Does anyone know if the pools in Aruba are chlorinated? I read somewhere that they are not and I am concerned because last March while in Aruba with my 3 year old son, he became violently ill. It was determined that perhaps the pool was the cause of his stomach illness. Any help is appreciated as we are going again this year...

The pools in Aruba like anywhere else have chlorine in them. You can watch the pool attendants checking levels in the pools several times a day. We take our children to the island since they were infants and they have never gotten sick from the pool at our timeshare. Did you call a doctor?

Thanks for your reply. Yes, our son was taken to the hospital. I was told that Aruba had different standards than the US for the care of their pools. The pools are cleaned and the water is recycled on a daily basis, however, chlorine is not a mandate like in the US. I was wondering if anyone else had been informed of the same. I am happy to hear your children have never been ill there. I have to say, I was quite happy with the care my son received. Should you ever need a pediatrician, do not hesistate to bring a child while on the island.

Not a pleasant thought but here it is anyway.
I know from experience with my grandkids in our pool at home that in spite of the claims, swimmie diapers do leak unpleasant fluids if there's a "load" in them and you don't get them out IMMEDIATELY after the "job" is done. If there were other tots in the pool wearing these loaded diapers and your son was swallowing water, that could have been the culprit. Chlorine doesn't kill every kind of bacteria.

Harry - What hotel were you staying at when your son became ill?

I know that the pool is chlorinated at Costa Linda as I have seen the pool attendant regularly chlorinating it. I would not let it keep you off of the island but if you are still concerned (and it sounds like you should be!) why not pick up a pool PH testing kit at your local pool supply store? It's very easy to test the water and then you can rest assured. Thanks for the information re. pediatric care on the island. I have a 4 month old that I may be bringing to the island next year. Could you please respond with the name and the location of the doctor you saw? Thanks!

Hi Harry - we have been bringing our grandchildren to the island for over 15 years (one was 4 months and the other 2 years old) and they have had various problems while on the island like an ear infection, sore throat, etc., and every doctor we have seen has been wonderful. We as well have had problems and have seen specialists who knew exactly what to do, so have no fear as this island has excellent medical care.

I heard of an incident where a family was at LaQuinta timeshare last year and their child was VERY SICK and it was thought to be from the pool.