A recent government report reveals that many public pools are dirty and dangerous. The report revealed that 1 in 8 public pools were shut down within the past two years because of dirty, and contaminated, water or other problems like missing safety equipment.
It should come as no surprise, but kiddie pools were found to be the dirtiest. The kiddie pools suffered from fecal matter and improper chlorination.
Fecal matter was found to be a common factor not only in kiddie pools, but also in fountains where children often play. But fecal matter is not the only problem the report reveals. Another problem is urine.
Urine contains nitrogen and eats up chlorine in the pool water, thereby depleting the supply of chlorine in the pool. And in 1 in 5 adults have admitted to peeing in public pools.
Sweat and suntan lotion also have the same effect on the chlorine. Therefore, the more people in a swimming pool that are unfortunately urinating, or that went into the swimming pool to cool off because they were hot, sweaty and lathered in suntan lotion, are all causing the chlorine supply in the swimming pool to be depleted. The depletion of the chlorine in the swimming pool is attributed to a rise in bacteria and germs that can cause one to get sick.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that there are approximately 15 to 20 outbreaks from stomach problems, and other ailments, yearly that are blamed on dirty pools. The CDC suggests that people with diarrhea should not swim, and everyone should avoid swallowing pool water.
The CDC study suggests that a quarter of the swimming pool related outbreaks are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that should have been killed by proper pool treatment and chlorination. Reports of pool related illnesses have been on the upswing over the course of the past decade. It is unknown if these increased reports are due to heighten awareness of the problem, more testing, or the addition of more swimming pools across the country.
Our firm has a proven track record representing clients in all areas of swimming pool related claims and premises liability claims. It is often helpful to work with an experienced attorney from the early stages of your case in an effort to strengthen the liability theory of your case, and help maximize potential recovery.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured in an accident, please contact our office today for an initial free case evaluation and to discuss your rights.
