After last summer’s incidents with Cryptosporidium in public pools, it is more important than ever for swimmers to be careful, courteous and aware. Basic hygiene practices should be followed to make public swimming safe for everyone.
According to Teresa Hunsaker, Utah State University Extension family and consumer science educator in Weber County, it is important to remind children to wash their hands frequently and not to drink the pool water. Children should also bathe or shower before entering the pool.
“It seems obvious, but remind children not to use the pool as a restroom,” she said. “Parents should take children on bathroom breaks frequently and should limit the time children are in the pool. Even if a toddler is potty trained, accidents still happen, which caused many problems last year. And most importantly, never take a child with diarrhea to the pool. He or she should wait two weeks after the last incident before entering a public pool.”
Hunsaker said to be sure to change diapers in the bathroom, not around the pool or swim area, and have sanitation supplies on hand, including antibacterial solutions. And as always, wash hands well after diapering.
“It is also important to have the proper swim diaper for your child,” she said. “Swim diapers will likely become a safety requirement at all public swimming pools, so it is important to know the options.”
When purchasing swim diapers, Hunsaker said to look for a correct fit. Be sure they are not too big — they should be snug around the legs and waist. Most are sized the same as regular disposable diapers. There are two types of swim diapers — reusable and disposable.
Reusable diapers are made of a breathable, man-made fiber, usually of a swimwear-type fabric, with a well-padded interior and a soft lining. They are usually sold as ‘swimwear diapers.’ Hunsaker said reusable diapers hold their shape better than disposable swim diapers, they are more lightweight and they do not disintegrate in the pool. The fit is also more snug. The cost per use of reusable swim diapers makes them more economical over time. They are available at such places as Target stores, Babies R Us, children’s clothing stores and on the Internet. Disadvantages include the initial cost and the inconvenience of washing them.
Disposable swim diapers, not to be confused with regular disposable diapers, are more convenient and initially less expensive than reusable swim diapers, she said. One problem is that the polymer/gel beads can clog pool filters and cleaning systems, and the biggest problem is that they absorb water and lose their shape. Because of this, they may not sufficiently hold in fecal material.
“The State of Utah Health Department suggests that a disposable diaper be used under the reusable diapers,” she said. “Another option is vinyl pants over a disposable swim diaper. Each public pool or water park will likely have their own enforced requirement for keeping pools safe.”
Hunsaker explained that when fecal material is released from a diaper, the pool must be evacuated while maintenance workers add chlorine to kill the bacteria. They then have to wait until the added chlorine disperses and reaches safe levels. Urine in a pool is less of a health risk than feces.
A soiled diaper may contain diarrhea-causing germs, including Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Norovirus, or Giardia, she said. In otherwise healthy people, a Cryptosporidium infection causes severe diarrhea lasting from one to two weeks. People with severely weakened immune systems, however, may not survive the infection.
Though the proper swim diaper can make a difference in keeping public pools safer, they are not fool proof. It is important to be aware of the downfalls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The use of swim diapers and swim pants may give many parents and pool staff a false sense of security regarding fecal contamination. … Be aware that swim diapers and swim pants are not a solution for a child with diarrhea or a substitute for frequent diaper changing. It is recommended that you change your child often and make frequent trips to the toilet while swimming.”
The bottom line is being considerate of others, Hunsaker said. Follow the safety and individual pool guidelines, and most importantly, keep children out of the pool for two weeks after a case of diarrhea.
By: Julene Reese - Jun. 24, 2008