Swimming Pool Chemicals: Healthy or Hazardous
Anything that's not entirely natural may come with certain side effects. Swimming pool chemicals, primarily chlorine and bromine, are very useful — stagnant water quickly becomes a hotbed for bacteria and algae. However, as they strip the water of harmful contaminants, they also strip hair, skin, and nails of nourishing nutrients. Let's dive deeper into the benefits of chlorine before determining how to battle its detriments.
The Healthy Side of Chlorine
Chlorine came about for a very good reason. The dangers of stagnant, germ-filled water are numerous. The top three concerns are algae, fungal, and parasitic infections. Blue-green algae is another danger, capable of causing anything from skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems to, in more serious exposures, liver and neurological effects.
When added to water, chlorine turns into a combination of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite anion. Together, they disinfect water and are considered safe when administered in the right concentration. According to the CDC, safe minimum concentrations are at least 1 part per million (ppm) for pool water and at least 3 ppm for hot tubs.
Dry Hair and Skin
Pool chemicals can dry out hair and skin by disrupting the skin's natural barrier and stripping away the sebum — the protective oils your body naturally produces. Over time, this can lead to itchiness, redness, hives, and even rashes. For those who struggle with eczema or psoriasis, chlorine may trigger flare-ups. Frequent swimmers sometimes have to battle contact dermatitis, also known as pool water dermatitis.
To help protect your skin before entering the pool, applying a moisturizer or barrier cream creates a physical layer between your skin and the chlorinated water. When your hair is already saturated with clean water before you swim, it absorbs less chlorinated water — reducing the amount of damage done.
Rinsing off with lukewarm water and moisturizing after a swim remain the most effective post-swim steps for keeping skin hydrated.
While all this is on your mind, take a moment to also consider the importance of proven skincare in the summer.
Lightened Hair Tone
Pool chemicals can also affect hair color, especially if it's already been treated with hair dye. Chlorine strips hair of its natural oils and breaks down the protein structure of each strand, increasing the risk of dryness and breakage — this applies to all hair types, not just lighter hair.
Chlorine also has a bleaching effect: it can bind with artificial color and strip hair of its natural melanin pigment, which means those with lighter or color-treated hair are more likely to notice visible color changes. You'd generally need to be a regular swimmer at higher concentrations to see significant lightening, but a swim cap is a practical consideration if you plan to spend a lot of time in the pool.
As for the green hair myth — chlorine isn't actually the culprit there. The greenish tint some swimmers notice comes from oxidized copper in the pool water, which can come from copper pipes and plumbing, or occasionally from copper-based algae treatments. The copper binds to hair proteins, giving lighter hair a greenish hue.
Eye Irritation
Like hair and skin, chlorine can strip the natural layer of tears that coat your eyes. As a result, your eyes might feel watery, burning, or itchy. You may even experience a gritty feeling or blurred vision. Getting in the habit of wearing goggles — even for a quick swim — and rinsing your eyes post-swim can help. Eye drops can also help rebalance your tears if irritation is something you face regularly.
Respiratory Problems
More uncommonly, some people experience respiratory problems when they interact with chlorine. Similar to how your eyes can burn, chlorine can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. Because chlorine is a gas, it can enter the system quickly. That said, with healthy levels of exposure, your upper airways are likely to filter out the irritant before it travels further. Children may be slightly more at risk because of their smaller airway diameter, so it's worth monitoring their reaction to first exposure.
With summer allergies already a factor, it's worth staying extra aware of potential respiratory sensitivities.
Alternatives to Chlorine
Finding true alternatives to chlorine isn't easy. Saltwater pools are one option, though they require a pool system specifically designed for saltwater use. Mineral water pool systems are another consideration. Bromine is an option for anyone with a chlorine allergy, though it has similar compounds and may still cause a reaction in sensitive individuals.
Other approaches don't eliminate chlorine entirely but can reduce how much is needed. Ozone generators can lower the required chlorine concentration. Keeping water temperature lower also slows algae and bacterial growth. Ultraviolet light can sanitize and destroy germs, though it needs to be used in conjunction with chlorine to be fully effective.
Swimming Pool Chemicals: Healthy In the Right Amounts
Swimming pool chemicals are essential for safe pool maintenance. The risk of bacteria and infection far outweighs a mild reaction to chlorine for most people. If you or someone in your household is sensitive or allergic, there are alternatives and mitigation strategies that can help you enjoy the water this summer.
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