Pool data reference
A sourced reference for writers, pool owners, and professionals comparing pool outbreaks, chlorine, pH, Crypto, inspections, and child water-safety risk.
The numbers
Each stat below includes the source and date so it can be checked, quoted, and linked without guesswork.
208
treated-water outbreaks
The CDC count includes pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds. The reported outbreaks led to at least 3,646 illnesses, 286 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths.
CDC, May 202176
Crypto outbreaks
Those Crypto outbreaks produced 2,492 reported illnesses. That matters because Crypto is unusually tolerant of standard chlorine levels.
CDC, May 202113
reported deaths
The deaths were associated with hot tubs, pools, and similar treated recreational water venues where water management can affect risk.
CDC, May 202111.8%
of pool inspections
The five-state inspection dataset covered 2013 data. Immediate closure happened when inspectors found a serious health or safety violation.
CDC, May 201612.4%
pH violations
The same CDC inspection report found pH violations in 12.4% of inspected pools, disinfectant concentration violations in 9.2%, and automated chemical-feeder violations in 6.2%.
CDC, May 20167.0-7.8
CDC pH range
CDC's home-pool guidance also recommends at least 1 ppm chlorine in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs; for pools using cyanuric acid, CDC recommends at least 2 ppm chlorine.
CDC, May 20242 ppm
with stabilizer
Cyanuric acid helps outdoor pools hold free chlorine, but the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code notes that it is not a disinfectant.
CDC, May 2024; CMAHC376
fatal drownings per year
The average covers 2021 through 2023. CPSC also reported that nearly 80% of those victims were under age 5.
CPSC, June 20266,300
nonfatal injuries per year
The estimate covers 2022 through 2024. CPSC estimated that 4,600 of those annual injuries involved children younger than 5.
CPSC, May 202560
splash-pad outbreaks
Those outbreaks caused 10,611 reported illnesses. Cryptosporidium was confirmed in part in 40 of the outbreaks and accounted for 9,622 reported cases.
CDC, December 2024What the data means
The pattern across these sources is simple: pool water can look fine while chemistry, circulation, inspection, or swimmer behavior still needs attention. That is why good pool care starts with facts, testing, and a system that fits the pool.
Aquastaser. "Pool Water Safety Statistics 2026." Last updated July 2, 2026. Available at https://aquastaser.com/pool-water-safety-statistics.
Methodology And SourcesMethodology
This page uses public data from government and aquatic-health sources. Statistics are included only when the underlying source gives a clear date range, population, and number. Last updated: July 2, 2026.
Real support
Pool size, plumbing, saltwater replacement, algae, safety: these are normal questions. Ask them before ordering.
