Public Swimming Pools Can be Deadly for Those With Autoimmune Diseases

Toxic Mix of Urine, Feces, Germs, and Parasites Await Swimmers

Often profiled as funny, like in the movie "Grown Ups" with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, urinating in the pool appears to be quite common in real life according to recent data. 

Urine is bad enough, but just the tiniest bit of fecal material in a pool could cause illness and infections for pregnant women, the elderly, and young children.  Even worse, it could cause deadly results for those with compromised immune systems, like multiple sclerosis. 

With the summer swim season arriving any day, it may be best to take an awfully close look at what is in that pool water.  This is especially for those of us who can be affected the most, which includes me.  Considering that I have multiple sclerosis, those germs could offer me a stay in the nearby hospital. 

What is in the public pool water?

Public pools offer a temporary reprieve from the summer heat.  However, a HuffPost article states that the Centers for Disease Control reports a study found "Cases of cryptosporidiosis, which can cause watery diarrhea for up to three weeks, have been increasing by 13% every year." And “...unlike other germs, this parasite can survive in well-maintained chlorinated pools for up to a week.” Gasp!  

Translated, this means that swimmers introduced poop in the pool either by accident or by skipping the shower.  Showering before entering the pool washes fecal material along with most other nasties.      

Researching multiple papers based on studies found Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes rashes and infections, Cryptosporidium and Giardia – both parasites – were detected as well.  Even the small percentage of cryptosporidium present is frightening, as it is particularly infectious and nearly impossible to kill with chlorine.  For those of us with a compromised immune system, this could be deadly. 

Doesn't chlorine kill all those germs?

Chlorine, if balanced correctly, can kill most germs.  However, how often is the pool water tested?  After all, there appears to be no set standard for public pool operators.  So, swimmers could be exposed to germs and parasites before anyone realizes the water is contaminated.  Making matters worse, 30% of people admit to peeing in public pools.  Why is this a problem?  Urine changes the chemical composition of chlorine making it less able to kill germs.  This mixture of urine and chlorine can cause mild to more severe health issues, like irritating eyes to aggravating asthma. 

Even in the properly chlorinated pool, it takes time to kill the bad guys.  E. coli is dead in less than a minute, Giardia in approximately 45 minutes, while Cryptosporidium might die in a little over 10 days.  If it dies.   

Should those with compromised immune systems avoid public pools?

For those with autoimmune diseases, it is always best to be cautious.  Beyond that, we need to be courteous as well.  This means we should not become part of the problem, by showering with soap before entering a pool.   Never swim if stricken with diarrhea and always wash hands thoroughly after handling a baby's diaper.  Obvious, but necessary to mention, do not pee or swallow pool water. 

Scrutinize the water before jumping in.  If the water smells or is cloudy, stay dry.  Strong odors are typically the result of bodily fluids mixing with chlorine. Nasty. 

The same is true with the cloudy pool.  The water should be clear to the bottom of the pool.  Finally, research the ranking of your public pool and test the water.  The Water Quality and Health Council provide an interactive map for comparing pools all over the US.  It even offers free test strips for testing water quality.    

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