Pool Paranoia: Can You Get STDs From a Swimming Pool?

Dive right in to finding out if you can get a sexually transmitted disease or infection from taking a swim in the pool or lounging in a hot tub.

One of the top searches on Google regarding where you can get sexually transmitted diseases from show that people are curious about whether or not they can contract an STD from swimming pools.

This query ranks fourth after asking in a Google search if you can get STDs via kissing, a toilet seat, or oral [sex].

can-you-get-std-poolWe answer the other three commonly searched questions regarding contracting STDs here:

Don’t make a splash because you CANNOT get an STD from swimming in a pool or relaxing in a hot tub. Appropriate chlorine and chemical levels are maintained to kill bacteria and viruses, including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases.

STDs are typically transmitted during sexual contact and, as of yet, there are no documented cases of anyone contracting an STD from swimming in a pool.
If you are going for a swim, just avoid sharing towels. Public lice (crabs) and the virus molluscum contagiosum can be spread by sharing infected linens including bedding, clothing and towels.

Medically Reviewed by on September 28, 2018

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Author: Nick Corlis

Nick Corlis is a writer, marketer, and designer. He graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, with a degree in Digital Communications. Nick is proud to be able to help eliminate the stigma of STD testing through his writing and is always trying to advocate the importance of your sexual health. Before STDcheck, his favorite way to develop his writing skills was by accepting various writing jobs in college and maintaining multiple blogs. Nick wears many hats here at STDcheck, but specifically enjoys writing accurate, well-researched content that is not only informative and relatable but sometimes also contains memes. When not writing, Nick likes to race cars and go-karts, eat Japanese food, and play games on his computer.