Swimming in Grand Rapids: Keeping Pool Water Clean and Safe

Swimming is a favorite activity in Grand Rapids, especially during our hot, humid summers and long indoor-pool season in winter. Whether you’re at a public pool in Kent County, a fitness center in downtown Grand Rapids, or a hotel pool near Medical Mile, keeping the water clean is everyone’s responsibility.

Clean pool water helps prevent the spread of infections and keeps families safe and healthy while they swim.

Why Clean Pool Water Matters

Even in well-maintained pools in Grand Rapids with proper chlorine levels, chlorine does not kill germs instantly. Some germs can survive in treated pool water long enough to make swimmers sick.

One of the most common pool-related germs is Cryptosporidium (crypto). This parasite:

• Can survive in pool water for days
• Spreads easily when people swallow contaminated water
• Often causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea

Germs on your skin or in your stool can wash off your body and contaminate the water. You are more likely to spread germs when you are already feeling unwell.

Simple Steps to Keep Grand Rapids Pools Clean

Shower Before You Swim

Showering with soap before getting into the pool is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others:

• Use warm water and soap
• Wash your entire body, especially:
  • Bottom and buttocks
  • Groin area
  • Armpits
• Rinse thoroughly before entering the pool

Most public pools in Grand Rapids, including those managed by local recreation centers, have showers available—please use them every time.

Stay Out of the Pool If You’re Sick

If you have an infection, do not swim. Even as you start to feel better, you may still be contagious and able to spread germs into the water.

How Long to Stay Out of the Pool

Below are general timeframes for some common infections. Always follow the advice of your doctor or local healthcare provider in Grand Rapids, such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

• Gastroenteritis (gastro) or diarrhea

  • Do not swim for at least 14 days after your last episode of diarrhea
  • This is especially important because of Cryptosporidium, which can keep shedding in stool even after you feel better

• Chickenpox

  • Do not swim from the first sign of a rash
  • Stay out of the pool until all spots have crusted over and no new spots are appearing

• Tinea corporis (athlete’s foot)

  • Avoid swimming for 7 days after starting treatment
  • Do not walk barefoot in changing rooms; wear flip-flops to reduce spread

• Other infections (eye infections, skin infections, open wounds)

  • Do not swim until at least one full day after starting appropriate treatment and when your doctor says it is safe

Consult a Grand Rapids Healthcare Provider

If you’re unsure when it’s safe to return to swimming:

• Talk with your family doctor or pediatrician
• Contact local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
• Call the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for public health advice

Tips for Swimmers: Keeping Pool Water Clean

To help keep Grand Rapids pools safe and healthy:

• Do not swim if you have had diarrhea in the past 14 days
• Shower and wash thoroughly with soap before you enter the pool
• Use the toilet before you swim
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing nappies/diapers
  • Before getting back into the pool

Avoid Swallowing Pool Water

• Keep your mouth closed while swimming
• Teach children not to drink or swallow pool water
• If you accidentally swallow water, try not to keep doing so

If You Become Ill After Swimming

If you develop diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or a rash after swimming in a Grand Rapids pool:

1. See your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic
2. Inform the pool operator or facility manager
3. If symptoms are severe or affecting multiple people, contact the Kent County Health Department so they can investigate a possible waterborne outbreak

Tips for Parents and Caregivers in Grand Rapids

Children, especially younger ones, can easily contaminate pool water. Extra care is needed at community pools, hotel pools, and indoor aquatic centers.

Watch Children Closely

• Keep an eye on your children at all times
• Inform the lifeguard or pool staff immediately if:
  • Your child has an accident in the pool
  • You notice feces, vomit, or anything that may have contaminated the water

Regular Toilet Breaks

• Take children on frequent toilet breaks, at least every hour
• Encourage them to use the bathroom before getting into the pool
• Remind children to wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet

Nappy/Diaper Changing Rules

• Check nappies/diapers every 30–60 minutes
• Do not change nappies/diapers by the poolside
• Always use the designated nappy-changing area or restrooms
• Dispose of nappies/diapers properly in covered trash bins
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing nappies/diapers

Swim Nappies/Diapers for Young Children

For children who are not toilet trained:

• Use tight-fitting, waterproof swim nappies/diapers
• Check them often and change immediately if soiled
• Remember: swim nappies reduce leaks but do not completely prevent germs from entering the water if a child has diarrhea

Seasonal Considerations in Grand Rapids, MI

Because of Michigan’s climate, many residents use indoor pools year-round and outdoor pools and lakes in summer:

• Winter and early spring: More indoor swimming, higher risk of germs spreading in enclosed spaces. Good hygiene and showering are especially important.
• Summer: Increased use of outdoor pools and splash pads. Warm weather and heavy use can strain pool filtration and chlorine systems, making clean habits essential.

Whether you’re swimming indoors during a snowy Grand Rapids winter or outdoors on a hot July afternoon, the same hygiene rules apply.

Where to Get Help and More Information in Grand Rapids

If you have concerns about pool water quality, swimming-related illness, or infection control, you can contact:

• Your local swimming pool or aquatic center
  • Speak with the pool operator or manager
  • Ask about their water testing and disinfection practices
• Kent County Health Department
  • Public health advice on waterborne diseases and pool safety
• Grand Rapids Public Health resources
  • Community education on healthy swimming and infection prevention
• Local healthcare providers
  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
  • Your family doctor, pediatrician, or urgent care clinic

Healthy Swimming in Grand Rapids: Do Your Part

By following these simple steps, every swimmer in Grand Rapids can help keep pools clean and safe:

• Stay out of the pool if you are sick, especially with diarrhea
• Shower with soap before swimming
• Take regular bathroom breaks and wash hands
• Use proper swim nappies/diapers for young children
• Report any illness after swimming to your doctor and the pool operator

Healthy swimming protects you, your family, and your community—and helps keep Grand Rapids pools safe and enjoyable all year long.