Why does my pool smell strongly of chlorine?
So your pool has a strong chlorine smell and that’s a good thing because the chemicals are working – right? Wrong.
Some people may be comforted by the fact that their pool has a strong chlorine smell – as many pools do – but experts have actually revealed that this smell should be a cause for concern. This smell does not indicate that there is sufficient chlorine in your pool, but rather that your pool has been incorrectly treated or that there is an overload of germs and bacteria in it.
The smell comes from the production of a chemical called chloramine. What this means is there has been a reaction between the chemicals in the water and our body lotions, urine, hair gels and various other inorganic products. These reactions have used up all the chlorine in the water that keeps it clean and has ultimately left our bodies vulnerable to the attack of germs that can cause red eyes, earaches and diarrhoea.
There are a few simple ways to make sure that your pool water does not undergo this reactive process:
- Make sure to shower before you enter the pool. Yes, this sounds weird, but the shower will prevent you from entering the pool with reaction-causing substances such as lotions, creams or gels.
- Don’t pee in the pool! If you feel that you need to use the bathroom mid-swim, please go to the bathroom. It may be a pain peeling the wet cozzie off your body but it’ll do wonders for your pool water. Also, make sure to let babies and toddlers go for regular bathroom breaks.
- Add chlorine. Despite what you may think, a well-maintained pool with the correct balance of chemicals is odourless. Learn how and when to test and balance your water or get an expert from The Pool Team to help you.
You don’t need to stress about that chlorine smell any longer. These simple tips and tricks will help you eradicate the smell so that you, your family and friends can enjoy an odour-free, hygienic swimming environment.