July 29, 2021

Pool Chemical Safety Tips

Prevent irritation, illness and more by using pool chemicals the right way

pool chemicals and testing kit sitting next to a pool

Crystal clear swimming pools are often at the center of summer fun. And while we put a lot of emphasis on wearing sunscreen and preventing drowning during water activities, you probably don’t think about the chemicals that go into pools. Sure, you might be familiar with the smell of chlorine, but if the pool cleaning duties don’t fall on you, you’re probably not researching how pool chemicals could affect your health.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Pool chemicals like chlorine and bromine keep you safe from germs and bacteria. When used correctly, they help prevent outbreaks and other potential health problems. However, with recent shortages, many people have resorted to mixing things into pools that shouldn’t be. Other problems include mishandling or not storing pool chemicals correctly.

Emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD, offers some helpful tips for managing pool chemicals so you can stay safe whether you’re cleaning or enjoying the pool.

“It’s a great time of year,” says Dr. Fertel. “People have opened up their pools so their friends and family can cool off from the hot weather. However, everyone needs to maintain some basic safety rules when it comes to pool chemicals and equipment.”

The importance of pool chemicals

The CDC refers to the chlorine and pH level of your pool as your “disinfection team.” These two elements serve as the first defense against germs that can cause illness. While chlorine is very effective, it doesn’t work instantly. And when things like dirt, skin cells, sunlight and even fecal matter end up in a pool, they can reduce chlorine levels.

The pH level determines how acidic or basic your pool water is. If the water has a high pH, it’s harder for chlorine to kill germs. Another thing to keep in mind is that your body can have a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. If pool water isn’t in this pH range, you’ll be able to tell because your skin and eyes will become irritated. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you or your guests, you’ll need to regularly check and adjust the chlorine and pH levels.

Other common signs of recreational water illness or irritation from pool chemicals

Dr. Fertel says that other common symptoms of irritation or illness include:

Advertisement

Should you be able to smell chlorine?

No, you shouldn’t be able to smell chlorine. According to the CDC, a well-maintained pool should not have a strong chemical smell. When you encounter that strong “chlorine smell,” you’re getting a whiff of what are known as “chloramines.” Chloramines are formed when things like sweat, urine, dirt, skin cells and even poop mix with chlorinated water.

How to prevent chloramines

After reading the last section, you probably don’t want to get into a public pool again. But there are things that you can do at home to prevent chloramines.

  • If you have diarrhea, don’t swim. The same goes for the little ones.
  • Always use the restroom before getting into the water and take bathroom breaks as needed.
  • Take a shower before getting into the pool. Rinsing off in the shower for just a minute can help remove most of the dirt or anything else on your body.
  • Wear a swim cap.
  • Don’t pee in the water.

Carefully add chemicals to pool water

Dr. Fertel says there’s a right and wrong way to do it. When you think about it, it’s no different than adding detergent to a washing machine.

“When you’re adding chemicals to a pool, always add the powder to the water, not the water to the powder. When even a little bit of water gets on some pool chemicals, something called ‘wetting’ occurs. Chemical wetting can cause a dangerous reaction and combustibility. That’s why it’s really important to add pool chemicals to the water.”

Store pool chemicals in a dry area

You never want to store chemicals in a damp area. Dr. Fertel strongly recommends keeping them in a very dry space and away from any leaky containers.

“Pool chemicals should be stored in a dry area. Make sure that there are no other chemicals or items on the shelves above that could potentially drip down on them. The containers that the chemicals are in should also be sealed tightly.”

Advertisement

He adds that chemicals from different years should never be mixed. And if you’re using a specific device or container to pour the chemicals in, clean it thoroughly before the next use.

Only use approved chemicals in your pool

If you can’t find the pool chemicals that you need, mixing your own concoction is never the answer. According to the EPA, some common pool chemicals aren’t compatible with one another. Mixing these chemicals could cause a chemical reaction that could ignite combustible materials nearby or it can create highly toxic and corrosive chlorine gas.

“If you have a hard time finding the pool chemicals that you need, don’t resort to ‘homegrown brews’ or ‘homegrown mixtures.’ We know there are a lot of things that are in short supply right now. Pool chemicals are no exception. It’s important to use things that are safe and certified for use in a pool. It’s not the time to experiment.”

He adds that basic personal protective equipment like goggles and gloves are essential. If you’re using pool chemicals for a longer period, Dr. Fertel suggests using a face shield. And be sure to use these chemicals in a well-ventilated area.

Dr. Fertel says that most exposures to chemicals can be managed by just leaving the area. But when in doubt, seek medical help. And if someone ingests pool chemicals, contact your local poison control center immediately.

Related Articles

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

person stressing, with clock and books
November 29, 2023
6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious in the Mornings

Breathwork, sleep mediatation and avoiding screens can help fight back morning anxiety

covid toe
November 28, 2023
Are COVID Toes and Rashes Common Symptoms of the Coronavirus?

Chilblain-like skin lesions and rashes probably aren’t COVID related

magnesium pills out of container spelling out MG
November 28, 2023
Magnesium for Anxiety: Does It Help?

This supplement may help with regulating cortisol levels, which may help with stress

woman in her forties, using an inhaler
November 28, 2023
Why Sex Hormones Can Help (or Hurt) Your Asthma

Developmental changes like puberty and menopause can impact symptom severity

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad