Gross poolside activity you should ALWAYS avoid, according to an etiquette expert – or risk annoying both staff & guests

A POOL etiquette expert has let travellers in on the “horrible habit” to avoid when bathing at their summer hols hotel.

Hanging by the water with fellow holidaymakers can cause controversy in a variety of ways, but one makes pool pundits really roll their eyes.

The poolside menu is sure to get a fair workout when spending a day in the summer sun.

But according to experts, far too many travellers opt to eat their snacks in the water.

This is likely to infuriate staff members and possibly other guests as well.

Essential Hospitality founder Cole Boucher, who oversees pool operations at a Miami hotel, told the Washington Post visitors needed to make more effort to eat on land.

He said: “I wouldn’t eat chicken tenders in the pool if I were you.”

And explained that if someone jumps in beside you “Your chicken tenders are going to go in the pool, and we’ll have to fish it out”.

Beaumont Etiquette founder Myka Meier told the Post poolside diners often leave their rubbish behind and it’s “horrible”, attracting a bunch of bugs.

Myka said: “I think if you do eat at the pool, it’s your responsibility to either clean up after yourself or call the pool server to help remove your dishes so people aren’t tripping over them, they’re not baking in the sun.”

Among other poolside problems, it’s warned that walking around the water barefoot is also not a good idea.

Foot health experts have said this can lead to nasty infections that tarnish holidays.

Communal pools are often prone to fungi growth, which can cause warts, verrucas and nail infections.

Fresh research from foot care company Excilor revealed 25 per cent of Brits suffer from toenail fungal infections but only 11 per cent are aware of what’s lurking in there.

Foot expert Dr Gill Jenkins urged people to wear flip-flops in communal areas like swimming pools to avoid catching the bacteria.

And in perhaps the most contentious poolside issue, sunbed hogs have also been begged to keep chairs free if they don’t plan on using them.

Etiquette expert and TikToker Katarina, who posts videos from @katarina.etiquette, said:

“If you’re staying at a hotel, avoid blocking the sunbeds if you’re not planning on staying. It’s disrespectful toward other guests.

“Unless the hotel has a reservation system in place, only occupy the sunbeds when you’re staying by the pool.”

The video amassed 30,000 views with many voicing their opinions in the comments.

One said: “If no one is there, and all beds are occupied, I throw off some towels.”