Poorly disinfected pools can become a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms that affect swimmers’ health, causing everything from mild skin infections to serious illnesses.
Public health experts warn that the lack of control over chlorine levels and proper maintenance facilitates the proliferation of pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella, and Escherichia coli.
A recent case in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, forced the preventive closure of an indoor swimming pool after detecting illegal concentrations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
This bacterium is one of the most common in aquatic environments and usually causes folliculitis and skin infections when the water is not properly disinfected .
Another common bacterium in water systems is Legionella, which is responsible for legionellosis, a serious lung infection. This microorganism reproduces in biofilms and can withstand certain levels of chlorine, making it a latent risk in poorly maintained facilities.
The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in swimming pools is a direct indicator of fecal contamination. Its detection indicates poor hygiene or recent contamination and can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections.
Even more worrying is Naegleria fowleri, popularly known as the “brain-eating amoeba .” Although rare, it can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a fatal brain infection. This parasite is usually found in warm, poorly chlorinated water, such as poorly maintained swimming pools.
Finally, Cryptosporidium represents one of the most persistent threats in aquatic environments. This chlorine-resistant parasite has been responsible for multiple outbreaks of diarrheal illnesses in recreational centers, spreading rapidly among users.
Experts emphasize that rigorous maintenance, constant monitoring of disinfectant levels, and swimmers’ personal hygiene are key measures to reduce bacterial growth and ensure safety in public and private pools.
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