Before You Dive Into The Neighborhood Pool Beware – The Water May Not Be As Clean As It Looks

CDC researchers analyzed samples taken from pool filters in public pools in Atlanta, Georgia, and 58 percent of them were contaminated with E. coli, a bacteria found in human feces. It's not just feces. Other swimmers are also urinating in the pool. "Chlorine and other disinfectants don't kill germs instantly," said Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC's Healthy Swimming Program. "That's why it's important for swimmers to protect themselves by not swallowing the water they swim in and to protect others by keeping feces and germs out of the pool by taking a pre-swim shower and not swimming when ill with diarrhea.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family?

• Don't swim if you have diarrhea.
• Shower with soap before swimming.
• Take a rinse shower before getting back in the water.
• Go to the bathroom every hour.
• Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Don't swallow the water you swim in.