Pool professionals have heard it all when it comes to myths concerning your swimming pool. From rank chlorine odors to turning hair green, these myths often deter swimmers and potential pool owners from enjoying the benefits of owning a swimming pool. Many myths are rooted in poor water quality, which is why it is important to test your water regularly.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these myths, and the truth behind them.

1. Chlorine Turns Blonde Hair Turn Green

This is by far one of the most common myths concerning swimming pools. Those with blonde hair feel they’re risking their locks to swim. The reason for it turning green has often been associated to high chlorine levels in the pool. The truth is that blonde hair will only turn green if you have high amounts of copper in your water, introduced through your mineral system or algaecide.  Your chlorine pool is safe, so go swim!

2. High Levels of Chlorine Cause Swimmer’s Ear, Rashes, Red Stinging Eyes

Let’s get something out of the way right now: chlorine is not the culprit of these issues. Red stinging eyes may be caused by improper pH or high combined chloramines. When it comes to rashes and swimmer’s ear, the culprit is often bacteria. Warm and damp areas like bathing suit and inside your ear are prime places for bacteria to grow, hence the rash or swimmer’s ear.

You can prevent rashes by properly rinsing when you get out of the pool. Use drops for swimmer’s ear. You can also make sure to properly treat your pool to ensure that your pool is bacteria free.

3. Chlorine Stinks

While people constantly complain about the odor of chlorine, it is actually odorless. That smell people complain about are from combined chloramines. If you notice a strong odor, test your water for the combine chloramines you will need to remove these combined chloramines. You can do this simply by bringing your water up to shock level and keep it there until your combined chloramine level is 0ppm.

4. You Need To Wait To Swim After You Eat

You can’t die from getting a cramp when you’re in your swimming pool. All it means is that your food is digesting, your blood is going to your digestive system, and it might mean you end up with a cramp. This goes for doing any physical activity after eating.  The only caveat being you do not want to be swimming in deep water if you start to cramp up.

5. Use Mineral Systems as a Sanitation Alternative

The types of minerals that are part of your mineral system are not necessarily the healthiest, as they may contain silver or copper. This is excellent in the fight against algae, but they don’t work against other contaminants that could be plaguing your water. You still need to use these systems with chlorine.

Do you have any questions or concerns about swimming pools or the chemicals used in them?  Feel free to contact us here to speak with one of our pool experts at Discount Pool Supply.