Your eyes likely hurt in the pool because of chloramines, chemical irritants formed when chlorine combines with sweat, dirt, urine, and other organic matter in the water.
Understanding the Issue: Chloramines, Not Just Chlorine
While chlorine is added to pool water to disinfect and kill germs, it's not the chlorine itself that is primarily responsible for eye irritation. The real culprits are chloramines.
- Chlorine's Role: Chlorine effectively sanitizes pool water, destroying harmful bacteria and viruses.
- The Formation of Chloramines: When chlorine reacts with organic substances like sweat, skin cells, oils, and particularly urine, it forms chloramines.
- Chloramines as Irritants: Chloramines are what cause the stinging, burning sensation in your eyes, as well as irritated skin and respiratory problems. They off-gas into the air around the pool, further contributing to discomfort.
Factors Contributing to Chloramine Formation
Several factors influence how many chloramines are present in a pool:
- Bather Load: The more people using the pool, the greater the amount of organic matter introduced.
- Hygiene Practices: Failing to shower before entering the pool increases the amount of sweat, oils, and other contaminants in the water.
- Pool Maintenance: Inadequate chlorine levels allow chloramines to build up. Proper filtration and shocking the pool are essential for removing chloramines.
- Urine in the Pool: Urine is a significant source of nitrogen compounds that react with chlorine to form chloramines.
Solutions to Reduce Eye Irritation
Here's how to minimize eye discomfort in the pool:
- Shower Before Swimming: This is the single most effective way to reduce the amount of organic matter entering the pool.
- Wear Swimming Goggles: Goggles create a physical barrier that prevents chloramines from coming into direct contact with your eyes.
- Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry: Ensure the pool's chlorine and pH levels are within the recommended range.
- Avoid Urinating in the Pool: Encourage everyone to use the restroom.
- Ventilation: If indoors, ensure adequate ventilation around the pool area to remove chloramine gases.
- Post-Swim Rinse: Rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming to remove any residual chloramines.
In Summary
The burning sensation in your eyes after swimming is generally due to chloramines, which result from chlorine reacting with contaminants in the water. Good hygiene practices, proper pool maintenance, and the use of swimming goggles can significantly reduce this discomfort.
