

  • 500 outbreaks linked to pools, spas, waterparks made more than 27,200 people sick & killed 8 people between 2000-2014
  • Roughly 1/3 of outbreaks traced back to hotels, motels, inns, lodges



A parasite called cryptosporidium caused most of the outbreaks. It can survive normal chlorine levels, which is why people with such illnesses are urged to refrain from swimming.

Two other culprits were Legionella, from inhaling contaminated water droplets, and Pseudomonas, which can cause skin rashes and swimmer’s ear when people touch tainted water.