What is a significant risk during thunderstorms for outdoor pools?

During thunderstorms, one of the most significant risks for outdoor pools is the threat of lightning strikes. Lightning is a dangerous phenomenon, and when it strikes a body of water, it can create serious hazards for anyone in or near the pool. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so if lightning were to strike the pool, it could result in severe injuries or even fatalities for swimmers and individuals nearby.

This risk is compounded by the fact that many people may not immediately vacate the pool area when a storm approaches, potentially increasing the chances of being affected by a lightning strike. Therefore, safety protocols generally recommend that all swimming activities cease immediately when thunder is heard, and individuals should seek refuge in a safe indoor structure away from any plumbing or electrical systems.

While increased water temperature, higher chemical effectiveness, and increased bather load could have implications in various contexts, they do not pose an immediate and life-threatening risk such as that presented by lightning during a thunderstorm.