NSPF Recommends Bathroom Breaks Every 30-40 Minutes During Practice

Photo Courtesy: National Swimming Pool Foundation

The National Swimming Pool Foundation^® (NSPF^® ), has recommendations to improve water and air quality by reducing urine in pools. A few small changes by coaches, parents, and facility managers can prevent pee in the pool. After all, the swimmers, parents, and coaches have the most to gain since they are the ones who are exposed to the water and breathing the air.

Just because one report suggests we should fear urine in the pool, people of all ages should continue to enjoy the wonder of water. Immersion and water activity can reduce lower-back pain, blood pressure, and arthritis symptoms, and improve mental and physical health. Recent science has shown that even the sight of water can improve one’s mood.

First, everyone from swim coaches to parents should encourage showers and bathroom breaks before entering the water. It is important to recognize that being submerged in water stimulates the body to create more urine. There are other simple solutions that coaches, parents, and facility managers can incorporate that reduce pee in the pool.

Swim Coaches should require a bathroom break 30-60 minutes into the practice. For example, it takes about 40 minutes in the water for a person to feel the need to urinate. A short break that borders this time frame will reduce peeing in the pool.

Parents who frequent water parks, public pools, or backyard pools should schedule an “out of pool” time for a snack, sunscreen, and a bathroom break every 30-60 minutes.

Facility Managers should consider two ways to prevent pee in the pool. First, schedule short breaks to encourage people to exit the water. For example, a 10-minute “adult only” swim time or an out-of-pool activity every hour encourages people to exit the pool and use the bathroom. Second, post signage that suggests using the bathroom and showering before getting into the pool.

Air quality can also be improved upon for indoor facilities when we keep urine out of the water. What’s more, everyone from children to masters can gain the benefits of one of the most fun and healthy activities. When coaches, parents, and facility managers make small changes, the water we enjoy and air we breathe is healthier, safer, and better.

About the National Swimming Pool Foundation^®

We believe everything we do helps people live healthier lives. Whether it’s encouraging more aquatic activity, making pools safer, or keeping pools open, we believe we can make a difference. NSPF® offers products and programs that are technically sound, convenient, and beautifully designed. In 2012, we launched the Step Into Swim™ Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create one million more swimmers. In 2016, to further their mission, NSPF combined forces with Genesis, an educational leader for builders of residential pools and spas. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Colorado Springs, CO., proceeds go to fund research and to help create swimmers. The National Swimming Pool Foundation has been keeping pools safe and open since 1965. Visit nspf.org, genesis3.com, or call 719-540-9119 to learn more.

Press release courtesy of National Swimming Pool Foundation

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

18 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

James Boone

7 years ago

@CoachDanRoss

Melodie Music-Vogt

7 years ago

The good news is…. we know my daughter isn’t one of those that pee in the pool. Alan R Young Jr

Alan R Young Jr

7 years ago

Reply to Melodie Music-Vogt

Hahahaha, I think that goes for everybody..lol

Mike McHenry

7 years ago

Yeah…that go over like a box of rocks with coaches!

Mark Bull

7 years ago

Clinton Camilleri Scott Farnell Benjamin Tuxford Michael CreightonBaron Michael Hyslop

Heidi Ho

7 years ago

Laurie Ann O’Shea

Laurie Ann O'Shea

7 years ago

Reply to Heidi Ho

Heather Long

7 years ago

There are bathroom breaks that frequently. The swimmers just don’t get out of the pool for them.

Oliver Mackin

7 years ago

Lol!!!!

Suez Desmet

7 years ago

Calvin Schaanick

Peggy Koch Carter

7 years ago

Kaelyn Carter

Harry Delong

7 years ago

How about telling people to go before they swim and to get out of the pool if they have to go. Might be tough for kids and some older folks but I don’t see how a break every 30 minutes will be better. It definitely will have an impact on training.