Ever thought about peeing in the pool?  Not even when you were a kid?  Come on, be honest.  Just once maybe?  Pretty sure the water doesn’t turn blue like in the movie ‘Grown ups’.  Here’s a fun fact; One in five Americans have peed in the pool.  Shocking, eh?  Would you believe Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have each admitted to doing it?  Ah, you’re thinking all the chlorine will counteract it, right?  Hmmm.  According to researched published in the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science and Technology journal (bathroom reading for me), you maybe should think twice about doing your business in the pool.

Here’s why…uric acid from your pee, when mixed with the chlorine creates two toxic gases: tricholramine, which is linked to acute lung problems, and cyanogen chloride, which has been known to affect the heart, lungs, and central nervous system.  Lower levels of these chemicals have also been linked to eye and throat irritation, while higher levels can present more dangerous problems.

So next time you feel the urge, just hop out of the pool, grab your towel and head for the nearest facilities, even if it happens to be a nearby tree.  Hey, we don’t swim in your toilet, don’t pee in our pool.  Happy swimming!

More From 96.1 The Eagle