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. 

1. EZ Pool: Pool Chemical

You read that right: Chemical... not chemicals.

 While we all know that your swimming pool needs a special blend of chemicals to be able to use the pool, by far the easiest chemical system is EZ Pool.  Why? For starters, It's ALL of your pool chemicals (minus one) in ONE.

E-Z Pool breaks down contaminants, prevents algae growth, and inhibits scale build-up. It also clarifies and conditions the water to make it sparkling clear and soft to swim in. The uniquely blended solution creates stable and balanced pool water, thus reducing the need for unnecessary testing and chemical additions.

EZ Pool is strong enough that just one scoop weekly per 10,000 gallons of water replaces traditional chlorine shocking yet it's gentle enough that there's no wait time after the application. Tell the family to splash right in! 

Additional Benefits of Using EZ Pool 

• No playing pool chemist
• Easy and convenient to use, just scoop and go
• Only needs to be used once a week
• You don't have to wait to swim after application
• Use fewer chemicals
• Reduces your chlorine need by up to 75%
• Eliminates chlorine smell and algae 
• BONUS: There is no need for pre-treatment or balancing during winter. E-Z POOL oxidizes pollutants and defends against algae throughout the winter season.

 

As mentioned, EZ Pool is an all-in-one, minus one. The one chemical solution that EZ Pool does not provide is the sanitizer. For many traditional pool owners, that would be chlorine. However, between chlorine's harsh effects on eyes, hair, liners, swimsuits and the overall increasing expense of the product, many pool owners would prefer not to have to use it. And this is where Pool Frog comes in... 

2. Pool Frog Mineral System

In a nutshell: Pool Frog provides the sanitizer that EZ Pool needs and completes your pool chemical check-list. Combining these two products eliminates your need to add additional chlorine, tablets, or shock to your swimming pool. Say goodbye to stinky chlorine smells, faded bathing suits, and burning eyes. Say hello to clean mineral water!

All of this sounds great but that's really just the tip of the iceberg with what Pool Frog offers the pool owner. 

The Pool Frog Mineral System is an inline system that can be used with or without EZ Pool. However, if you used it without EZ Pool, you'll have to revert to being a pool chemist again. This means buying, testing, and measuring each individual chemical needed and frankly who has time for that when there are water games to be won. 

The Pool Frog system uses a combination of minerals and pre-filled chlorine Bacpacs to kill bacteria and algae. Because the minerals do most of the work you need less chlorine to keep the pool clean.

This is a patented mineral technology that regulates and balances the pool's PH and reduces chlorine use by more than 50%.

Bonus: the system comes with a controlled-release formula that lasts up to six months versus having to add chlorine tablets to your pool multiple times a week. 

And best of all you avoid those unwanted health concerns we discussed because your pool water is clean and free of bacteria. 

Additional Ways to Prevent Health Issues While Swimming

Apart from adding EZ Pool and Pool Frog to your Summer wishlist, there are other steps you can take to help ensure your friends and family have a clean and safe splash zone. 

• Net leaves and other debris from the water's surface
• Clean the filter regularly and skim any debris from the surface of the pool
• Ensure that the chlorine levels are correct by testing the water prior to swims or once a week
• Never swim in a pool that doesn't look or smell clean
• Shower before and after swimming in the pool
• Change out of damp suits immediately after exiting the pool or spa
• Drink water during and after swimming to help flush your system
• Either wash your swimsuit or rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before using it again

Conclusion

If you are worried that you have contracted a UTI, yeast infection, or other infection, it is best to talk to your doctor and get the necessary tests and treatments. Although there is a risk that you can contract these health problems after swimming in an unclean pool, you can take steps to prevent making that chance great by changing out of your damp swimsuit and rinsing off after a swim. However, keeping your swimming pool properly maintained and cleaned is step one in preventing swimming pool-related health problems. And the easiest way to do that is to combine EZ Pool and Pool Frog for a smooth worry free Summer. You can shop these products here or visit our site at www.royalswimmingpools.com

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