Clarifying common myths about pool water chemistry

There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the chemistry of pool water. Some of these myths have become widely accepted as fact, and believing them can lead to poor swimming pool care decisions. 

Common Myths About Pool Water Chemistry

Here are some of the most common myths about pool water chemistry and what is actually true:

Blond Hair Turns Green

Chlorine is not responsible for turning blond hair green. The real cause is copper found in algae or certain pool chemicals. Copper attaches to the hair shaft and gives bleached hair a greenish tinge. Conditioning your hair before swimming helps, and a colour-stripping shampoo will remove the discolouration. 

Red Eyes from Chlorine

Chlorine is not the culprit behind red, burning eyes. The real issue is water that is out of pH balance. Keeping pH between 7.2 and 7.8 prevents eye and skin irritation. If the water appears hazy, avoid swimming until it is properly balanced. A routine pool water analysis is the most reliable way to confirm your water is within safe limits.

Chlorine Smell

This is one of the most common misunderstandings in pool maintenance. A strong odour usually means there is too little free chlorine, not too much. The smell comes from chloramines that form when chlorine binds to contaminants. The pool must be shocked or super-chlorinated to break down the chloramines. Your local pool supplies store can recommend the right shock product for your pool.

Chlorine and Saltwater 

Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. The water passes through a metal cell that generates natural chlorine continuously. You still need to regularly test the water and monitor pool salt ottawa levels to maintain proper pH. Weekly pool maintenance is just as important for saltwater pools as traditionally chlorinated ones.

Clear Pools are Healthy

A pool can look perfectly clear and still contain harmful bacteria or unbalanced chemistry. Pool filtration keeps water visually clear but does not replace the need for proper chemical balance. Schedule regular pool inspections if you are ever uncertain about your water quality.

Chlorine is Unsafe

Chlorine has been used to make drinking water safe since the early twentieth century. In pools it should be kept at recommended levels and handled according to proper chemical safety tips. When dosed correctly it poses no health risk. The pool school program at ML Pool Services is a great resource for homeowners who want to learn more.

Daily Showers

Showering before and after swimming is important. The body introduces organic compounds through sweat, oil, urine, cosmetics and lotions, all of which react with chlorine to form chloramines. Reducing these contaminants is one of the simplest ways to support how to maintain a pool properly over time.

Baby Diapers

Diapers are not leakproof under water. Make frequent changes and take young children to the bathroom regularly. This is especially important for ottawa pool maintenance when pools see heavy use from children during the summer season.

Safe to Swallow Pool Water

Although chlorine eliminates most bacteria, pool water is not safe to swallow. Contamination from urine or other substances can still occur. If you suspect contamination, suspend swimming and arrange a pool repair or treatment visit to have the water assessed.

Chemical Odors Means Safety

Actually, the opposite is true. A well-balanced pool should have little to no odour. A strong scent almost always points to contaminants and chloramine buildup. If the smell persists after shocking the pool, contact professional pool services to have the water tested and treated properly.