That's nasty! Survey uncovers disgusting facts about what adults do in swimming pools

40 percent of adults admit going to bathroom in pool

DETROIT – A new survey found 40 percent of adults admit they've gone to the bathroom in a swimming pool, but that's not the worst information the survey uncovered.

Americans will soon head to the pool as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer swimming season, but the survey finds that many knowingly contribute to making pools dirty -- a practice that can lead to bad pool chemistry for everyone in the water.

The survey found that more than half of Americans reported using a swimming pool as a substitute for showering or using the pool to rinse off after exercise or yardwork.

Worst still, 24 percent of Americans said they would go in a swimming pool within one hour of having diarrhea, and 48 percent reported they never shower before swimming.

Experts said chlorine is a chemical, but it's not magic, and it doesn't kill everything, especially not instantly.

Showering is important before when the dirt sweat, personal care products and other things react with chlorine, there's less chlorine available to kill germs.

Most Americans don't know that pool chemistry can be impacted by personal care items such as makeup and deodorant, according to the survey.

Additionally, 40 percent of adults admitted they've urinated in the pool as an adult. Experts said urine reacts with chlorine, as well.

You can watch Dr. Frank McGeorge's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors:

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.