Swimming pools can be hygienic if they are properly maintained and disinfected. Proper maintenance includes regular testing and adjusting of the water chemistry, such as pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels, and cleaning the pool, such as skimming the surface and vacuuming the bottom. Additionally, it is important to keep the pool area clean and free of debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, to minimize the number of contaminants that enter the pool.
Proper disinfection is necessary to kill harmful microorganisms that can be present in the water, such as bacteria and viruses. The most common method of disinfection is through the use of chlorine, which can be added to the water in the form of liquid, granules, or tablets. The chlorine level should be maintained between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) to ensure that the water is safe to swim in.
However, if a pool is not properly maintained and disinfected, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause health issues. It is important for pool operators to ensure that the pool is properly maintained and disinfected to minimize the presence of harmful microorganisms in the water.
It is also important for swimmers to practice good hygiene, such as showering before swimming, avoiding swimming when sick, and avoiding swallowing pool water, to minimize the risk of getting an infection.