Public swimming pool operators advise patrons of the correct way to use the pool, with information posters around the venues.

Private swimming pools can also be the source of germs.

There are some golden rules for healthy swimming pools:

• do not swim if you have diarrhoea or gastro symptoms;

• always:

• shower and wash thoroughly with soap before you swim,

• wash your hands with soap after using the toilet or changing a nappy;

• avoid swallowing pool water.

It is recommended that you not swim until you are 48 hours clear of diarrhoea or gastro symptoms.

If you have been ill you should avoid swimming, regardless of the type of illness. 

Here are a few examples of exclusions times for some illnesses:

• Chicken pox - avoid swimming for 7 days after the rash appears

• Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto) - do not swim for 14 days after diarrhoea stops

• Tinea corporis (athletes foot) - do not swim until a day after treatment is started.

The Department of Health have information about healthy swimming.

Maintaining good water quality is also important in ensuring healthy swimming pools. Better Health Channel has information on healthy water quality in pools.