---
title: "What Is Recreational water illness? Pool Glossary"
description: "Recreational water illness is sickness caused by germs in pools, spas, and splash areas. Plain-English pool glossary from Marina Pool Services in Grapevine, TX."
url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/recreational-water-illness
publisher: Marina Pool Services
phone: +1-817-896-1120
quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact
---

Spa and safety

# Recreational water illness

Recreational water illness is sickness caused by germs in pools, spas, and splash areas.

Swallowing water with germs can cause diarrhea, ear infections, and skin rashes. Some germs, such as Cryptosporidium, resist chlorine. CDC lists a few germs as moderately to very chlorine tolerant.

Good water care lowers the risk. Keep sanitizer and pH in range, filter well, and test often. Ask sick swimmers to stay out of the water. Do not rely on smell. A strong chlorine odor often signals chloramines, not clean water.

## Related terms

-   [Cryptosporidium](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/cryptosporidium)
-   [Chloramine](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/chloramine)
-   [Sanitizer](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/sanitizer)

## Sources

1.  [CDC: Home Pool and Hot Tub Water Treatment and Testing](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/about/home-pool-and-hot-tub-water-treatment-and-testing.html)

## Need a hand with your pool?

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[Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact)

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