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# Many Public Pools Harbor Dangerous Bacteria
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/public_pools_harbor_bacteria_2305101054/
- Published: 2010-05-23T11:18:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T12:49:24.000Z
- Description: CDC data collected across 13 states in 2008 found one in eight public pools carried enough microorganisms to concern health officials, and more than 12 percent had to close for serious code violations. Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Giardia drive most recreational water illness.
- Author: Rachel Stockton
- Tags: Avoiding Illness, #vivvo-import

by Rachel Stockton

The next time you’re visiting your local public pool and someone yells, “C’mon in, the water’s fine,” don’t necessarily believe it to be true.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 8 public swimming pools contain enough microorganisms to be of real concern to the public.

The data, which was published in the “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,” was gleaned from a 2008 study among 13 states. More than 12% of the pools tested how to be closed, due to serious code violations.

What Lies Beneath

According to the WebMd, there are three water borne bacteria that pose a hazard in public pools: cryptospyridium, E. Coli, and Giardia. These culprits can cause what is referred to as “recreational water illnesses.”

One of the most common causes of recreational water illness is diarrhea. Though somewhat unpleasant to think about, the CDC reports that most people entering a public pool have .14 grams of feces on their person. These contaminants are rinsed off into the water. 

If someone infects the pool with a diarrheal illness, even swallowing a tiny bit of water can cause a person to become ill.

Although there is no standing water in a pool, the water coming from a fountain is pulled from a holding tank; if a person vomits into a pool or contaminates it with diarrhea, the bacteria will be sprayed back into the pool again and again.

And speaking of fountains, many public water displays are not chlorinated at all; babies and children should avoid playing in these areas, as there can be millions of bacteria in the water, despite the fact that the pool at the bottom isn’t stagnate.

Chlorine Has its Own Hazards

While chorine kills most bacteria in the pool area, if the public pool in your area is over chlorinated, eye irritation and rashes may result, especially in indoor pools. Children who have asthma may find the condition aggravated in such a setting. The CDC suggests not swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool every single day.

Tips for Safe Swimming

In order to enjoy a summer free of recreational water illnesses, WebMd suggests the following:

As the pool supervisor how the pool is sanitized;

Confer with your pediatrician on the risks of chlorine to your child;

Avoid swimming in a public pool that is cloudy; this may indicate that the area is poorly ventilated;

Encourage your children and guests to take a shower before jumping into the pool;

Teach your children to avoid swallowing pool water.