A dip in the pool feels great, but if the water's contaminated and it goes in your ear, you might end up with a painful condition called swimmer's ear.

"Boy, it really hurts. and it hurts when you open and close your jaw, because you're compressing the canal. And, it hurts when you pull your ear," said Dr. Ricardo Martinez, and emergency room physician.

Swimmer's ear is not the same as a common childhood middle ear infection.

"If water is stuck in your ear, skin begins to break down," said Dr. Martinez. "You can get an inflammation. But, you can also get an infection because of the dirty water that you get in there from an infected pool or infected water. "

To prevent swimmer's ear, the centers for disease control and prevention recommends these tips:

*A pool or hot tub should have good chlorine and ph levels.
*Don't swim in lake or ocean areas closed because of pollution.
*Avoid putting objects in your ear, including fingers and cotton swabs. *Dry your ears after swimming.

"If you can't get the water out, put a couple of drops of alcohol or some other medication that helps dry it out.," said Dr. Martinez.

If the pain persists, see a doctor. Swimmer's ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops.