You're Not Alone in the Pool: Meet the Microorganisms That Can Make You Sick!

You’re Not Alone in the Pool: Meet the Microorganisms That Can Make You Sick!

Written by Sara Aquino

Published on 23/07/2025 at 06:55

Updated on 22/07/2025 at 20:56

Foto Divulgação Guia Viagens Brasil.

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What Are the Main Health Risks of Swimming in Public Pools and How to Prevent Infections Caused by Bacteria and Parasites.

What seemed like just a refreshing pastime may hide important risks. Health experts warn that public pools, if poorly maintained, can become breeding grounds for serious infections.

According to recent studies conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, collective aquatic environments have been the scene of outbreaks of intestinal, skin, and respiratory diseases. But why does this happen? How to avoid it? And what can each swimmer do to protect themselves?

Public Pools and the Invisible Health Risks

Public pools, while providing leisure and benefits for physical health, can harbor various harmful microorganisms. One of the most concerning parasites is Cryptosporidium, which can survive chlorine for over a week.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Bacterial and Fungal Infections Are Also Common

Professor Stuart Khan from the University of Sydney emphasizes that other pathogens like Staphylococcus and fungi can also cause skin and ear infections, such as external otitis, known as “swimmer’s ear.”

Additionally, lung infections caused by bacteria like Legionella can also occur through inhalation of droplets present in the air around the pool.

The Science Behind Water Treatment

Chlorine disinfection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent infections in public pools. However, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the constant maintenance of the water’s pH and alkalinity.

The process known as superchlorination may also be necessary after incidents of fecal contamination.

Public Pools and Infection Outbreaks

Research indicates that outbreaks tend to occur during peak traffic, such as holidays and school vacations. A study of six pools in the U.S. found Cryptosporidium in 20% of samples collected during the summer.

These data reinforce the importance of constant vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious incidents to pool operators.

Simple Precautions Help Prevent Infections

According to experts, preventive measures such as showering before entering the water, avoiding urinating or defecating in the pool, and not swallowing water while swimming significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

Proper ventilation of the environment also helps minimize the impact of substances like chloramines, which can irritate the eyes and throat.

Swimming in Nature Also Requires Attention

Rivers, lakes, and the sea are not free of risks. The presence of untreated sewage or animal feces can turn these locations into sources of infection.

Therefore, it is essential to know the source of the water before venturing into natural environments.

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You’re Not Alone in the Pool: Meet the Microorganisms That Can Make You Sick!

What Are the Main Health Risks of Swimming in Public Pools and How to Prevent Infections Caused by Bacteria and Parasites.

Public Pools and the Invisible Health Risks

Bacterial and Fungal Infections Are Also Common

The Science Behind Water Treatment

Public Pools and Infection Outbreaks

Simple Precautions Help Prevent Infections

Swimming in Nature Also Requires Attention

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You’re Not Alone in the Pool: Meet the Microorganisms That Can Make You Sick!

What Are the Main Health Risks of Swimming in Public Pools and How to Prevent Infections Caused by Bacteria and Parasites.

Public Pools and the Invisible Health Risks

Bacterial and Fungal Infections Are Also Common

The Science Behind Water Treatment

Public Pools and Infection Outbreaks

Simple Precautions Help Prevent Infections

Swimming in Nature Also Requires Attention

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Desert sand, previously discarded for being too smooth for concrete, becomes an ecological brick in the United Arab Emirates, dispensing with Portland cement, curing at room temperature, and attempting to transform dunes useless for construction into raw material for a new arid engineering.

He transformed an abandoned plastic water tank into an underground house in the “hobbit hole” style, using only repurposed pallet wood, without heavy machinery or expensive labor.

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