COLUMBIA (WACH) -- If you're planning to take a dip in your swimming pool this summer experts say don't forget about the bacteria.

Health officials say backyard and community pools are breeding grounds for bacteria which can cause undetectable biofilms.

"Especially when you have these very small portable pools that people put on decks," says Dr. Alan Decho, an environmental health scientist in the Arnold School of Public Health.  "They simply add tap water and over the course of a day or two with children going in and out of there a lot of things can build up."

Decho says that it's impossible to avoid bacteria and advises cleaning your pool overnight before getting in.  He adds that keeping a healthy diet especially during the summer months is the best way to defend yourself from getting sick.

"Bacteria grow best with warmer temperatures and as you approach the temperature of your own body about 98 degrees this is when bacteria can grow really well especially the pathogenic kind," says Decho.