.

Is it really safe to swim in a public pool? While reading this morning's newspaper, this headline caught my eye: "Phoenix closes all city pools." The article explained that an intestinal parasite called Cryptosporidium  was discovered at one location. There is one confirmed case in addition to 29 others who are suffering diarrhea from the disease. As a precaution, all the city pools will be closed for cleaning at least for the next few days. Naturally, my first reaction was...YUCK! After voicing my disgust, I wanted to know more about the cleanliness and safety of public pool water. Most of us have joyfully splashed in a public swimming pool or water park at one time or another, but few people consider what could be living in that inviting blue water. We assume the water is highly chlorinated, rendering it germ free. While it is true that chlorination will kill pathogens such as  E. coli  and  shigella , other parasit...