The other day I received an e-mail from Women’s Health with the subject line “9 Ways to Avoid Germs at the Gym.” The intro read, “It’s not all in your head: germs thrive in the warm, sweaty atmosphere at the gym. Here’s how to keep them off of you — and hold your sick days for something fun.”
One of Women’s Health suggestions for staying away from germs really stuck out to me — “Bring Your Own Water.”
According to Women’s Health: “Don’t depend on the gym’s water cooler to quench your post-workout thirst, even if they have cups to spare. Drinking fountains are one of the worst breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. You are much better off bringing along your own supply of H2O.”
Be honest — when was the last time you cleaned your drinking fountain?
According to Recreation Management, clubs should make fountain checks a part of their regular maintenance schedules. “Have an employee check your fountains every two hours to ensure they are in clean, working condition,” Recreation Management suggested.
In order to keep drinking fountains at their cleanest, Recreation Management said fountains should be cleaned at least once per day: “When cleaning, first check the water flow. For sanitary reasons, the stream should be at least three inches away from the bubbler. Next, spray disinfectant cleaning solution on the inside surfaces of the mouthpiece and protective guard. Using a grout brush, scrub the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and protective guard. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down drinking fountain surfaces.”
I remember in middle school, I learned that water fountains could be dirtier than many facilities’ toilets. Do yourself and your members a favor and make sure this isn’t the case at your club!
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
