So we all kinda just ACCEPT that swimming pools are kinda gross on a microscopic level, right? Well, prepare yourself for the mathematical proof of that gross-ness.

The E. coli in the pool didn’t necessarily come from a bowel movement, Hlavsa said — and this is why it’s important to actually obey the signs that virtually everyone ignores about showering before going into the pool.

“The average person has about .14 grams of feces on their rear end,” Hlavsa said. “If that rinses off into the water, the amount from one person might not be that much. But as more and more swimmers introduce it that much, it does become an issue.”

She’s actually done the math.

“Let’s imagine 1,000 kids go to a water park. They have as much as 10 grams of feces on their rear ends,” she said.  “We are now talking about 10,000 grams or 10 kg. That translates to 24 pounds of poop in the water.”

So one important rule – never swallow the water from a swimming pool. “Basically, these pools are big bathtubs we all share together,” Hlavsa said.

24. Pounds. of Poop. in the Pool.

(Worst Dr. Seuss book title ever, btw).

Think I’ll stay home and run through the lawn sprinkler instead.