Buzz
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not chlorine alone that causes eye irritation during swimming. The redness occurs when chlorine reacts with substances like urine. I see it differently: pools will always have some unpleasant elements, which is why chlorine is added. Red eyes are a sign that the chlorine is doing its job.
I echo the Centers for Disease Control in urging you to avoid peeing in the pool, but even a few responsible swimmers won’t eliminate the issue. Chloramines, which cause irritation, form when chlorine interacts with sweat, personal care products, and more. While showering before swimming helps, those engaging in water aerobics or swimming laps will inevitably sweat.
Here’s a surprising fact for non-parents: Those swim diapers kids wear? They don’t prevent urine from entering the pool. Their sole purpose is to contain solid waste until a parent can change the diaper. Urine passes right through.
Does this make you want to avoid pools and head to the beach? Unfortunately, natural bodies of water also contain plenty of unpleasant elements—not just from humans but also from local wildlife. (Did you think fish had their own little restrooms?)
Instead of stressing over bodily fluids, which are impossible to entirely avoid, let’s concentrate on what truly poses a health risk—primarily germs such as Cryptosporidium, which spread through diarrheal contamination.
To minimize the risk of illness from Crypto and similar pathogens, follow these steps: avoid swimming if you or your children have diarrhea, carefully monitor the water chemistry of any pool you manage, and, as a precaution, refrain from swallowing pool water. While germs present a minor yet genuine danger, the enjoyment of swimming typically outweighs the risks for most people.
Photo by peasap.
