CDC To Swimmers: Please Don't Pee In The Pool!

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Pools across the region are opening this weekend, and both water quality and health experts say urination in the water is a big problem in public pools.

While urine in the water is not likely to make swimmers seriously ill, an epidemiologist says it does irritate the eyes and throat.

Michelle Hlavsa of the division of parasitic diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, "A big health message is not to urinate or pee in the water."

Both urine and sweat can combine with chlorine in pools to create chloramines, which cause a strong odor and irritate the eyes and throats of swimmers.

The CDC says its also important to shower before getting in the water to reduce the chances of water contamination with more dangerous organisms.

Cryptosporidium, a parasite which can be transmitted by the smallest trace of human feces, is one of the most common causes of waterborne infection.

"Crypto" can resist chlorine, and it has caused gastrointestinal illnesses in thousands of Americans.

According to the CDC, if someone swallows water that has been contaminated, he or she may become sick even if very little water is ingested.