Drinking swimming pool water is strongly discouraged and can have several potentially harmful side effects:
Chemicals:
Chlorine: The most common disinfectant in pools, chlorine can irritate your stomach and intestines, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. High chlorine intake can even cause respiratory issues.
Other chemicals: Pools often contain additional chemicals like pH adjusters, stabilizers, and algaecides. Ingesting these can lead to various side effects depending on the specific chemicals and their concentrations.
Contaminants:
Microorganisms: Pool water can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites from swimmers, even with proper sanitation. These can cause various illnesses, including gastroenteritis, ear infections, and skin rashes.
Dirt and debris: Accidental ingestion of dirt, leaves, or other debris in the pool can lead to choking hazards and potential infections.
Other risks:
Electrocution: If the pool has faulty electrical wiring, even a small amount of ingested pool water could potentially pose a risk of electrocution.
Dehydration: While seemingly counterintuitive, pool water can actually pull fluids from your body due to the presence of dissolved salts, leading to dehydration if consumed in significant amounts.
Remember:
Swimming pool water is not treated for drinking: It's meant for disinfection and not for human consumption.
Alternative options: Drink clean, treated water for hydration needs. Always carry a reusable water bottle filled with fresh water when swimming.
Seek medical attention: If you accidentally ingest pool water, especially if you experience any side effects, consult a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Overall, the risks of drinking swimming pool water outweigh any potential benefits. Stick to clean, treated water for your hydration needs, and enjo
y swimming safely!