Last Updated on April 19, 2017

Cryptosporidium in pools

 

Every summer, kids and adults love to take a dip in their pool. Kids in the city visit their local recreation center and go for a fun swim in the pool. Tourist visit resorts and do not think twice about swimming in the chlorinated swimming pool water. Surprisingly, the average person is not aware of the danger that is lurking in the chlorinated pool water. There are dangerous parasites that are lurking in those waters. They’ve caused sickness to life threatening illness in some people. The name of the disease caused by the parasites is Cryptosporidium. It is commonly called Crypto. Let’s take a closer look.

 

Chlorinated Swimming Pools Hot Beds For Crypto

Crypto is a disease or germ that does not discriminate. The disease might affect infants, small children, and adults. One symptom that an individual has the disease is watery diarrhea. People that are already suffering with an illness, pregnant women, infants, or those with a weakened immune system are most at risk. The fact is that it is a very nasty disease that is found in the fecal matter of an individual. The most asked question is how the fecal matter gets into the swimming pool. Don’t the chemicals in the water kill the parasitic germs. Well, the interesting fact is that the germ has a very tough outer shell that protects it. Studies show that the parasite is able to survive up to several days in the chlorinated water in a swimming pool. This is a frightening statistic that is worth remembering.

 

Contaminated Water

The swimming pool water is contaminated by people that go swimming in the pool water. There are all kinds of people that swim in the local recreational pool or at a private pool. Let’s face facts. Babies swim in the pool. They have on dirty diapers that might contaminate the water filled with other swimmers. Kids swim in the pools and might not take the time to go to the bathroom. The same is true for adults. Sounds gross, but it is very true. People swim in the contaminated water and might accidentally swallow the Crypto infested water. This is the way that it generally gets into the individual’s system. It is also important to note that Crypto has also been found in water fountains, lakes, ponds, and even the ocean.

 

Avoiding Cryptosporidum or Crypto

Is there a way to avoid the germs or parasitic disease without giving up swimming pool fun? Well, it is important to take a few steps to protect yourself and family members. Thus, avoiding the illness and life threatening disease. The best way to protect your personal pools is to stop the disease from manifesting. For example, don’t swim if you have diarrhea, don’t pee in pools, don’t poop in pools, never swallow pool water, don’t let a baby with dirty diapers in the pool. Health experts also warn people to shower before getting in the pool and after getting out of the pool for extra preventative measures.

 

The fact is that Cryptosporidium parasites are more common than you might think. Use the above precautions to protect you and your family members.