20 gross pool facts that some might scare you off swimming

Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea. The parasite is found on surfaces or in contaminated soil, food, or water. Like Crypto, Giardia is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time, and which also makes it tolerant of chlorine.A person can get infected by swallowing Giardia cysts (hard shells containing Giardia) found in contaminated food or water. Cysts are immediately infectious once they leave the host through feces.While the parasite can be spread in different ways, water (drinking water and recreational water) is the most common method of transmission. It can be passed from person to person, or from animal to person.If you swallow contaminated water, such as in a public swimming pool, you are at risk for getting a Giardia infection, and Giardia infection rates tend to rise in the summer months.