London, June 1 (ANI): A shocking survey has revealed that one in five adults urinate in swimming pools, while seven in 10 adults have admitted that they don't take a shower before taking the plunge.

Furthermore, the red-eyes in the pool, that are often associated with chloramine, a chemical created when urine combines with the chlorine that's already in the pool, are not from the water treatment chemical, the Daily Mail reported.

The survey, which was conducted by Water Quality and Health Council reveals such a number of statistics that may make pool-goers think twice before diving in.

And while it did not look extensively into the reasons behind why people think they can urinate in a public pool, the survey suggests that it is easy and anonymous.

However, Dr Chris Wiant, who serves as chair of the Water Quality and Health Council, claims that is the wrong way to think.

No matter how easy it is to pee anonymously in the pool, swimmers should avoid doing so and take their children on frequent bathroom breaks, he said.

He also held people working at the pool responsible.

Pool operators should also monitor and maintain proper pool water chemistry, especially pH and chlorine levels, said Wiant.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention insist that it is the 'first defence against germs that can make swimmers sick.'

But the result that makes one want to cringe, don't stop there - the survey also reveals that nearly 70 per cent of people taking a dip do not shower beforehand. The Council claims that while it may seem counter-intuitive or redundant to shower before jumping in the pool, it is crucial for the health of all of those around.

The study claims that while this may seem harmless, people who enter the pool without showering are essentially treating the pool as a communal bath. When things like makeup, sunscreen, bug spray, perfume, deodorant, sweat, and dirt that, get mixed with chlorine and other pool chemicals, they can cause significant irritation.

The CDC also reveals that many diseases spread through pool because people do not shower before jumping in, bringing dirt, sweat, and sunscreen into the water with them. Which is why it is imperative for everyone planning to take a plunge should first shower and a simple 15 to 30 second rinse is all it takes.

People who are sick or have diarrhoea should also avoid the pool to avoid transmitting diseases by the water.

The survey revealed that if a pool has a ripe or pungent smell, it should ostensibly be avoided, because chemically balanced pools emit no such smell.

Michele Hlavsa, the Chief of CDC's Healthy Swimming Program reveals that urine in the water creates two problems.

The first is that the urine eats up the chlorine to kill the germs. The other problem is that urine contains nitrogen - like personal care products - which create chloramine, she said.

Hlavsa, an RN with a Masters of Public Health, has suggested many tips for a safe dip in the pool.

It's really important for swimmers to take bathroom breaks regularly once and hour,' she said, adding that children's diapers should be checked once every 30 to 60 minutes, she said.

But the gist of the matter is simple.

It's all about good hygiene. Even just rinsing in water for 15 or 30 seconds gets ride of the personal care products, she said.

In an effort to make the public aware of the importance of good poolside hygiene, the CDC experts claim that education is key.

Another step is the Model Aquatic Health Mode. The CDC is developing this resource for state and local health departments of model standards, she said.

This is basically to make pools more safer place to get respite from scorching sun, as there is no federal regulatory authority responsible for disinfected water parks and pools.

The MAHC includes rethinking the design of locker rooms and pool houses so that pool-goers pass the showers before entering the pool, and making warm water readily available so there are no intended cold showers before a relaxing dip on a hot day. (ANI)