Public pool question

I was interested in joining our town pool for the summer but I think I am reconsidering. One of my friends pointed out some research about all of the funky bacterias known to be at public swimming pools. Things like e-coli are fairly common.

So I guess my question is: Have any of you joined your town pools in the past? Did you have any problems? Are you joining this year?

Re: Public pool question

Typically, your friend's backyard pool has more bacteria and gross stuff than your public pool. Public pools are watched over by the health dept and inspected. They also have lifegaurds and pool managers taking chemical readings every few hours. If the pool levels aren't safe, they close it.

Re: Public pool question

We have always joined and will do so again this year. I never worried about it really - I've seen them close down the pool to clean for emergencies so they are on top of it pretty much. If they are using the proper amount of chlorine, E.coli shouldn't be a problem and they have pretty stringent guidelines. Honestly, I worry more about e.coli in food esp in the summer when people tend to leave meat out of the fridge longer than usual bc of BBQing and such.

Re: Public pool question

We join our local town pool every year. Honestly, I chose that 100% over the beach anyday. At least the water is chlorinated and they do check it and monitor it all day long. The beach? I know what's in that water and wouldn't want my kids taking in a gulp of that! Plus, I just hate sand and the mess it makes.

Re: Public pool question

We joined, and DSs doctor (who is pretty cautious overall) thought it was fine. He's not crazy about the water, so I don't know how much time he'll really spend in the pool, but it's fun for DH and I, lots of Moms are there and as a new person in town, I'm happy to have a chance to meet them.
I agree with others, public pools really are tested rigorously and are probably cleaner than backyard pools.

Re: Public pool question

There's e-coli EVERYWHERE. A public pool is probably safer than most places DC has been.... (crawling on the floor, playing on the grass, sitting at a restaurant table, etc.)

Re: Public pool question

we lived at public pools!

the YMCA
My apt pool
and his little friend's pool.

Re: Public pool question

We went to Wantagh pool all last summer and can't wait to go back!

Re: Public pool question

I just asked my dr. this question. She strongly suggested not to put an infant in a public pool based on recent studies that show how much bacteria it holds, despite the chlorine. I also read that infants that go into public pools get sick significantly more than those that dont. Dr. said a private pool would be better because of the lesser amount of people and hence bacteria that are in it.
My DD is 5.5 months old. We joined the public pool to hang out, but I will probably only dip her feet in it because of the drs. suggestions.

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Re: Public pool question

My DS takes swim classes in a public pool every Saturday. If I lived in a place that had a town people I would definitely join it.

Re: Public pool question

Re: Public pool question

We just joined our town pool - can't wait for mom and tot classes.