Healthy Swimming & Recreational Water Home

Fact Sheets on Healthy Swimming & Recreational Water Topics

The fact sheets below deal specifically with recreational water and are designed to address issues relevant to various audiences, including swimmers, parents with young children, aquatics staff, and public health professionals. These fact sheets raise awareness about recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and other healthy swimming topics. If you encounter problems with printing, you can learn more about printing these materials.

For Swimmers and Hot Tub Users

Six Steps for Healthy Swimming
Six steps for protecting swimmers against recreational water illnesses (RWIs).
Pool User Information
Look; ask; act; practice...tips for preventing recreational water illnesses this summer when using the pool.
Hot Tub User Information
Heed; observe; talk...tips for preventing recreational water illnesses when using the hot tub or spa.
Inflatable and Plastic Pools (Kiddie Pools)
Information on the safe use of small inflatable and plastic pools.
Pool and Spa Test Strips Home Test Instructions
Instructions for using pool and spa/hot tub test strips at home.

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For Pool Operators and Public Health Professionals

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On Illnesses and Germs Commonly Spread Through Recreational Water in the United States

Cryptosporidium ("Crypto")
Cryptosporidiosis Prevention for Immunocompromised Persons
Giardia
Legionella
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
- Hot Tub Rash
- Swimmer's Ear

On Illnesses and Germs that May be Spread at Recreational Water Facilities in the United States

Some illnesses or germs, such as head lice, MRSA, and pinworm, are unlikely to be spread in recreational water. However, there is a potential risk for spreading them at recreational water facilities through contact with other people or contaminated objects andsurfaces.

For more information on water-related diseases and contaminants, please see CDC Healthy Water's Water-related Diseases, Contaminants, and Injuries page.

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