I am planning to take my 5yo to her friend's birthday party (pool party). Is there anything I should be mindful of? Can I let my child play in the water when there is a chance it might be dirty!

Hi dear, I think as long as it is a specially planned birthday party, the parents will take care to see that the pool is clean. Of course as it will be public space you cannot expect a hundred percent standard of hygiene. To make sure that your child is safe, take some basic pool precautions. Once she is ready to take a dip, apply a layer of sunscreen on her body to prevent tanning. Tie her hair if she has long hair and cover it with a swimming cap, whether she has long or short hair. It will protect her hair against any chlorine that may be present in the water. You can also let her wear swimming goggles to prevent any redness in the eyes or general eye infection that kids often pick up at the swimming pool. Other than that, once she is out, give her a quick shower and let her change into fresh dry clothes. And till then relax by the pool ;)