Can Pool Water Make You Sick?

Pools and lakes are full of germs that can make you sick. Some of the common issues you can get from swimming in a lake or pool are diarrhea, skin rashes, respiratory illness and swimmers ear. People typically contract one of these illnesses when they accidentally ingest contaminated water.

Can you get sick from a chlorine pool?

If the chemicals used to kill germs (chlorine or bromine) in pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds are not kept at the right level, these germs can multiply and make swimmers sick.

Can pool water give you a cold?

Chlorine can also cause inflammation in the lining of the sinuses, known as sinusitis. And there is some evidence it can be worse for some swimmers in certain warm and moist environments. Irritation causes mucus to become thick and blocks your sinus, resulting in a stuffy nose.