The dangers of the deep

Ever notice those signs inside the dressing rooms at public swimming pools that tell swimmers to shower before entering and upon exiting the pool? When was the last time you actually saw someone comply with both rules? No small wonder that public swimming pools can readily become soups of human germs.

A Deseret Morning News investigation of public swimming pools along the Wasatch Front found that in the past 18 months several pools had been cited for "floating scum"; bacteria too numerous to count; pools with no chlorine or bromine to kill germs; and in one instance, a hot tub set at scalding 124 degrees instead of the customary 104 degrees.

Knowing this, the notion of taking a refreshing dip at the public pool isn't quite so appealing.

The point of the investigation, "Look before you leap," conducted by veteran reporter Lee Davidson, wasn't to scare people from using public pools. Rather, it illustrated the relative "health" of area swimming pools, the manpower limits on government pool inspections and the poor hygiene habits of swimmers that might compromise the health of all who use the pool. It also illustrated the difficulty of obtaining information that should be readily available to the public on easy-to-maneuver Web sites.

Under state law, county health departments are supposed to conduct a thorough, unannounced inspection of all pools at least once a year. Salt Lake County's inspection force of 6.5 full-time equivalents — spread among 12 people who conduct inspections at least part time — is unable to inspect about 5 percent of its pools per year. During the 18-month period reviewed by Davidson, 63 pools did not receive inspections. Inspectors in Davis and Utah counties reported they were able to keep up with their scheduled inspections.

This is troubling because inspections help identify problems that make pools safer for swimmers and employees. However, most problem pools weren't those operated by municipalities or amusement parks. Those categories of pools have professional managers who constantly monitor water quality and address problems as they arise. Pools at condo complexes, apartments and hotels were far more likely to fail bacteria tests.

Whether pools are public facilities or privately owned, they need to be meticulously maintained because of the risks of bad chemical mixes, improper disinfection and the spread of diseases. "Recreational water illnesses" can cause rashes, diarrhea, nausea and, in very rare cases, death.

Swimmers are advised to swim in water that is clear and smells as a swimming pool should — of lemony fresh chlorine. If the water is cloudy or if the smell burns the back of one's throat, swimmers shouldn't go in.

Swimmers have, perhaps, the greatest water quality measure at their own disposal. They need to shower before they jump in the pool, and parents with small children need to take them to the restroom on an hourly basis to head off accidents. Then, they need to shower again. No one who has diarrhea should enter a pool. Knowing government's limits on inspections, recreationalists need to do their part to ensure public health at the pool. And government needs to do more to make sure the public has access to accurate and up-to-date inspection information about their favorite public swimming pools.