Pool News
The Dirty Truth About Public Pools
Ah, summertime—the season of vacations, sunscreen, and the perpetual challenge of keeping restless kids entertained. But before you eagerly take the plunge into the inviting waters one of your favorite public pools it’s crucial to uncover the unspoken truths that lie beneath the surface.
Public pools have long held a notorious reputation for harboring more than just playful splashes. For those who pride themselves on their germophobia, the common belief of “ignorance is bliss” simply doesn’t apply in the realm of scientific facts. Brace yourself, for the revelations to come are more cringe-worthy than fiction itself. Prepare to dive deep into a world where truth prevails and surprises lurk around every corner.
Just How Dirty Are Public Pools?
Let’s dive straight into the facts:
One in Five People Admit to Peeing in the Pool
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Water Quality & Health Council (WQHC), a staggering 40% of Americans confessed to having relieved themselves while swimming in a pool, and yes, that includes adults. However, the issue extends beyond the realm of mere grossness. Officials warn that when urine mixes with chlorine, it depletes the germ-fighting properties of the chemical, leaving the water more vulnerable to other bacteria.
In an equally unpleasant revelation, the survey discovered that 24% of Americans admitted to swimming in a public pool within one hour of experiencing diarrhea. Need we say more?
More Than Half of People Use the Pool as a Communal Bathtub
If urination alone didn’t contribute enough unnecessary germs to the pool water, most Americans confessed to skipping a shower before taking a dip. Some even confessed to using the pool as a means to “rinse off” after yard work or exercise.
In a revealing 2012 report by the Water Quality and Health Council, an alarming statistic emerged: nearly 70 percent of individuals neglect to shower before immersing themselves in the pool, thereby contributing to the proliferation of germs within the water.
Chlorine Isn’t the Culprit Behind Red Eyes
If you’ve been blaming chlorine for the stinging sensation in your eyes, think again. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that the true culprits are the various substances found in the water, including urine, fecal matter, sweat, dirt, skin cells, and personal care products like deodorant, makeup, and lotion. When chlorine reacts with these substances, it creates “chloramines,” which are responsible for those bloodshot eyes.
Furthermore, the strong smell of chlorine around a pool is not an indication of cleanliness; rather, it suggests the presence of chloramines. So, paradoxically, the less you smell, the cleaner the water.
Only 21% Regularly Test Pool Water
While you most will routinely check the chlorine levels in their own private pool at home, only one in five people claim to regularly check chlorine levels and pH in public pools.
There’s Probably Poop In The Water
In a recent eye-opening report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a distressing reality: a staggering 1 in 8 public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds were forced to shut down due to severe health and safety violations. These violations included the presence of excessively dirty water that posed significant risks to swimmers.
The primary culprit behind such contamination? Fecal matter. Alarming as it may sound, the report highlights that fecal matter is often introduced into the water through children or individuals who swim despite suffering from diarrhea.
According to the CDC report, contamination can occur through direct release of formed or diarrheal feces. Shockingly, even the innocent act of water contact can lead to up to 10 grams of fecal material rinsing off a young child’s perianal surface and finding its way into the pool water.
The authors of the report also emphasize a crucial fact: swim diapers, though widely used and believed to offer protection, do not provide foolproof prevention against feces, urine, or infectious pathogens from entering and contaminating the water.
Chlorine Doesn’t Kill All Germs
In the ongoing quest to maintain clean and safe pool water, chlorine stands as a trusted ally, capable of eradicating harmful germs that may lead to illness if consumed. However, it’s important to recognize that chlorine’s germ-fighting abilities require time to take effect.
This potent chemical has the power to eliminate the majority of germs within a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, there are certain stubborn culprits, such as Cryptosporidium, fondly known as “Crypto,” which can persist in properly treated pool water for several days.
Crypto, a microscopic parasite, poses a unique challenge due to its ability to form a protective outer shell, making it resilient to chlorine’s immediate effects. While chlorine plays a vital role in neutralizing various pathogens, Crypto’s endurance highlights the importance of comprehensive pool maintenance protocols beyond solely relying on chlorine as a disinfectant.
How to Protect Yourself at Public Pools
Armed with these unsettling facts, it’s crucial to approach public pools with caution and take proactive measures to protect your health and well-being. Here are some tips to ensure a safer swimming experience:
- Practice Good Personal Hygiene: Always shower thoroughly with soap and water before entering the pool to minimize the introduction of contaminants.
- Don’t Contribute to the Problem: Avoid swimming if you or your children are suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses, and encourage proper bathroom usage.
- Be Informed: Check for up-to-date inspection reports of public pools and inquire about water quality testing protocols implemented by the facility.
- Protect Yourself: Consider using waterproof bandages or swim diapers for young children to minimize the risk of accidents and fecal contamination.
- Take Responsibility: If you witness unsanitary conditions or suspect inadequate pool maintenance, notify pool staff or local health authorities to address the issue promptly.
While public pools can offer an enjoyable summer respite, it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks they pose. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can make smart decisions about your swimming activities and take steps to mitigate the risks.
Remember, the cleanliness and safety of public pools are a shared responsibility. Pool operators must prioritize regular maintenance, thorough water testing, and enforcement of hygiene protocols to ensure a healthier swimming environment. However, as a swimmer, you also play a vital role in safeguarding your well-being. By adopting good personal hygiene practices, such as showering before entering the pool and refraining from swimming while ill, you can minimize the introduction of contaminants into the water which will contribute to a safer swimming experience for everyone.
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
Poolsafe LLC, offers new mesh, removable safety fencing designed to be installed around any pool shape or size. Uses patented, transparent, large-hole ClearGuard™ Mesh for better visibility into the pool area, while also blending the fence into backyard. Lockable, self-closing Triton™ gate features a curved top bar to help prevent climbing. Unique Tri-Pod Truss system keeps gate aligned with daily usage. Available in 4ft and 5ft heights, in black, brown, beige, or gray colors.
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Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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