Greek health experts warn of common pool hygiene mistakes

Health specialists note that pool water can contain sweat, sunscreen, skin cells and microbes deposited by swimmers. While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, it does not destroy all pathogens instantly; organisms such as Cryptosporidium may survive for days even in chlorinated water and require higher chlorine levels and longer contact time.

Experts advise showering before and after swimming to remove contaminants, avoiding entry with open wounds, washing feet thoroughly with soap, refraining from urinating in the pool, changing out of wet swimwear promptly, cleaning swimsuits with detergent, and drying ears after swimming to prevent "swimmer's ear" and other infections.