When it comes to sanitation, most of us can't count on a Bill Murray-type maintenance fella who's eager to chow down a Baby Ruth bar that found its way into the swimming pool, a la "Caddyshack." But even if we could, there might be a few things at the bottom of the pool even he wouldn't be willing to scoop up.
So here are a few tips on how to be a good pool neighbor and how to protect yourself and your kids from those who aren't so considerate. Remember, children can still get sick from swimming in a pool that's been well-chlorinated.
• Everybody rinse off before jumping in! A quick shower before swimming means less work for the disinfectants.
• If you or your child has diarrhea, you could make others sick. Don't go in the water! No changing diapers by the pool! And wash off those baby butts with hand sanitizer before putting them in the pool, even if they aren't sick.
• Make sure bigger kids take bathroom breaks if they're drinking lots of fluids — which they should be — on hot summer days. Every 30 minutes, drink and go. (Tell them it is true that a dye in the pool water turns purple if they pee in it.)
• Lastly, don't swallow the water. You never really know what's in the pool, but your immune system stands a much better chance of defending its castle if the bad guys are kept outside.
© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.