10 Common Swimming Pool Myths: Busted!

Learn the truth about what's happening in and around your pool

Public and private pools often have varying sets of guidelines and regulations for use. Most of these rules help prolong the durability of pool equipment while also ensuring swimmer safety. However, some stem from age-old myths that may be inaccurate. Do any of the following phrases sound familiar? “Chlorine from pools is bad for you”, “heating pools is expensive”, or “you must wait an hour after eating before swimming”. You’ve probably heard them all, and plenty more. While some swimming pool myths have some truth behind them, many don’t. This article aims to debunk some of the more common swimming pool myths, including what happens if you pee in the pool.

1. The cleaner the water, the cleaner it is

Although clear water is always a good sign, it doesn’t always ensure that water is safe for swimming. The green tint found in some swimming pools comes from algae slime on the pool’s bottom or sides. Murky water could show a chemical imbalance in your swimming pool, which may be the result of algae or bacterial growth.

While clear water means that no visible algae is growing in your pool, there could still be dangerous microbes and other contaminants in present. If the water is clear but still has a strange taste or smell, there could be microscopic organisms causing a problem. Remember to test your pool water regularly to make sure it’s truly clean and safe for swimming.

2. Heavy chemical odor means clean water or too much chlorine

A well-disinfected pool should have no strong chemical smell. Sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts often introduce a host of contaminants such as perspiration, cosmetics and body oils into the pool. Chlorine, which helps kill microbes, can sometimes bind with these foreign bodies to form chloramines. Chloramines produce a strong chemical odor and are responsible for eye irritation and itchiness. Contrary to popular belief, a heavy chemical smell may indicate contaminated water rather than safe water.

3. Since pool water is disinfected, it can't make you sick

Almost all pools contain chlorine that helps destroy waterborne microorganisms. Although pool water disinfection may occur using chlorine and pool pumps and filters, swimming pools can still contain disease-causing microbes like bacteria and viruses. Chlorine levels differ in varying pools, with those that have more swimmers carrying higher levels of contaminants and germs. Germs also have different levels of susceptibility to chlorine. This means that some microbes may require longer periods of exposure before dying. Therefore, it is safe to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting pool water when you swim to avoid becoming ill.

4. Chlorine from swimming pools alters hair color

Does blonde hair go green in chlorine? Another false myth involving chlorine is that this element causes changes in hair color. Some people believe that chlorine makes hair fade or that it turns blonde hair green. Added to pool water to control algae growth, metals such as copper are the main reason behind hair color changes. The oxidized metals then bind themselves to hair proteins and cause alterations in color. Copper may also leach from pool fixtures or pipes. If faded or green-tinted hair becomes an issue, consider rinsing hair thoroughly after a swim using shampoos with ingredients dedicated to remedying this problem. Another tip to help hair retain its color and texture is to condition hair right before a swim.

5. Wait for 30 to 60 minutes after meals before swimming

This myth has some truth to it. When your stomach is full, your body tends to prioritize blood flow to the digestive system. This results in less blood being available for the muscles you use to swim. In turn, your muscles might be overworked during this period, leading to cramps. To avoid this painful situation, make your meal a light one before going for a swim.

6. Chlorine burns your eyes when you open them underwater

If you experience a burning sensation or redness in the eyes, it usually stems from imbalanced water chemistry. Other causes of feeling a burn when you open your eyes underwater include contaminants from fellow swimmers and irritants like chloramines. In fact, red, burning eyes may mean you need more chlorine to clean the water. Be sure to monitor and maintain pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6 to avoid this issue and enjoy underwater swims.

7. If you pee in the pool, water turns blue

Thankfully, this false myth has kept children from urinating in swimming pools for years. Though most adults also believe this urban legend, no single chemical can react to urine alone. Most color-changing indicators react to a broad range of contaminants. However, for health and social reasons, it’s best to avoid urinating in the swimming pool.

8. You can only enjoy a swim in good weather

Most people enjoy swimming in warm and sunny weather. Although poor weather may limit pool time, it doesn’t have to. You no longer need to put away your pool floats and toys at the end of summer. With the following gear, you can extend your swimming season:

Solar cover or solar ring to keep water warm and seal in heat
Solar heater to enjoy warm water in cooler weather
Pool heat pumps to regulate water temperatures

9. Heating a pool is expensive

Swimming pool heaters come in a broad range of innovative designs to match your unique requirements. You’re probably thinking that a heated pool sounds awesome but is too costly. Fortunately, while heating a pool is not a cheap task, popular heating options offer increased energy efficiency to reduce power costs. A good example is solar-powered pool heaters that use renewable energy to help warm up water when the sun is out. Pool heat pumps also use heat created by weather and pressurize it into usable heat.

10. Rainwater has no effect on pool chemistry

Rainwater directly affects the chemistry of your pool water. Since it alters the pool’s pH, rainwater causes changes in alkalinity and acidity. This may heavily influence some chemicals, such as chlorine, or lead to microbial growth.

Hopefully, this article has busted some of the common myths surrounding swimming pools and their water. Now, grab all the necessary pool accessories and enjoy your swimming pool all summer long.