Report: 25 percent of adults swim while having diarrhea, 20 percent pee in pool

The average pool is more dangerous than you might think, according to a new report by the Salt Lake County Health Department.

In fact, it might be downright disgusting and the reason Cryptosporidium outbreaks outbreaks have doubled from 16 to 32 in between 2014 and 2016.

Cryptosporidium, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “is a disease that causes watery diarrhea.” The Health Department defines an outbreak as “the occurrence of cases of disease more than what would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season. An outbreak may occur in a restricted geographical area, or may extend over several countries. It may last for a few days or weeks, or for several years.”

Citing data from the CDC, the Health Department is urging Utahns to not poop in pools, shower before swimming, and for the love of all that is good do not drink pool water.

“A recent survey found that one in four adults (25 percent) have gone swimming within one hour of having diarrhea,” explained Rick Ledbetter, SLCoHD water quality supervisor. “And 1 in 5 (20 percent) admit that they pee in the pool. That doesn’t include adults who don’t admit it, or children who may not know better!”

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