Peeing in the Pool
By: Marchelle McConnell
Updated: July 23, 2009
You have probably spent some time at the pool this summer, and we have news that might make you think twice before taking a dip in the deep end. FOX Fort Wayne looked into a study conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council says that one in five adults admit to peeing in the pool.
The Allen County Health Department requires all public pools to submit a weekly water sample. That sample goes to a lab, and the results are sent back to the county for review.
John Silcox, of the Allen County Health Department says “The standard is two in a row or three in a six week period. Then we would require them to shut the pool down until we get a good sample.”
Swimming in dirty pool water can be bad for your health. Dr. Todd Dillon explains that urine is a sterile and does not contain bacteria. It’s fecal matter that poses the greatest threat. “Most of these illnesses are going to be transmitted by contamination with fecal material. That is if someone is having diarrhea and are not cleaning themselves properly before they swim.”
The center for disease and control has tips for how you can keep yourself and others healthy while you swim:
- Dont swim when you are sick
- Dont swallow pool water
- Shower before entering pool
- Take your children on bathroom breaks
FOX Fort Wayne looked at the most recent lab results from some of the city pools. McMillen, Northside and Memorial Pools all got satisfactory scores.
Currently there is no way to test specifically for urine in pool water. The county does requires all public pools to be tested for feces.
