Myths or Facts

MYTH: Chlorine makes your eyes burn.

FACT:
It’s not chlorine, it’s chloramines — compounds formed when chlorine mixes with sweat, oils, and urine. Burning eyes usually mean low chlorine, not high!

MYTH: A strong chlorine smell means the pool is clean.

FACT:
A strong chlorine smell means the opposite — too many chloramines and not enough free chlorine. A clean, properly balanced pool should have very little odor.

MYTH: You don't need to shower before swimming.

FACT:
Showering removes sweat, lotions, and oils that can react with chlorine. The cleaner the swimmer, the cleaner the water!

MYTH: If the water is clear, it's safe to swim.

FACT:
Clear water doesn’t guarantee safe water. Bacteria, viruses, and chemical imbalances can still be present in crystal-clear pools. Regular testing is key.

MYTH: Peeing in the pool is harmless.

FACT:
Urine reacts with chlorine to form chloramines — irritating byproducts that reduce chlorine’s effectiveness and cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Gross and unsafe!

MYTH: Saltwater pools don’t use chlorine.

FACT:
They do! Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to create chlorine from salt. It’s the same sanitizer, just produced differently.

MYTH: Pool water turns blue from dye when someone pees.

FACT:
There’s no such chemical — it's a persistent myth. But let’s keep pretending it’s real to discourage accidents.

MYTH: Chlorine can cause green hair.

FACT:
It’s actually copper in the water (from old pipes or algaecides) that can tint light-colored hair green, especially when chlorine oxidizes it.

MYTH: Pool chemicals are dangerous to handle.

FACT:
When used and stored properly, modern pool chemicals are very safe. Just follow label instructions, use gloves, and keep them away from kids and pets.

MYTH: You only need to check chemicals at the start of the season.

FACT:
Water chemistry changes constantly with heat, rain, swimmers, and more. Weekly testing (at minimum) is essential for health and safety.