Source: Andre Lichtenberg / Getty
The unofficial start of summer is here and the siren song of public pools are singing. Well, maybe we shouldn’t answer. According to a a recent study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
80% of public swimming pools had health and safety violations. The study combed through data from 84,187 inspections of 46,632 public venues, including pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds. One in eight inspections found conditions to be so unsanitary, they were immediately shuttered. Here are some CDC-approved techniques to conduct your own DIY inspection before diving in: Check for clear water, slimy pool equipment, a qualified life-guard. If you’re feeling suspicious, ask to see the results of the latest pool inspection, test the water with a water pH kit (the CDC recommends a range of 7.2-7.8) and inspect the pumping and draining equipment to make sure it’s effective. Most of all, follow your instincts and watch other people. If you don’t like what you see, take a cold shower.
Well, that’s scary.
