It’s summer, the time for swimming, tanning. Anyway, the heat wave leaves you no choice. In these summer moments, invitations to the beach, parties, brunches by the swimming pool cannot be refused. Swimsuits are close at hand, on the lookout for the slightest opportunity. Normal, since there is nothing better than water to beat the heat.
However, caution is warranted. Because by swimming in the pool, you run the risk of catching germs that can be dangerous to your health. Here are some health hazards pool water poses to your body, especially if it is not well maintained.
The greater the number of people, the greater the risk of catching an infection, since each individual has come with his or her share of germs. It is therefore essential to clean yourself well before and following a dive. Several parts of the body are likely to be invaded by fungi or mycoses such as dermatophytes and yeasts which live more especially in swimming pools. These mycoses develop especially in humid or very hot places.
The pool can be the cause of skin infections which appear as small white pimples filled with pus under the skin (folliculitis). It is therefore the infection of the hair follicles. This infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that particularly hides in poorly maintained swimming pools.
Pool water can also be a hazard to the eyes when there is too much chlorine. Bacteria in the water can also contaminate ears. They can weaken them to the point of causing more severe infections such as nasopharyngitis, otitis or sinusitis.
About the genital infections or urinaryit is rare that they are caused by swimming pool water, but that does not mean that it has never happened.
As for those who like to dive, you have to be careful not to fall victim to what is called a hydrocution. L’hydrocution may cause unconsciousness or cardio-respiratory arrest. It is often due to too great a difference between the outside temperature and that of the swimming pool. It happens when you suddenly jump into cold water following you’ve been exposed to too much heat.
Of the precautions to take according to specialists:
- Do not swallow pool water.
- Do not go to the swimming pool in case of diarrhoea.
- Check the chlorine concentration yourself using test strips.
- Avoid overcrowded swimming pools.
