Chlorine in Pools

Did you know that the chlorine used in many public and private pools to kill harmful bacteria and viruses can also be toxic to your health? While it's effective for maintaining hygiene, prolonged exposure to chlorine can lead to health problems if it gets into your body.

When you swim in a chlorinated pool, your skin absorbs some of the chlorine, which can disrupt your body’s microbiome, cause skin irritations, thyroid issues, and even increase the risk of more serious health concerns like cancer.

Given these risks, it’s important to limit your exposure to chlorine. Let’s delve into how toxic swimming in chlorinated pools can be! 

Eye-Opening Findings on Chlorine Levels

Using an EPA-approved test, we examined the chlorine levels in a local community pool, and the results were startling! By dipping a testing strip in the pool water, we measured how much chlorine would be absorbed by the skin during swimming.

Here's what we found:

Fresh pool water showed a chlorine level of about 0.4-0.6 ppm, which is on the low side of the normal range.^[1]

After immersing my hand in the sample for 30 seconds, the chlorine level dropped to approximately 0.1 ppm. This indicates that around 80% of the chlorine was absorbed by the skin or reacted with it!

How to Reduce Chlorine Exposure

To ensure you and your family stay safe this summer, consider these practical tips to minimize chlorine exposure:

✅ Shower Before Entering the Pool: This reduces the amount of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) on your skin, which can react with chlorine.^[2]

✅ Use Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil to your skin creates a natural barrier, preventing chlorine from being absorbed.^[3]

✅ Limit Pool Time: Reducing the time spent in the water decreases the chances of chlorine buildup in your body.

✅ Swim Less Frequently: To minimize exposure, try to swim in chlorinated pools no more than once a week.

✅ Shower After Swimming: Using soap and water immediately after leaving the pool helps wash away any remaining chlorine.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy swimming while protecting yourself and your loved ones from the potential health risks of chlorine. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Raising awareness about the potential health risks of chlorine in swimming pools and offering practical solutions helps ensure a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Enjoy your pool time responsibly, and stay informed about your health choices!

1. ERIC W. MOOD, M.P.H. Effect of Free and Combined Available Residual Chlorine upon Bacteria in Swimming Pools*.Lecturer in Public Health, Yale University, and Director, Bureau of Environmental Sanitation, New Haven Health Department, New Haven, Conn.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1528454/pdf/amjphnation01019-0088.pdf
2. Ratajczak, Katarzyna, and Aneta Pobudkowska. “Pilot Test on Pre-Swim Hygiene as a Factor Limiting Trihalomethane Precursors in Pool Water by Reducing Organic Matter in an Operational Facility.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 20, Oct. 2020, p. 7547. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207547.
3. Lin, Tzu-Kai, et al. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 19, no. 1, Dec. 2017, p. 70. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070.