CDC warning on swimming pools suggest immediate closing of the venues after routine inspection found 8 from 10 these public pools violated at least one CDC health code.
After doing routine inspections in five states: Arizona, Florida, New York, California, and Texas - researchers found that 80 percent of the public pools violate the CDC safety rules. There were almost 50,000 public pools being inspected. These venues include hot tubs, aquatic venues, water playgrounds and other swimming places with treated water.
The result published, entitled Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), explains that aside from drowning, the problem in pool facilities are scarier. They include disease outbreaks, chemical etiology and infectious illness. These are associated with health events such as respiratory problems, ABC News reported.
According to the CDC media release on public pools warning, swimmers are encouraged to purchase test strip from superstores to determine chlorine and bromine levels, also, whether the pH level is safe enough. CDC warning and recommendations include the lists below:
- Private pool or public pool pH level has to be in a range of 7.2 - 7.8
- Private pool or public pool free chlorine concentration has to be at least 1 ppm in the pool and 3 ppm in spas
- Private pool or public pool free bromine concentration has to be at least 3 ppm in the pool and 4 ppm in spas.
LA Times shared an advice from Foodborne expert, Michele C. Hlavsa, that Americans do not need to stay away from aquatic sports because swimming improves mental and physical health. And sometimes it is the only option for someone with a specific medical condition. Thus, by getting aware and follow CDC recommendations, people can have a safe exercise in the pool.
The CDC warning also suggests closing the facilities that do not meet the requirements. CDC recommends checking inspection results online. More about CDC healthy swimming is available here.
