CDC study finds violations in 80 percent of pool inspections

ATLANTA (WABC) -- A government survey has found at least one violation in nearly 80 percent of public pool and hot tub inspections from 2013 in five states.

The Centers for Disease Control says it analyzed more than 84,000 inspections of nearly 49,000 public venues in Arizona, California, Florida, New York and Texas, the five states with the most public pools.

The CDC says one in eight inspections resulted in immediate closure because of serious health and safety violations, and that one in five kiddie pools were shut down.

Officials said the most common violations involved improper pH levels, safety equipment and disinfectant concentration, and that nearly a third of local health departments don't regulate or inspect public pools.

Experts advise swimmers to be cautious before entering the water.

Back in 2012, the newly-renovated McCarren Park pool in Brooklyn had to be closed more than once for unsanitary conditions, including fecal matter in the water. The New York City Department of Parks released a statement Friday, saying it regularly maintains its pools and tests water quality.

"New York City parks pools are safe, clean and enjoyed by millions of people every year," it read.

The report did not specify which pools and hot tubs were studied in New York. In the city, outdoor public pools are set to open for the season on June 29.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)