{"id":15215056,"date":"2026-07-18T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/news\/youve-probably-done-these-6-things-at-the-pool-but-doctors-say-you-shouldnt\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T08:33:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T12:33:46","slug":"youve-probably-done-these-6-things-at-the-pool-but-doctors-say-you-shouldnt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/news\/youve-probably-done-these-6-things-at-the-pool-but-doctors-say-you-shouldnt\/","title":{"rendered":"You\u2019ve Probably Done These 6 Things At The Pool, But Doctors Say You Shouldn\u2019t"},"content":{"rendered":"

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There\u2019s nothing quite like spending time by the pool. Cool water. Time with loved ones. A delicious snack. What could be better?<\/span><\/p>\n

But before you grab your towel and jump in the water, pay attention to a few common poolside habits that doctors wish more swimmers and parents would think twice about. <\/span><\/p>\n

We spoke to some clinicians about the behaviours they\u2019d personally avoid in and around the pool this summer. Here\u2019s what they had to say:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. They\u2019d never skip rinsing off before getting in the pool<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It might feel pointless, especially if you\u2019re planning to shower afterwards, but a pre-swim rinse matters more than you may realise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sweat, sunscreen, body lotions, hair products and natural skin oils all react with chlorine when they hit the water, which reduces chlorine\u2019s ability to kill germs and creates irritating byproducts that can sting eyes and aggravate skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a>recommends a quick pre-swim rinse, at least a minute under the shower, to wash off bacteria and other microbes you might unknowingly be carrying in.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is especially key if \u201csomeone is dirty or has sand on them, as to not contaminate the water or clog up filtration systems,\u201d said Dr\u00a0<\/span>Chris Bunick<\/span><\/a>, a Yale Medicine dermatologist and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. They\u2019d never bring glass anywhere near the pool<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy for glass to end up around the pool in the summer, whether from an open bar, poolside cocktails or carrying bottled beverages near the water. However, it can be a risk for both swimmers and people on the deck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBroken glass is not a visible hazard. Whether on the pool deck or in the water, it can be nearly invisible,\u201d said Dr\u00a0<\/span>Steven Valassis<\/span><\/a>, chair of the emergency department at Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent\u2019s Medical Center.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen combined with the fact that people are typically barefoot, this can lead to significant lacerations. Nearly 5% of these lacerations are deep enough that they require hospital admission and surgical repair,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, glass that ends up in a pool can be especially problematic because even tiny pieces are difficult to detect and remove, sometimes necessitating a full drain as well as professional cleaning, Dr Valassis explained.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is you don\u2019t have to ditch your poolside drink, just the glassware. Try plastic cups or aluminum cans instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"LeavingLeaving a child unattended by the pool \u2014 even for a short period of time \u2014 can be incredibly dangerous, doctors warn.<\/div>\n
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3. They\u2019d never leave a child unattended, not even for a minute<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The biggest misconception parents get about drowning is that they think they\u2019d hear if their child got into trouble in the water. But the reality is far scarier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrowning is fast, often silent, and can happen to any child. A survey found that 48% of parents mistakenly believe they would hear splashing or crying if a child was in trouble. Sadly, this is often not the case,\u201d Valassis said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although swim lessons can help improve water safety skills, the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasises that <\/span>swim lessons alone do not eliminate<\/span><\/a> a child\u2019s risk of drowning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drowning can happen in seconds, according to the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a>, so constant, focused supervision is non-negotiable, no matter how well your child swims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. They\u2019d never swim while sick<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Even if you\u2019ve been looking forward to a day at the pool, it\u2019s best to sit this one out if you\u2019re feeling under the weather \u2013 especially if you\u2019re dealing with a stomach bug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSwimming in the pool while sick is generally not a good idea, because further swimming and activity may precipitate nausea, vomiting and add risk for dehydration, all which may make a person more ill,\u201d Dr Bunick said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also the issue of getting others sick through close contact. \u201cIllnesses can be transmitted through pool water because the chlorine or other chemicals do not necessarily work instantly to stop infectious agents, thus allowing a window of time for infectious agents to pass to other people,\u201d Dr Bunick added.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"EmergencyEmergency room physicians have seen many traumatic injuries from diving into the shallow end of a pool.<\/div>\n
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5, They\u2019d never swim with an open wound<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you have a fresh scrape, deep cut or surgical incision, it\u2019s best to keep it dry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is best to not swim in the pool with an open wound, especially with a deep scrape or gash,\u201d Dr Bunick said. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, the chlorine or other chemicals used to treat the water can further damage tissue in the wound, adding to skin breakdown and inflammation. Second, there is risk of infection of the wound with continued exposure to water, and this risk is increased more if swimming in lake, river or ocean water.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a minor cut or paper cut, you likely don\u2019t need to skip the pool altogether. Dr Bunick recommended covering the wound with a healing ointment and a waterproof bandage before swimming in chlorinated water. <\/span><\/p>\n

Just keep an eye on the area afterward, as redness, swelling or drainage could signal an infection that needs further medical attention, he explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. They\u2019d never dive into shallow water<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While it may seem unlikely, this scenario is more common than many people realise, especially for children, who can get into trouble without ever reaching the deep end of the water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf a child dives into a shallow pool and hits their head on the bottom, the initial impact can cause a head\/brain injury. The force is then transmitted from the head to the neck and cervical spine, where the spinal cord can be injured. This can potentially lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, the inability to breathe independently,\u201d Dr Valassis said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of these injuries don\u2019t happen at public pools with lifeguards; they happen at home, Dr Valassis explained. The <\/span>American Red Cross<\/span><\/a> recommends going feet first into unfamiliar water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news, Dr Valassis emphasised, is that most pool injuries are preventable with basic precautions and awareness. So this summer, swim smart and enjoy the splash.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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