Thousands of public pools and hot tubs close due to serious health violations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned.
The closure of public water venues in the U.S. is common every year. Such event is typical because authorities typically detect violations that may threaten the health and safety of the public.
Latest Investigations
In 2013, CDC performed an inspection across five U.S. states with the most number of public pools and hot tubs. All in all, researchers looked at 84,187 standard inspection data from 48,632 public swimming venues with treated water.
Findings showed that nearly 80 percent of venues have at least one violation. The most typical violations were associated with incorrect pH level, safety equipment and disinfectant concentration, with 15 percent, 13 percent and 12 percent rates respectively.
Researchers also found that one out of eight inspections resulted in immediate venue closure due to serious violations. Also, one out of five children or wading pools that had been inspected by authorities was closed.
Caution Is Key
CDC's Michele Hlavsa says environmental health workers inspectors have important functions in public health, but nearly one third of local health offices do not manage, check or give license to public water places.
Hlavsa advises people to look for inspection findings online or on site before taking a dip. People should also do their own investigations for caution.
How To Inspect Public Pools
CDC advises families to make a checklist of things to look for before using public water places. Among the things to check include using a test strip to identify water pH level and chlorine/bromine concentration, ensuring the visibility and tight placement of the drain at the bottom of the water and making sure that a lifeguard is on duty or rescue equipment is available.
Swimming is a fun bonding experience and good exercise opportunity for family and friends, but like other activities, it comes with risks.
"No one should get sick or hurt when visiting a public pool, hot tub, or water playground," says CDC's Beth Bell. This is the reason public health authorities and experts continue to collaborate to enhance operations and management in these public places for the safety and health of all.
