People who live in hot climates mostly depend on their pools for recreation, but did you know that even those who live in subtrodden places drink pool water? Yes, this may seem a tad unlikely, given that most people are more likely to be found with a drink in hand than a swimsuit on, but it turns out that getting wet is not as dangerous as one might think. In fact, it’s probably quite safe to drink pool water, as there isn’t a lot of life in it. Let’s find out what happens if you drink swimming pool water.
Table of Contents
Health Concerns
The first and most obvious risk is that you could develop health complications if you drink pool water. If you’re drinking bottled water, which we recommend, then this won’t be a problem, as the water you’re drinking will be safer than what comes out of the pool. However, if you’re taking the beverage direct from the pool, then you should be aware that there may be bacteria in the water that could make you sick. The good thing is that the vast majority of these bacteria are harmless, but it’s still something to be aware of.
Dental Health
Dental health is also a risk when drinking pool water. The chlorine in the water may cause some damage to your teeth over time, and if you’re not careful with what you eat afterwards, this could lead to decay or even a serious injury. Some people are more at risk of these injuries than others, so if you’re not careful when swimming, then this could put you at risk of serious damage to your bite-especially if you’re under 16 years old. Also, make sure that you brush your teeth immediately after swimming, as this will help remove any excess toxins that may have collected at the root of your teeth.
Muscle Cramp
If you’re a competitive swimmer or a recreational triathlete, then you could develop muscle cramps if you drink pool water. The good thing is that these cramps usually only last for a few minutes, and they won’t keep you from continuing with your swimming activity. However, this is something to keep in mind, as it’s not always easy to tell whether or not you’ve developed these cramps just from drinking the water.
Fluid Retention
Finally, you could develop fluid retention if you drink pool water. This condition is similar to edema, and it causes the body to retain extra fluids. It’s quite common among competitive swimmers, especially if they drink a lot of water during practice or training. This is why they often end up wearing baggy clothes, as it prevents the body from retaining as much fluid as it would otherwise. If you suspect that you may be developing this condition, then it’s a good idea to cut back on the water that you drink, or at least dilute it with an electrolyte-containing drink. Many athletes have developed this condition while training in Europe, so if you’re a competitive swimmer there, then make sure that you drink only bottled water during your stay.
Toxins And Odors
Did you know that many pool waters have toxins in them that can’t easily be removed? In most cases, these toxins are perfectly safe to consume, but they can cause serious issues for those who are sensitive to them. Typically, these toxins include chemicals such as arsenic, benzene, and ammonia, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. If you’re not sure whether or not the water in your pool contains any of these toxins, then it’s usually best to avoid it. Of course, you may choose to drink it anyway, but you should be aware of the risks that this choice could pose to your health.
As mentioned, there are a lot of bacteria in most swimming pools that can cause health issues for those who are sensitive to them. Did you know that these bacteria also produce some pretty foul odors? While some people may find the smell of chlorine pleasant, it’s better to keep this to a minimum, especially if you’re hosting company parties or events at your home. If there’s a problem with the smell of your pool, then chances are it’s because of the bacteria that’s living in it! Try a few sessions of liquid hydrogen peroxide injection (or ‘shotgunning’ as it’s often called) into the pool, this should take care of most of the smells for you.
If you follow these simple guidelines, then you should be able to enjoy your pool without any worries. Of course, if you drink the water directly from the pool, then it’s best to avoid it if you have a problem with your teeth or an injury to the mouth, as this could potentially lead to further complications. If you’re drinking bottled water, then make sure that you drink only from a reputable source, as there are a lot of cheaper imitations out there that could potentially be unsafe.