinated pools. Chlorine disinfectants are used to kill bacteria to prevent disease outbreak in pools. Public swimming pools in particular would become viral cesspools without them. However, when these same disinfectants are exposed to organic materials, they can give off by-products that can cause skin, eye and lung irritation. Indoor swimming pools pose even greater risk than outdoor ones as ventilation is very limited. Two of chlorine's by-products, trihalomethane and chloroform, are suspected carcinogens.

Skin and Eye Problems

• The chemicals present in swimming pools can seriously irritate the skin.

  The skin absorbs contaminants in swimming pool water. Too much chlorine can cause adverse skin reactions such as eczema and rashes. Chlorine is capable of destroying proteins in the body, which can result in exceedingly dry skin and hair. Skin irritation is a common problem for frequent swimmers. Burning of the eyes and eye pain is also common after swimming, particularly in pools that give off an intense chlorine smell. That smell is from chlorine by-products called chloramines; the stronger the smell, the more likely irritating chemicals are present in the air.

Public Pool Dangers

• Public pools can be of particular risk to health.

  Public pools can cause health problems because of factors as simple as hygiene. Besides being overcrowded, public pools are filled with people who may not have showered before entering or who have open wounds on the body, thus increasing chances of spreading infection. Babies' diapers can pose a health risk if the baby was just changed, or urinates or defecates while in the swimming pool. Saliva, mucus, vomit and shedding of skin can cause potential health problems, particularly for a person who is already ill. Animal fecal contamination is another risk of outdoor pools, as are those with fecal matter present on their bodies that gets washed away in the pool. Any pool that is not properly treated dramatically heightens the risk of waterborne diseases affecting swimmers, including germs like E-coli. Exposure to such germs can cause diarrhea, respiratory illness, skin outbreaks and ear and nose infections.

Asthma and Lung Problems

• Those who work at pools can develop asthma-like symptoms.

  Indoor public pools can be a health risk because of poor ventilation and less chance of toxic gas escaping. Pools with low ceilings, recirculated air or high sides that hurt surface air ventilation are among the worst in terms of lung irritation. Children who frequently swim in indoor pools have more of a chance of developing asthma as they are constantly exposed to chloramines. Outdoor pools have the benefit of the winds blowing away chemicals in the air. However, outdoor pools with high sides when their is no breeze can still cause atmospheric chlorine conditions. Those who work at indoor or outdoor pools also have a greater risk of developing asthma or asthma-like symptoms and lung irritation.