How clean is your public pool? A new report might scare you

A new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 58 percent of public pools tested in Atlanta had Escherichia coli, or e.coli, the bacteria most commonly associated with fecal matter.

Researchers said this “signifies that swimmers introduced fecal material into pool water” through their toddlers, or by not showering before they got in. Researchers also said traces of sweat, urine and fecal waste inhibit chlorine’s ability to clean water.

In the City of El Paso public pools must pass an inspection once a year to renew their license. Residents can also ask city inspectors to investigate a particular pool or check a pools inspection status on a citizen access website.

The Westside YMCA’s big pool is currently closed while being inspected. Officials found the pool had low pH levels.