18 Oct Pools: 7 Myths Our Moms Told Us
Remember growing up as a kid and your mother telling you nightmarish myths about pools? For instance, that pool water can cause yeast infection, or the haunting and known fact that too many people pee in the waters? We have all heard these stories too many times, so let us debunk them today.
In this article, we bust some of the most common myths about swimming pools. Read on to find out if they’re true!
Pee in Pools – It’s Not Just Disgusting
Peeing in swimming pools is gross, we know. But what’s worse is the appalling and largely unknown fact that they could be potentially harmful. For most swimmers, the poignant smell of chlorine reassures them that the waters are free of disease-causing microbes. However, it is usually the other way round.
The large volume of bodily fluids in water reacts with pool disinfectants, which triggers chemicals such as cyanogen chloride and trichloramine. These irritants might cause eye, skin and respiratory problems.
Fortunately, this can be fixed. Special chemicals, such as enzymes, can be added to boost chlorine’s efficiency in breaking down organic waste. By working towards balanced water chemistry and effective filtration and circulation, we can reduce harmful chemicals significantly.
Pool Water is Drinkable
Can you drink pool water? As a matter of fact, yes, but it’s not as simple as that. Pool waters are a lot filthier than they look, since you cannot see chemicals or bacteria with your naked eye.
Unless in the case of emergencies, you should not be drinking water from your pool, especially if the water has not been treated. You risk contracting water-borne diseases, which can range from diarrhoea to fever, or even dehydration.
So ideally, you should not be drinking pool water. However, if you have to, remember to filter and treat it first.
Yeast Infection From Pools
An unsightly thought to begin with, it is no wonder that people have misconceptions about this, especially after knowing the above.
Firstly, yeast infections are not contagious. This means that you will not get infected just because you went swimming or was in the pool with someone who does. However, moist and body-fitting clothes can cause yeast infections. Just ensure that you change out of your wet clothes after a swim session (or working out) and into clean underwear.
Chlorine in Pools Make Our Eyes Red
It is somehow a general assumption that chlorine in swimming pools makes our eyes red and itchy. However, this is a misconception. When pool chemicals mix with substances, such as urine, sweat and dirt, eye irritation can happen.
Chlorine is not the bad guy here. In fact, is it actually doing its job to kill the bacteria in your pools. Just remember to avoid rubbing your eyes during or after swimming, and to protect your eyes with swimming goggles.
Jacuzzi Hot Tub Rash
Yes, this is actually a thing! “Jacuzzi folliculitis” is a common side effect that people experience after soaking in a hot tub, caused by bacteria that grow in moist environments.
The symptom is a red rash that looks like your usual acne. You may also experience a sore throat, headache and nausea. Fortunately, mild cases can be treated with warm compresses, anti-itching lotions and antibacterial creams.
The best way to prevent this? Ensure that your jacuzzi is regularly treated and cleaned. Have its acid and chlorine levels monitored, and check that your filtration equipment is working.
No Need to Shower Before Swimming
As you already know by now, most water-borne illnesses and bacteria are caused by chemical reactions in the pool. When chlorine reacts with our sunscreen, body lotion, sweat and dirt, pool water instantly becomes dirtier.
So, even if you have already showered that morning, make sure to step under the shower head beside your pool for a minute or so. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash away anything that might be on your body prior to swimming.
A Clear Pool is a Healthy Pool
Unfortunately, clear pools are not always clean, nor are they healthy. A beautiful pool could be crystal clear but unsanitary at the same time. Chlorine and pool disinfectants cannot do it all; owners must play a part to keep germs under control.
By testing your pool waters regularly and treating them appropriately, you can have a clear and clean pool.
Owning a pool might be all fun and games, until you realise that your pool water can make you sick. Therefore, it is important for owners to create a weekly or monthly pool maintenance routine to follow. While this might seem tedious at the start, the process gets a lot easier and better once you adhere to your schedule.
Swimming in a clean and clear pool is definitely rewarding and worth the maintenance efforts behind it! That being said, each pool is different and requires varying maintenance services. Hand the work over to FPNP Team, and we will guarantee a good job at keeping your pool healthy!