A recent discussion on the parenting forum Mumsnet sparked controversy when user 'Blondiebeachbabe' asked if people urinate in swimming pools while on holiday. The question provoked a range of reactions, predominantly of disgust and shock, from dozens of parents. User 'sandrapinchedmysandwich' expressed horror, calling the practice "disgusting," while 'Floralnomad' stated, "Normal, toilet-trained adults do not pee in swimming pools."
Despite the general revulsion, some users admitted to the practice. 'IWillAdmit' confessed, reasoning that many others do it, and 'Katbum' suggested that everyone claiming otherwise was lying. This viewpoint was met with both support and criticism from other forum participants.
Scientific findings back up the prevalence of urination in pools. A study from the University of Alberta, Canada, released in 2017, found significant amounts of urine in swimming pools by testing for an artificial sweetener, acesulfame potassium (ACE), which remains intact after digestion. Research indicated that public pools can contain up to 75 liters of urine.
Concerns arise from the chemical reactions between urine and chlorine, forming disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that may cause eye irritation and respiratory issues. Notably, American Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps admitted to urinating in pools during the 2012 Olympics, suggesting it's a common but unaddressed issue.
The debate continues, with some parents admitting their habits and others advocating for cleanliness and responsibility in shared swimming environments.