Myths about disinfection in pools and spas

The hygiene of the swimmers used to be a relatively taboo, in the last few years, each time it is read more about how the pools are a “public toilet”.

We believe that knowledge is power. Do you want to stop swimming in the pools? On the contrary, we believe that it is important to raise the awareness of the users of the pools that play an important role for the swimming is healthy and fun.

 

Over the years we have learned that there are a lot of myths about the pools, some of which promote bad decisions and lead to swimming pools unhealthy.

Myth 1: The pools are a huge disinfectant

This is a dangerously misleading and although the pools well maintained containing disinfectants that kill disease-causing organisms that enter the water with the swimmers, it cannot be assumed that the disinfectants deleted instantly all the unwanted contaminants that enter the water. 

For example, the chlorine disinfectants are added to eliminate harmful microorganisms, but are consumed by chemical reactions with the sweat, makeup and body oils of the users. 

In other words, the chlorine cannot distinguish between bacteria and cosmetics and reacts with any substance that is found for the first time.

Unfortunately, when the chlorine reacts with nitrogenous substances (such as urine and sweat from bathers), can form disinfection by-products irritants that can redden the eyes of swimmers and cause itching in the skin. 

Many swimmers attributed to the strong chemical smell of these substances to an excess of chlorine and take it as a sign that the pool is not healthy. 

In reality, these pools often require extra chlorine to destroy the irritants and provide residual chlorine to destroy the disease-causing microorganisms.

Myth 2: it is Not necessary to take a shower before swimming

Given that the pools are not “disinfectants giants”, it is very important that swimmers to shower prior to entering into them. 

The cleaner is the body that goes in the pool, less by-products irritating it will be and the greater will be the probability that the chlorine is used for its main purpose of killing pathogens. 

A study conducted by Dutch researchers showed that a shower of 60 seconds removes most of the contaminants in the body. However, our survey of 2018 found that 52% of respondents never wash themselves when they go swimming. Only 29% of respondents reported having had a shower for at least a minute before swimming.

Many swimmers ducharon after swimming and 80% of the respondents considered showering after swimming is more fundamental to take a shower before swimming. 

Then you swim, the bathers can take a shower to taste to clarify the pool water, it is a personal choice based on comfort. 

However, it is essential to take a shower beforehand to get into the pool, as the sweat and a body without a shower can affect the quality of the water of the swimming pool and, therefore, of all that are in it. 

What bath are you going to take in the pool this summer: before you swim, after swimming, or both? Help you convert the swimming upon a matter of public health, the hygiene of the swimmers should not be a taboo subject.

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