Make sure pools are clean and well-maintained, DOH reminds amid summer heat

The Department of Health reminded the public that pools need to be regularly cleaned and maintained, to lower the risk of infections and waterborne disease.

“You’ll get bacterial infections skin disease. Pag accidentally nakainom yung bata, pwede magtae so very important na reminder sa ating resort owners na dinadagsa,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a 24 Oras report by Oscar Oida on Wednesday.

The same risks are there in inflatable pools and other small equipment used for home, which have no protection against bacteria as water in it is often untreated with chlorine.

Experts reminded the public to avoid having multiple families in one inflatable pool to avoid bacteria from urine, dirt, sweat, or saliva from one family that could be transferred through water to another.

Children are also reminded to avoid drinking water from public pools.

“After swimming, mag shower ka [with] soap and water… thorough shower… huwag mo isiping malinis ka na dahil nag-swimming ka sa public pool,” added Herbosa.

(After swimming, take a shower [with] soap and water… thorough shower… don’t think you are safe because you swam in a public pool)

Pools that are not regularly maintained may also be reported to the DOH for water testing to determine if chlorination is being done for public safety. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News