Why Kids Drink Pool Water and What to Do

Have you ever noticed a swimmer who seems to constantly drink, lick, or spit the pool water—and wondered why? This behavior is more common than you might think, especially among children who seek strong sensory input. Even with frequent reminders from parents or swim instructors, some swimmers find it hard to stop. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward ensuring safety in the water. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind why some kids like to drink the pool water, when it can become a concern, and how you can effectively monitor and support your swimmer.

Why Does My Kid Drink the Pool Water?

Drinking the pool water is a common, yet often misunderstood, behavior especially among children who are highly drawn to water and constantly seek sensory input.

Think of an infant exploring the world. Their mouth is a primary tool for discovery. Similarly, for some swimmers—particularly those with sensory-seeking needs—oral input (like chewing on a pencil or shirt collar) helps them feel more organized and regulated.

When they get into the pool, they have constant, unfiltered access to this oral stimulation through swirling, spitting, or drinking the water. The continuous sensation in their mouth can be incredibly rewarding and calming for them.

While there’s significant science behind oral motor input and sensory seeking, what’s crucial for both parents and swim instructors is recognizing that this seemingly innocent habit can be dangerous.

Understanding the “why” is the first step toward effectively monitoring and intervening to reduce excessive drinking and ensure their safety in the water.

Is Drinking Pool Water Dangerous for Kids?

It’s natural to wonder if your swimmer is actually swallowing the water, or just swirling and spitting. While it’s often hard to tell, excessive pool water ingestion can be dangerous.

The most serious, though rare, concern is water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia. This occurs when a swimmer takes in more water than their kidneys can eliminate, leading to a dangerous imbalance of electrolytes. Beyond this, even smaller amounts of pool, lake, or ocean water contain chemicals like chlorine, as well as bacteria and other pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal upset or illness.

For some swimmers, the powerful sensory reward of water in their mouth can outweigh any attempts to intervene. This intense oral motor input can be so organizing and calming that it overrides typical behavioral strategies. While these 3 tips to keep the pool water out of the mouth or wearing a life jacket (if at the lake or ocean to keep their head out of the water) can help, many swimmers can still manage to drink, lick, or swirl.

Therefore, close monitoring of your swimmer’s actions and knowing the amount of time they spend in the water is crucial. Understanding the underlying sensory drive helps you approach the situation with patience and implement appropriate strategies to minimize risks.

How Do I Stop My Child Drinking Too Much Pool Water?

Educate yourself thoroughly on the signs and symptoms of water intoxication (hyponatremia) so you can recognize them and take immediate action. Knowing what to look for empowers you to respond effectively if a situation arises.

To improve safety and avoid dangerous situations, start by assessing and identifying your swimmer’s patterns. Implement your own personal system for monitoring their water intake. This might involve:

  • Observing Closely
    Is water being swallowed, or just swirled and spit?
  • Taking Frequent Breaks
    Step out of the water for rest and digestion. Offer small sips of a preferred drink (like water or diluted juice) to manage thirst and provide a controlled oral input.
  • Limiting Session Duration
    Shorter, more frequent sessions might be safer than one long one if excessive drinking is a concern.
  • Using Visual Cues or Social Stories
    For some children, clear visual rules about “water in the pool, not in the mouth” can be helpful.

By proactively monitoring and intervening, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with excessive water drinking and ensure a safer, more enjoyable swim experience for everyone.

The Swim Whisperers® method explains this issue in more detail, and is the 12th of our 14 roadblocks that you will learn about. Enroll today and get strategies to help you manage and decrease this tendency with your swimmers.

Watch our videos on how to avoid excessive pool water drinking and follow us on YouTube for more advice on this tricky habit.

While drinking pool water can be puzzling—or even concerning—it’s often rooted in a child’s need for sensory input. By understanding the reason behind what you are seeing, monitoring closely, and using simple, proactive strategies, you can reduce the risks and help your swimmer stay safe and regulated.

With patience, support, and the right tools, this behavior can be managed, allowing your child to continue enjoying the water in a healthy and rewarding way.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.