Pool Care /
Can Pool Water Make You Sick?
Yes—pool water can make you sick if it becomes contaminated or poorly maintained. The main risks come from swallowed water, germs, and unsafe equipment.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Jun 14, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Is there a risk of getting sick from pool water?
There is. Contaminated or poorly disinfected water can make you ill, as can water with inadequate circulation. The danger is greatest when the filtration is not doing its job, the pool appears cloudy or unclean, and swimmers happen to ingest some of the water. One should not take for granted that clear water is invariably healthy; even a well-maintained pool can be rendered unsafe by a contamination incident.
What increases the likelihood of illness?
Contamination can get into a pool in a number of ways. Fecal matter, vomit or unclean surfaces can introduce germs, and without good circulation these are left to linger. Inadequate cleaning and filtering will leave the water carrying the kind of germs responsible for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal trouble.
There are warning signs to be on the lookout for: - Water that is stagnant, green or hazy - Algae, sediment or other debris in plain sight - A skimmer that is clogged and failing to do its job - An overloaded filter or poor circulation - Any sudden loss of clarity or strong irritation
After a swim, what symptoms warrant attention?
It depends on the nature of the contaminant and the volume of water swallowed, but one might experience stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and perhaps flu-like symptoms or dehydration. Some recreational water illnesses are caused by germs like E. coli, norovirus, Shigella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Those with compromised immune systems and children are more vulnerable.
How to know if the water is safe?
A quick inspection before swimming is advisable.
1. The water ought to be clear enough for the bottom to be seen. 2. Inspect the surface and the skimmer; if it is full or there is floating debris, maintenance may be lacking. 3. Be wary of any odd smell, cloudiness or irritation. 4. Make sure the pump and filter are operating as they should. 5. Put the water to the test on a regular basis and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for treatment.
If there is evidence of fecal contamination or a mechanical issue with the circulation, do not swim.
First steps for the homeowner
Rather than putzing about with an unproven fix, stick to the basics of maintenance. Skim off the leaves and debris, brush down the steps and walls to clear any buildup, and vacuum up settled sediment where necessary. Empty the skimmer basket after shutting off the pump and give the accessible parts a clean per the manual. When it comes to chemicals, follow the label to the letter and never mix them. And for your own safety, wear the appropriate PPE and do not put your hands in any running suction equipment.
Time to call in a professional?
You would be wise to seek out qualified assistance under certain circumstances. If the water remains foul or discoloured for all your efforts, or if you have reason to think you have a contamination problem you cannot manage on your own, get help. The same goes for any electrical fault with the pool gear or if you are at a loss as to how to make the water safe again after a serious issue. Do not let anyone in the pool until a pro has sorted it out.
The bottom line
When not properly maintained, pool water is capable of making you sick. Good circulation, a habit of regular testing and cleaning, and strict adherence to chemical and equipment manuals are the best way to prevent it. But if the system is acting up or the water does not look right, put an end to swimming and contact a pool professional.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)