How dirty is a swimming pool, really? This is what experts say about poop, sweat, and the smell of chlorine.

A refreshing dip on a hot summer day: wonderful, isn't it? But how clean is that crystal-clear water in a public pool, really? According to a report from the CDC, there were more than 200 disease outbreaks linked to swimming pools between 2015 and 2019.

Fortunately, you can prevent a lot of misery with a few simple precautions.

According to immunologist and infectious disease specialist Lisa Cuchara, the danger lies primarily in what people bring to the pool themselves. Think sweat, urine, skin flakes, and yes, even feces. "That mix, combined with chlorine, can create byproducts that are actually unhealthy," Cuchara told The Conversation .

And while chlorine does indeed kill many bacteria, it's not a miracle cure. Some pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, can survive for up to ten days in a properly disinfected bath. This parasite causes severe diarrhea and spreads rapidly, even through tiny fecal fragments invisible to the naked eye.

Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and viruses such as norovirus and adenovirus can also survive in pool water and cause symptoms ranging from skin rashes to gastrointestinal problems.

Think a strong chlorine smell means the pool is clean? We're sorry to disappoint you... That smell actually indicates chloramines: chemical byproducts created when chlorine bonds with sweat and urine. A clean pool doesn't smell strongly of chlorine.

No one wants to spend their vacation or day off in the restroom because of a contaminated pool. These ten tips will help you swim safely:

• Shower before swimming. A minute of rinsing removes sweat and oils that reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
• Stay out of the water if you are sick, especially if you have diarrhea or open wounds.
• Try not to swallow any water.
• Have you had diarrhea? Stay away from the pool for at least two weeks.
• Go to the toilet regularly. This also applies to children.
• Check and change diapers outside the swimming area.
• Dry your ears well after swimming to prevent ear infections.
• Do not swim with an open wound or cover it well with a waterproof plaster.
• Also shower after swimming to rinse away any remaining bacteria.
• Worried about hygiene? It's best to skip the dip.

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