WASHINGTON — If your eyes are red and burning after swimming this weekend in your neighborhood pool, it’s not because there’s too much chlorine in the water — it’s too much pee.
Yes, that’s kind of gross but the Centers for Disease Control says what happens is when pee, poop, sweat and dirt mix with the chlorine, two things happen — the chlorine gets used up and a heavy chemical “chlorine” smell is produced.
Most people think it’s too much chlorine in the water but in reality, it’s too little chlorine. The solution is closer monitoring of pool chemical levels and you can help by showering before swimming and by taking little swimmers on regular bathroom breaks.
The CDC and the National Swimming Pool Foundation suggest this checklist before getting in the water:
- Are the pH and chlorine level correct? Use a test strip to check.
- Standing at the edge of the pool, can you see the drain in the bottom of the deep end?
- Do drain covers on the bottom of the pool appear to be secure and in good repair?
- Is a lifeguard on duty? If a lifeguard is not on duty, is safety equipment — for example, a rescue ring or pole — available?
- Is the area around the pool free of strong chemical odors?
If you answer “no” to any of the questions, officials recommend swimmers not get into the water because the conditions could lead to illness or injury.
To learn more about healthy and safe swimming, visit the CDC’s website.
