What Happens if There Is Too Much Chlorine in a Swimming Pool?
Just as we wash our hands to get rid of germs, the chlorine we add to water does the same. It is recommended that pools have a pH of 7.2-7.8 and a chlorine concentration level of 1-3ppm.
While chlorine is a must in every pool water, it is important to incorporate swimming pool maintenance on a regular basis. Too little chlorine is bad and too much chlorine is just as much of a bad thing.
Most people know what goes wrong when you don't have adequate chlorine levels in your pool. However, what happens when you have an excess? Keep reading to find out.
Lung Irritation
Did you know chlorine and chloramine are both gasses? We may not connect this fact because chloride dilutes well in water. High levels of chlorine in the pool can affect your lungs as you continue to breathe it in.
Think of it this way: when you take long periods of hot, steamy showers you begin to feel faint. This is because water (H20) vaporizes and your lungs are unable to breathe in the oxygen it needs to in an effective manner.
The process is similar with high levels of chlorine but worse. Chlorine is a strong irritant to the lungs when you inhale too much.
It's a more serious issue for people with respiratory issues like asthma and COPD. Common symptoms of lung irritation are wheezing, burning throat, and coughing as well as general nose irritation.
Red and Stingy Eyes
Similar to the lungs, chlorine can enter the mucous membrane in the eye. Because it's a heavier molecule compared to air, chlorine sits around the surface of a pool. When you are swimming above water, you are more likely to invite chlorine into your eyes.
This problem is common with high chlorine levels, and you will notice your eyes become red or sting. These issues are not always a clear or definite sign that your pool has high levels of chlorine. It may also mean your pool water needs to be balanced better.
If you are unable to maintain the pool on your own or find it complex to determine whether your pool has the right level of chlorine, it's best to hire an expert. You should also consider pool insurance for emergency pool repair. Professional pool experts can help you determine where your chloride level stands.
Brittle Hair, Nails, and Skin
Your hair, skin, and nails will thank you if you invest in swimming pool services. While a quick swim will not do harm, those who plan to stay in the water for longer periods of time will see these complications sooner. This problem occurs in a quicker fashion if your pool has high levels of chloride.
The skin becomes dry while the hair and nails become brittle because chloride strips your body from the protective oils your body needs to maintain the moisture barrier.
In the long-term, you may notice your nails becoming tweaking or your hair falling out more than usual. Those who colour their hair blonde may also notice a green tint occurring from excessive chlorine levels.
Green hair is not a direct result of high chloride, but there is often an indirect relationship. Chances are if your pool has high levels of chlorine, there may also be high levels of copper.
Those who have skin conditions, such as eczema may have worse symptoms. For those with skin problems, swimming in high levels of chlorine is the equivalent of taking a bleach bath. High chlorine levels can trigger skin irritation while increasing the likelihood of flare-ups.
Skin Burns
Pool chemical injuries are responsible for thousands of people making a trip to A&E. You should always keep in mind that chlorine is a chemical and thus has the potential to damage our bodies.
Skin burns may occur right away or they may appear as a progression to lesser skin injuries. Skin burns are likely to occur in teenagers and kids due to mishandling. For skin burns that arise quickly in kids, you may want to store where you put chlorine.
As an added safety, you should keep the area well-ventilated. This will reduce the chances of a burn in the case there is a spill or leak. If you decide to regulate chlorine levels on your own, always follow safety instructions when adding the undiluted solution to the pool.
Chlorine Poisoning
It's true that you can have too much of a good thing. Proper swimming pool care and monitoring will prevent high levels of chlorine that lead to chlorine poisoning.
It is never a good idea to swim in a pool that has high chlorine levels because it can lead to issues like blurred vision. You should listen to your body when you notice a problem. The best thing you can do is to get fresh air as soon as you can after you exit the pool.
Be sure to rinse your body with clean water and rinse your eyes as well for at least 10-20 minutes. If you continue to struggle with blistered skin, difficulty breathing, or problems with your vision, you should visit a doctor.
High levels of chlorine are toxic to the body. If you believe you had high exposure, you need to reach out to your local poison centre.
Regular Swimming Pool Maintenance Always Protects Swimmers
Having continual swimming pool maintenance does more than the aesthetic of keeping your pool clean. You are also protecting your body from the danger of germs.
While pool treatment solutions are routine methods to control bacteria overgrowth and murky water, too much solution can be just as problematic. High levels of chlorine can cause lung irritation, damage your eyes, skin, nails, and hair, cause skin burns and lead to poisoning.
If you are currently having issues with your swimming pool, contact us for service plans.
