Healthy Swimming

Pool managers treat water quality to keep swimming pools safe and clean, but there are simple things we can all do to help.

girl swimming

Steps to healthy swimming to help keep our pools clean

As recommended by NSW Department of Health:

  • Don’t swim if you have had diarrhoea in the past two weeks
  • Shower and wash with soap before entering the pool
  • Ensure infants who are not toilet trained wear tight fitting swim nappies
  • Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet or changing a nappy
  • Only change nappies in nappy change areas
  • Avoid swallowing pool water as it may contain germs.

Keep pathogens out of pool water

We can all carry pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites) on our bodies, which can wash off and contaminate pool water.

Chlorine in the pool helps, but did you know? some parasites, like Cryptosporidium, can survive in pools for days.

We are more likely to be infectious when we are not feeling well. For example, when you have an upset stomach or diarrhoea, there are thousands of pathogens in your faeces and traces on your bottom. These pathogens can wash off and contaminate the pool whenever you swim.

To keep pathogens out of the pool:

  • It's important not to swim with diarrhoea
  • For parents to Keep Watch at Public Pools on young children who may still be learning to control their bowel movements, and take them on regular bathroom breaks
  • Ask your general practitioner (GP) for advice about swimming if you or your children are diagnosed with any infection.

Our commitment to aquatic safety

All our pools comply with NSW Health Guidelines and follow Royal Life Saving Australia's Guidelines for safe pool operations (GSPO).

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