#infectious diseases #parasitic infections #Gesunder Lebensstil+1

What Risks Should You Look Out for at Swimming Pools?

28. Oktober 2025

2 Min. Lesezeit

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Swimming is one of the most useful and low-impact types of fitness. However, swimming pools themselves can be a high-risk area. For one, warm and humid environments tend to produce pathogens. Additionally, disinfection does not always work and does not protect against all issues. So what are the dangers?

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

Swimming is one of the most useful and low-impact types of fitness.
Disinfectants
Skin diseases

Für wen das ist

Für alle, die Haut, Nägel, Haare über infectious diseases, parasitic infections erkunden.

Warum es wichtig ist

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Artikelautor

Dr. Dimitri

Allgemeinmediziner

Disinfectants

It would seem that their use is a no-brainer since they are designed to fight pathogens of all known diseases. Most often pool water is disinfected with chlorine, and it combines with organic substances in water (sweat, saliva, hair, etc.) to form chloramines. In large quantities, these can be harmful to health, as they cause allergic reactions, irritation of the eyes and nose, cough, and skin dryness. These chemicals have even been linked to bronchitis and asthma for people who spend a lot of time in the pool.

How to protect yourself

Swim in pools that use modern combined water purification methods
Be sure to shower with gel or soap before and after swimming
Do not swim for longer than one hour
Use goggles and a swim cap, regardless of pool rules

Skin diseases

The main danger for skin diseases lies in the showers, on diving boards, and in locker rooms. Fungal skin lesions are especially common.

How to protect yourself

When walking around the pool, always wear rubber or plastic flip-flops
When showering, be especially careful to rinse hard-to-reach places where pool water could be trapped
Dry your body thoroughly with a towel, paying special attention to your feet
Moisturize your skin and use specific anti-fungal creams

Inflammation of mucous membranes

Chloramine irritation makes our mucous membranes at the swimming pool particularly vulnerable. Their defenses are weakened, which can lead to otitis media, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Insufficiently treated water can also lead to bacterial infections.

How to protect yourself

Always wear goggles, which protect your eyes from chemicals in the water
If you are prone to otitis media, you should use special earplugs when swimming — you can purchase these at a drugstore or a sporting goods store

Viral diseases

Even if you think that your swimming pool observes all the preventive measures, there is always a chance you pick up a virus from a banal acute respiratory infection to hepatitis A and HPV.

How to protect yourself

Do not swallow water in the pool
Do not lean against the railing, benches, or floor with exposed skin
Wash your towel, swimsuit, cap, and washcloth thoroughly after each trip to the pool and disinfect your shoes
Avoid going to the pool if you have scratches and wounds on your body, if you have recently had an illness or are not feeling well, and during menstruation — at these times, the body is especially vulnerable

Be aware that you cannot transmit sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the pool. Remember to avoid using the personal hygiene items of others at the pool — always bring your own.

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