10 Things to Know Before Jumping Into the Pool

Lifeguards and parents alike shout "no running" all day for a reason. Slippery tile and wet surfaces are prime for slips, falls, bumps and bruises—and worse—that go with them.

That smell is likely chloramine—a chemical irritant produced when chlorine combines with everything you don't want in the water, like urine, feces, sweat and dirt. It's chloramine that makes your eyes red, your throat burn and your skin itch. A well-managed pool shouldn't really smell, say experts.

That said, you do want chemicals and other cleaning systems to help keep water clean and pH-balanced because water-borne diseases and infections are no joke.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is chlorine-resistant and can survive in pools for up to 10 days—and cases of "crypto" have been on the rise. The parasite is typically found in diarrhea and it in turn causes diarrhea for anyone unlucky enough to have swallowed or ingested infected pool water. Kids in diapers are often a culprit.

It sounds extreme, but if you or someone you know has had diarrhea, stay out of the water for at least two weeks.

Pseudomonas are the bacteria behind two annoying swimming-related infections—hot tub rash and swimmer's ear. It's more common among people who spend a lot of time in the pool.

Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, a sometimes deadly respiratory infection that causes pneumonia-like symptoms. Legionella is a serious risk factor for older adults and anyone with compromised lungs.

The thing about drowning is that it's not the dramatic event you imagine. There's typically not much splashing or screaming. As almost every expert is quick to say, drowning is quick and silent. (Some also add that it's fatal—unless you reach the person in time.)