SOME people are unsure whether it is safe or not to have sex in a swimming pool.

There are several reasons why it may be better to avoid this, here's the low down.

What are the risks?

Many experts have given their opinions on the subject of getting intimate in a pool with your lover, and the potential dangers that can arise.

Just like with hot tub sex, Dr Sheila Loanzon, an obstetrician and gynecologist and a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said there are several health risks to take into consideration.

"Due to the chlorinated water in pools, the exposure of sensitive vaginal skin to that water can cause pH changes in the vagina, which can lead to vaginal infection (yeast or bacterial)," she told Bustle. 

But there are also several other reasons you should think twice about getting hot and heavy in the water…

1. Water is not a good lubricant

Contrary to popular belief, water does not lubricate your intimate area.

Yes, you may be wet, but water is no good at having that effect your private bits.

In fact, it actually tends to wash away any natural lube and lead to friction, which can sometimes result in painful sex.

2. Increased risk of pregnancy and STIs

Did you know that being underwater can actually increase your risk of STIs and accidental pregnancy?

That's because condoms are unlikely to work in the water. The lack of natural lubrication means your protection is much more likely to break or slip away – sometimes without couples realising.

3. Pool chemicals can cause infection

Chlorine and other cleaning agents used in pools can disturb the vagina's balance of good bacteria and PH balance, leading to thrush, inflammation and bacterial vaginosis.

Gynaecologist Dr Vanessa Mackay told Metro Online: "If a woman has sex in a pool there is a chance chemicals could enter the vagina and irritate it."

While any microbes could increase your risk of bladder infection, and being in natural water – such as a pond, river or the sea – could put you at risk of other infections.

4. Wee-ly gross

Here's a gross fact for you. According to research from the University of Alberta, the average pool contains around 10 litres of other people's urine.

So if the thought makes your whole body cringe, it might be better to keep it in your swimming shorts and save sex for the bedroom.

5. It's not as glamorous as it looks

As well as all the potential risks of getting down and dirty in the water, there's also a basic safety rule.

Swimming pools have hard, slippery surfaces, which means it's reasonably easy to fall over and injure yourself.

Our conclusion is sex and water simply don't mix – so it's best to resist the temptation this summer and mix it up in other ways instead.

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