Swimming pools can be a fun and leisurely pastime among friends and family, but excessive use of chemicals and poor maintenance can pose serious health hazards. To add to that, high pH levels in pools can also contribute to health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and 3 ppm in hot tubs. Optimal pH will also protect swimmers from the spread of germs in pool water.
Chemicals like chlorine and bromine are commonly used to sanitize swimming pools, but the overdosing or improper application can lead to a variety of recreational water illnesses (RWIs). These RWIs are caused by bacteria and other germs that spread through swallowing, inhaling, or making skin contact with contaminated water.
Let’s explore the different health hazards that can result from overdosing on chemicals in pools.
Health Issues Caused by Poor Pool Water
1. Skin and eye irritations
The chlorine used to treat swimming pools can cause skin and eye irritation if added to a pool in high concentrations. When swimmers enter the pool, they can absorb the chlorine through their skin. Over time, this can lead to dryness, itching, and rashes on the skin. When chlorine comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause redness, irritation, and burning. In extreme cases, swimmers can experience blurred vision and even corneal damage.
2. Respiratory problems
Inhaling chlorine gas can cause respiratory problems for anyone swimming in a pool. This is because the gas emitted from the chlorine can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. When you inhale this in high concentrations (>15 ppm), chlorine gas can lead to lung damage, asthma, and blue skin discoloration. Children may even be more vulnerable to these hazards because of their delicate respiratory airways, so always keep an eye on them.
3. Digestive issues
All of us have accidentally swallowed pool water at some point, but too much water consumption can lead to several digestive issues. Ingesting chemicals used to treat pools can lead to an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, these symptoms can persist for days, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Children are at higher risk since they tend to swallow more water while swimming.
4. Chemical burns
Chemical burns are another potential health hazard especially if the pH level of the pool is too high. Too many chemicals will cause the pool’s pH level to rise and make the water too acidic. These burns can occur on the skin, eyes, and even the respiratory system. They will become very painful and would require immediate medical attention to prevent them from getting worse.
It’s Possible To Maintain and Lower Pool pH Without Chemicals
Excessive use of chemicals and a high pH level in swimming pools are harmful to you and your loved ones. It’s important to maintain proper chemical levels and ensure that the pH is kept within the normal range to avoid these health hazards. Monitoring chemical levels and regular pool maintenance can help reduce the risk of chemical exposure and promote a healthy swimming environment for everybody.
But there is a specific solution to make your pool worries go away. Poolsmith Technologies can help you reduce the risks of being exposed to chemicals and high pH with its Organic CO2 system that constantly maintains a lower pool pH without chemicals.
You don’t have to feel scared about adding chemicals to your pool because our Organic CO2 system injects small amounts of carbon dioxide into your pool, which is a natural and non-toxic way to add acid. It doesn’t require any handling, mixing, or dispersing chemicals into your water so you can have a safer swimming time with your loved ones.
Reach out to us and let us tell you more about this healthier swimming pool acid alternative today!
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