The summertime scents of outdoor barbecues and swimming pool chlorine are permeating the air, and it’s time to enjoy a relaxing swim!

While many swimmers have joked or thought about the possibility that other people might be peeing in the pool, researchers conclude that this common suspicion is actually a provable fact. According to Dr. Anessa Alappatt, there is between 1-3 ounces of urine per person floating around in each pool. Supporting Dr. Alapatt’s surprising claim, research conducted by Canadian scientists who measured random samplings of swimming pool water uncovered that the swimming pools and hot tubs tested had between 30-75 liters (8 and 19 gallons) of urine. (1, 2)

The community pool appears clean, however, and surely that familiar, summertime smell of chlorine reassures swimmers that it’s microbe-free and squeaky-clean, right?

Wrong.

The Truth About Swimming Pool Bacteria 

In fact, the stronger the smell of chlorine, the more concerned swimmers need to be that people are peeing in the water. A strong odor of chlorine actually indicates that there is a good chance the water is brimming with urine and may even contain many other toxins. In addition to urine, swimming pool water absorbs skin lotions, sunscreens, sweat, hair products, deodorants, and more. As the chlorine interacts with the urine and chemicals that float about the pool, it creates new toxins, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which release the strong smell of chlorine as the compounds interact. DBPs may cause health issues, including asthma, skin irritations, allergies, and more. (3)

There is good news, however. There are dozens of benefits to swimming, and they may just far outweigh the risks. Swimming is an aerobic exercise that can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic heart failure. Time spent in the pool can also ease symptoms of fibromyalgia, including improving mood and easing pain. In addition, swimming is terrific for joint mobility in those who suffer from arthritis. Overall, in addition to being a fun way to spend summer afternoons, swimming is a very healthy activity. (4, 5, 6)

5 Steps to Staying Safer

The best news of all is that there are simple steps we can take to combat the toxicity of urine, toxins, and DBPs in our swimming pools. We can change the culture around swimming and, as with any societal change, it begins with the individual. Follow these steps to start to make those changes today, and arm yourself against swimming pool toxins:

• Shower before you enter a swimming pool. This will ensure that chemicals on your body are not shed into the water.
• Shower directly after swimming in order to wash away DBPs to which you may have been exposed.
• Refrain from urinating in the pool so that you are part of the solution, not the problem.
• Limit swimming pool time to 40 minutes or less at a time, which will help reduce chemical absorption.
• Teach your children to follow the above steps as well so that we pass a new culture of clean swimming on. (7)

There is no need to skip the trip to the community pool. Simply follow the above guidelines, and continue to reap the benefits of swimming. Swimmers can still enjoy warm summer days but may think twice about that familiar scent of chlorine.