One In Five Admit To Peeing In Public Swimming Pools
Posted May 19, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
O.K., so maybe this isn’t what you really want to hear with a couple of 28C days coming this week. But this information comes out of the U.S., so we can only hope Canadians are a little more circumspect – or at least potty trained.
A group sponsored by chlorine manufacturers in the U.S. asked more than a thousand swimmers about whether they’ve actually urinated while spending time in a public pool. The answer is pretty disgusting.
One in five people admitted to the practice, while fully eight in ten (or 78 per cent) are convinced their fellow pool partners are up to something untoward.
The Water Quality and Health Council naturally argues that chlorine is the best way to disinfect a public swimming hole and urges all those who run such facilities to use their product.
Chlorine is a frequent additive to most pools, designed to kill off anything that shouldn’t be there. Its main drawback is a strong smell and eye irritation. But given the revelations above, it’s probably worth the hassle.
How can you tell if someone’s been playing dirty pool? The Council advises you to look for water that’s clean, clear and blue. Make sure the tiles are smooth and clean. Check for strong odours and pool cleaning equipment.
And oh yeah – have the courtesy to go before you take that initial plunge. It’s the kind of splash your fellow swimmers would prefer you take first.
