4 cringe-worthy facts that’ll make you think twice about pool maintenance

What you don't know can't hurt you unless you're swimming in whatever "it" is. Pools are a source for many overlooked health problems, perhaps because the information isn't exactly something you'd want to use as small talk at a party. Who wants to be that guy talking about fecal matter germs? No one, that's who. The fact of the matter is, you still need to know what the deal is, so here are four cringe-worthy facts that'll make you want your mommy, or at least a reputable pool service provider.

1. There's a 10th annual RWI prevention week
The fact that there's even one – never mind 10 – weeks that have been set aside to raise awareness on recreational waterborne illness is enough to make you say "ick." And it gets worse. As stated on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, germs such as cryptosporidium can sometimes survive in chlorine-based bodies of water for days at a time.

This is problematic because crytpo can make people sick. Some of the most commonly reported RWIs are gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, neurologic, skin, ear and wound infections, as stated on the CDC website. Any one of these illnesses is no walk in the park. 

2. One in five people pee in the pool 
Movies like "Caddyshack" instilled fears of going to the bathroom in the pool for many people early on in life. But despite this elaborate plot, it might not jut be something that happens in the movies. One in five people pees in the pool, according to a survey conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council. That means that there's practically one pool-goer in every bunch. Other than the obvious gross factor, what's the big deal here?

It all ties back into the CDC initiatives to prevent the risk of RWIs. Using the bathroom as your own personal toilet is a surefire way to spread germs. Not only is it dangerous to swim in urine, but the excretion also counters chlorine, which can make it less likely to kill others germs that lurk below the surface. 

3. Swallowing water can give you parasites
O.K., you won't get the fleas from swallowing some dirty pool water, but you can accidentally ingest a microscopic parasite called Giardia. They're typically found on surfaces or in water, and even just opening your mouth a tiny bit while you're underwater can put you at risk of an unwanted issue.

Sure, people swallow germs and particles that can't be seen by the naked eye, but this one is especially icky because it can give you an upset stomach, and may even cause cysts, as stated by the Ministry of Health. 

4. Many pool germs and gross facts are preventable
What may be the grossest fact of them all is that many, if not all, of these germ-centric issues are preventable. If pool owners just go inside to use the restroom, stop changing baby diapers by the water, and shower or rinse off before taking a dip, most of these disasters can be averted. 

Additionally, these icky realities show why it's so important to enlist the help of a reputable pool service professional. Whether you're busy with the kids, work or just having fun, you can schedule routine visits that won't interrupt your hectic life. Don't let your pool get so bad that it becomes a breeding ground for germs like E. coli, crypto and others. Let Fort Worth, San Diego or Phoenix pool service professionals protect your pool from regular and not-so-regular problems.