Uncover the Facts: The Most Common Myths about Pools
Dive into the truth about pool myths! From debunking the idea that peeing in the pool turns it blue to clarifying misconceptions about saltwater pools, strong chlorine smells, and the causes of red eyes after swimming, we've got you covered
One Minute Read Summary
•Peeing in the pool will not turn it blue, but can negatively alter chlorine levels and cause a strong chlorine smell
•Saltwater pools are not actually chlorine-free, as salt is converted into chlorine through electrolysis.
•If a pool smells strongly of chlorine, it does not mean there is too much chlorine present; this could indicate the presence of chloramines from germs, sweat, and oils that have bound with chlorine.
•Chlorine does not turn hair green; instead metals such as copper may be at fault
•Red eyes after swimming do not necessarily mean the pool has too much chlorine; instead an imbalance of chemicals or contaminants from other swimmers may be causing the burning sensation.
•Clear water in a pool does not guarantee cleanliness; unseen microbes may lurk beneath its sparkling surface
•Swimming in pool water can still make you sick even with disinfectants present
•Rainwater affects the chemistry of pool water by changing pH levels
•Heating a pool can be affordable with solar-powered and heat pump options
•Swimming immediately after eating can lead to cramping due to a lack of blood in the muscles
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For Sapphire Pool Service, your Pool's cleanliness is the Key, We keep the water as clear as can be, it's a sight to see!
Between legend and truth lies an illuminated middle ground, so let’s take a peek at just a few fun misconceptions about pools!
If you pee in a Pool the water will not turn blue
Despite what people say, peeing in a pool won’t turn it blue! That being said, If you’re in a Pool right now thinking about how far the bathroom is, know that peeing in a pool not only does it negatively alter chlorine levels and its efficiency to kill bacteria, but its chemical reaction with water can cause a strong chlorine smell due to chloramines and you will need to shock the pool. Keep an eye on those bathroom breaks or you and your guests may end up sick from a virus, bacteria, or parasite! Here is more information about chlorine in pools
Saltwater Pools have chlorine
Believe it or not, saltwater pools aren't actually chlorine-free! Although they don’t require you to add in chemical chlorine as traditional swimming pools do, saltwater pools turn salt into chlorine by a process known as electrolysis. The chlorine is then circulated throughout the pool to keep it clean and free from bacteria as in traditional chlorine pools. Here is more information about Saltwater systems
A Strong chlorine smell by the pool doesn’t mean it has too much chlorine
If a pool smells strong and chlorine-like, it doesn’t mean there’s too much chlorine in it! Swimmers bring all sorts of germs, sweat, and oils into the water, to keep it safe from yucky contaminants, chlorine is added in, but when these elements bind with chlorine they create chloramines which are basically chlorine that’s been used and lost its disinfectant power, you can tell because there's an intense chemical odor; then will be required to Shock the pool. Here is more information about Chlorine in pools
Chlorine doesn’t turn your Hair Green
Contrary to popular belief, it's not chlorine that alters the color of your hair! Metals such as copper are actually responsible for changes in hue when you take a swim. If your blonde locks start looking greenish after some time spent poolside, try conditioning before swimming and using shampoos designed to restore its natural shade afterward. So don't let anyone tell you differently, chlorine isn't out here ruining everyone's hairdo dreams!
Chlorine in the pool doesn’t turn your eyes red
Don't forget that your eyes may be saying something if they feel like they're burning in the pool, but don't blame chlorine for it, the redness could indicate an imbalance of chemicals (Especially pH) or contaminants from other people who were swimming before you. Make sure to keep an eye on the chemistry of your swimming pool, in order to ensure you won’t be making any underwater cries. Here is a guide on water chemistry
Clear water doesn’t mean clean water
A sparkling pool might be your dream when it's time to jump in and cool off, but don't let clear water fool you. Unseen microbes can lurk just beneath the surface, so even though that greenish tint means algae could be present, there are other unseen contaminants to look out for too. Test regularly to make sure swimming is really as safe as it looks!
Pool water can make you sick
With chlorine and other forms of disinfection in place, there's still potential for contamination, it doesn't mean all germs have been destroyed. Especially when there are many people swimming around, it's safe to assume there are various microbes hanging out too, so steer clear and stay healthy. After all, the last thing anyone wants is an unexpected dip into bacteria or viruses when they're looking to cool off on a hot day. Here is an article on Germs in a Pool & How to prevent them!
Rainwater affects Pool water chemistry
Rainy days may come and go, but the impact of that rain on your pool chemistry stays! Contrary to popular belief, rainwater changes pH levels, which leads to big effects on all sorts of chemicals like chlorine. So if you're looking for fun summertime swimming moments with no extra hassle, make sure you maintain the perfect water balance in your pool after a rainstorm. Here is more information about how to balance pool water
Heat your pool water can be affordable
Trying to keep a pool warm can be expensive, but you don't have to break the bank. Thankfully there are all kinds of creative solutions out there that make it easier on your wallet. Solar-powered heaters use renewable energy from the sun as an eco-friendly way to warm up water and save money in the long run. And if sunshine isn’t enough, new heat pumps capture weather patterns and pressurize them into usable warmth! Here is more information about Pool Heaters
Swimming after eating can produce cramps
Mom always cautioned us against swimming competitions in the pool right after eating. But why wait? There's actual science behind it, if you overwork your muscles as digestion occurs, cramping can happen! When our digestion occurs the blood tends to go to the stomach and leaves less blood available for muscles, increasing the chance of getting a cramp if you exercise too much in that period.
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Dive into the truth about pool myths! From debunking the idea that peeing in the pool turns it blue to clarifying misconceptions about saltwater pools, strong chlorine smells, and the causes of red eyes after swimming, we've got you covered