And those stats are just for the pools that received routine inspections—only about 68 percent of local health agencies inspect or license public pools, according to the CDC.
There are a few things you can do before taking a dip to make sure the water is safe.
One measures: Grab pH strips from a superstore or pool-supple store and check the water’s pH and free chlorine and bromine concentrations are correct. You want to see a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools, and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs; a free bromine concentration of at least 3 ppm in pools and at least 4 ppm in hot tubs; and a pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
You also want to make sure that the drain at the bottom of the deep end is visible, and verify with management that a lifeguard will always be on duty.
You can also wear goggles to safeguard your eyes, and shower after your swim to wash any potential irritants off your skin.
Source: Men’s Health