How to Prevent Skin & Eye Irritation with the Right Pool Chemicals

NO MORE ITCHY SKIN & EYES!

Skin allergies are a common problem that many pool owners have to deal with, as there are many individuals who are overly sensitive to the chemicals typically used to keep pool water clean. If your pool chemicals aren’t properly balanced, then irritation to the skin is inevitable, especially in those who have skin allergies. Below, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for preventing skin and eye irritation in your pool and have included some information on the most common irritants.

Tools you’ll need:

Pool water test kit
Pool chemicals

COMMON CAUSES OF IRRITATION IN THE POOL

One of the biggest causes of irritation from pool water is improperly balanced pH. When the pH of your pool water isn’t within the recommended range of 7.3 to 7.8, you risk skin irritation and even severe inflammation, especially in those who are the most sensitive to the chemicals used to disinfect pool water. Make sure you monitor your pool’s pH often, as it plays a big part in the comfort of your pool water.

An improper chlorine level is another common cause of skin and eye irritation, especially in those who are at risk for symptoms of dermatitis and other common skin allergies. If your chlorine levels are too high, swimmers may notice that their skin is inflamed or that blisters have begun to develop on the surface on the skin. Monitoring your chlorine levels carefully is the best way to prevent having water that is over-chlorinated and water that is under-chlorinated as well.

Be sure to test your pool water with a pool water test kit to get the most accurate readings in order to prevent symptoms of skin irritation from developing. In addition to pH and chlorine, you’ll also want to ensure that alkalinity levels are in check, as this will affect your pH levels. By making sure that your pool chemicals are always at the right level and that your pool water is clean and well-maintained, swimmers in your pool can always enjoy clear, comfortable water, every time they swim.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

When you’ve got swimmers who are simply too sensitive to chlorine, consider switching to a salt water filtration system. These can be a great alternative for those who want to use something other than chlorine and who experience skin irritation from other harsh chemicals. No matter which type of system you have, be sure to keep your pool clean throughout the year. This, in addition to keeping up with proper chemical maintenance, will help keep your water soft, comfortable and safe for your swimmers all season long.

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