Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

One in four Poms pee in public pools

One in four Poms pee in public pools
November 26, 2013

A survey of United Kingdom consumers has found that one in four people admit to having urinated in a public swimming pool.

The survey, conducted by swimming teaching and lifesaving organisation STA, found that men between the ages of 18-34 were noted as the most common offenders, with one in ten people altogether choosing to confess that they had undertaken the act deliberately.

STA commissioned the online public survey, which sought the views of 2,013 people, to help understand the hygiene habits of pool users, with the main questions covering pool user's understanding of pre-swim showers and the rules of using swimming pools after an upset stomach.

The survey also concluded that a quarter of pool users do not take a pre-swim shower, while one in five claimed that they would return to use a swimming pool within 48 hours of suffering from an upset stomach.

More than half of respondents said centre management did not provide sufficient hygiene information at the poolside.

The research was conducted by Opinium for STA's Rules for Pools and Rules for Clean Pools public education campaign. Following the research, STA says that the findings clearly demonstrate how crucial it is for the UK aquatic industry to "connect the dots" on issues surrounding hygiene, through better education and effective pool plant training.

In 2009, a US study found that one in five Americans admitted to peeing in public swimming pool.

The survey, conducted by the USA's Water Quality and Health Council found that almost half (47%) of the subjects admitted to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy pool. These included:

About one-third (35%) didn't shower before entering the pool;

63% were unaware of illnesses associated with swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated pool water.

Less than one in four considered the frequency of pool cleaning and chemical treatment (23%) and even less (16%) thought about chlorine levels to maintain clean pool water.

STA's UK survey was published days after Olympic swimming gold medallist Rebecca Adlington - appearing in the latest series of the TV show 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' - admitted that she 'always' pees in swimming pools. Her admission quickly generated considerable reaction on social media.

Australasian Leisure Management is unaware if comparable research has been undertaken in Australia.

Image included for illustrative purposes only.

14th December 2011 - HOW CLEAN IS YOUR POOL DECK?

25th January 2010 - UK COUNCIL BANS NAKED CHANGING ROOM SHOWERING


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Augmented Creative

Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…

read more

Arts / Attractions / Consultants / Design / Tourism

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

HIB Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

HIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Insurance / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

CENTAMAN

Centaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Ticketing

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business