CAN A SWIMMING POOL CAUSE A UTI, YEAST INFECTION, EAR INFECTION, OR OTHER HEALTH ISSUES?

You may have heard that swimming can cause all sorts of health issues like UTIs, yeast infections, and ear infections. But is that really the case?

The short answer: Yes, it's unfortunately true. But once you understand the why and how those occur, you'll be a lot more prepared on how to prevent them from happening. And the better news is that preventing it in the first place is easier than ever!

Let's look at the science behind these issues and how to solve them so you and your loved ones can swim safely and worry-free all season long. 

Swimming is one of the most common hobbies for many people around the globe. However, swimming pools can be a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected. Let's first cover what health concerns this small but mighty fact brings and then we'll tackle how to keep them ALL from occurring in 1-2 easy steps. 

Aside from the preventative methods we're going to be talking about, you should also rinse off and change out of your wet bathing suit right after swimming and drink lots of water to flush your system. Here's why: 

Swimming Pools and UTIs

UTI is short for urinary tract infection, and it's an infection of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. The most common symptoms of a UTI are a burning sensation when you pee, the need to pee often, cloudy or bloody urine, and pain in your lower back or abdomen. 

As mentioned, pools provide optimal conditions for bacteria growth. And while most of the time, these bacteria are harmless, it is possible to contract UTI from a contaminated swimming pool, especially if you stick around in your wet bathing suit after you're done swimming for a while. Allowing heavily chlorinated water to become stagnant in a warm enviroment is the only invitation bacteria needs to ruin the rest of your week. 

You should also strictly avoid swimming if you already have a UTI, as swimming in a pool that is not properly disinfected can make it worse and aid in spreading the condition to others. 

Swimming Pools and Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, vagina, and skin. Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida and can cause extreme itchiness.

Fungi can thrive in any body of water with bacteria overgrowth. However, the issue with chlorinated pool or hot tub water is that it kills both good and bad bacteria, including the kind that kills off the fungi responsible for causing yeast infections.

However, since your pool water should be constantly moving and flowing through your filtration system and it is stagnant water that promotes a yeast-condusive environment, swimming itself is not likely a cause of yeast infections. It is much more likely to get an infection from sunbathing after you've been in chlorinated water because you are now being exposed to a warmer climate which allows the any potential bad bacteria and/or fungi to flourish. 

Swimming Pools and Ear Infections

An ear infection can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. In severe cases, it can lead to fever, headaches, and balance problems. If left untreated, an ear infection can cause permanent damage.

One of the most common causes of ear infections is when water enters the ear canal; a warm, damp environment ideal for bacteria growth.

When pool water gets into the ear canal while swimming, if the water to over-treated with heavy chemicals it can wash away protective ear wax that normally keeps bacteria and other organisms from entering the ear. This can allow bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to an infection.

Alternatively, the risk of an ear infection increases drastically if the pool water is not properly treated and disinfected allowing bacteria to enter the ear directly. 

This is one reason it is imperative to make sure that you are treating your water properly: not neglecting it or overdoing it. 

How to (Easily) Keep Your Pool Safe and Clean

Now that you know the risks that swimming pools can pose to the health of you and your loved ones, it's important to learn how to keep your pool safe and clean. The easiest way to do this is by combining two time-tested products for the most effective outcome and luckily enough, requires the least time and effort on a pool owner.