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Swimming Pools and Whirlpools
© 2007, Lee Tarte Wallace
Bacteria can breed when pools and whirlpools are not properly cleaned and treated with chemicals. People who become ill from pools and whirlpools that were not properly maintained may have a legal case for the damages they incur.
Germs and bacteria can contaminate the water in swimming pools and hot tubs. People swimming in the pools can wind up with recreational water illnesses (RWI’s). Some bacteria, like legionella, can become airborne in the aerosol spray from a hot tub. When bacteria become airborne, even people who are not in the water can become ill.
Bacteria in pools and hot tubs have caused illnesses at hotels, on cruise ships, at water parks, and at local neighborhood swim clubs.
To protect swimmers, pool operators must regulate water pH and use chemicals such as bromine or chlorine. If a pool gets heavy use, the chemicals and pH have to be checked regularly throughout the day. When the pH and chemicals get out of whack, bacteria seize the opportunity to multiply.
Fecal contamination is an especial problem, because it can make chlorine dramatically less effective. Fecal contamination often enters a pool from a leaky diaper. Read the CDC’s report on the problem.
Recreational water diseases
CDC’s Healthy Swimming 2003
CDC, information on particular recreational waterborne diseases
Fecal incident prevention, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Community Sanitation
Article on recreational water illness, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Resources for maintaining pools and whirlpools
CDC’s Questions and Answers for swimming pool staff
National Spa & Pool Institute (also includes ANSI standards)
Water Quality and Health Council
© 2007, Lee Tarte Wallace
The contents of this page: (a) should not be considered or relied upon as legal, financial or other professional advice in any manner whatsoever, and (b) may be considered advertising under some state’s Bar Rules. Unless otherwise stated, no article or text at this Internet site is, has been, or will be updated or revised for accuracy as statutory or case law changes following the date of first publication. Always consult with your lawyer and/or your other professional advisors before acting.
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