Unfortunately no: Chlorine doesn't kill everything. There are germs today that are very tolerant to chlorine and were not known to cause human disease until recently. Once these germs get in the pool, it can take anywhere from minutes to days for chlorine to kill them. In August 2001, 358 patients were infected with cryptosporidium from one water park even though the chlorine records were checked and showed adequate chlorination. Many people across the nation have diarrhea after visiting any water park.
Swallowing just a little water that contains these germs can make you sick.
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that evaporate from the water and cause indoor air quality problems.
In the past two decades, there has been a substantial increase in the number of RWI (recreational water illness) outbreaks associated with swimming. Crypto, which can stay alive for days even in well-maintained pools, has become the leading cause of swimming pool-related outbreaks of diarrheal illness. From 2004 to 2008, reported Crypto cases increased over 200% (from 3,411 cases in 2004 to 10,500 cases in 2008).
Although Crypto is tolerant to chlorine, most germs are not. Keeping chlorine at recommended levels is essential to maintain a healthy pool. However, a 2010 study found that 1 in 8 public pool inspections resulted in pools being closed immediately due to serious code violations such as improper chlorine levels.
Who should think twice before swimming for their own safety?
The very young especially if not vaccinated, the elderly, pregnant women, and most importantly - immune-compromised - those with a decreased ability to fight off infections.
Who should not swim to protect the health of others?
Those who have diarrhea should not swim for as long as symptoms persist and 2 weeks afterward. Some illnesses can live even longer but this is a good rule of thumb.
How can you protect your own health? This link to healthyswimming.org is run by the CDC.
Don't drink the water! Don't open your mouth when you might get splashed. Try to explain this to your children.
Check diapers often and change diapers in the bathroom not poolside and wash hands after changing.
Remind and encourage your children to take bathroom breaks in the restrooms.
Shower with SOAP BEFORE and AFTER swimming and wash the crotch area well before and after.
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