Stocksy

There's no other way to put it: Public swimming pools are disgusting.

According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of swimming pools are also doubling as cesspools, thanks to inadequate sanitary conditions. The CDC reviewed data from 2013 that focused on over 84,000 routine inspections of nearly 50,000 pools in five of the country's most densely public pool and hot tub populated states (Arizona, New York, Florida, California, and Texas). As CBS reported, nearly 80 percent of them had at least one violation, and one in eight were shut down immediately. Unsurprisingly, wading pools—otherwise known as baby pools—totaled the highest percentage of failed ratings; one in five had to be closed.

Most commonly, these aquatic facilities lacked proper pH levels, proper poolside safety equipment, and adequate disinfectant concentration. Because of these problematic pH and disinfectant levels, the number of people contracting diseases due to contaminated water has been on the rise. So while many pool-goers believed they were going for a refreshing dip, they were actually swimming alongside fecal matter, parasites, and other lovely microbes that can cause gastrointestinal duress (among other things).

The CDC did clarify that not all pools are plagued by these conditions—thank goodness—and because the data focused on just a handful of states it's not necessarily representative of the entire country. It's probably not a bad idea, though, for all pools to review their conditions since the agency did stress that "the findings of this report underscore the need to improve the operation and maintenance of U.S. public aquatic facilities to prevent illness and injury."

Though the pool crews will likely need to take pH, safety, and disinfectant matters into the their own hands, individuals can take preventative measures to curtail the spread of germs and, more crucially, fecal matter. If you're suffering from some tummy troubles, it's best to refrain from swimming—especially in a public pools. It's also important to note that swim diapers do not actually prevent waste materials from spreading into water and parents should regularly check children's diapers while at the public pool. Because, to paraphrase one of America's most lovable PSA mascots, only you can prevent other people from swimming in your poop.