Why do Swimming Pools have Chlorine?

When the sun is shining and by shining I mean shining too brightly, on such a warm sunny day, what do you feel like doing the most? I would definitely like to go for a swim. Swimming is altogether a very fun activity. That feel of cool water against our skin is very much soothing. By that, it reminds me that we hear so many things regarding how chlorine is used in the swimming pools. We get doubts too about how Chlorine is exactly useful in swimming pools, does it affect us harmfully in any way, et cetera. So here goes

What is chlorine and why is it added to Swimming Pools?

Swimming pools especially public swimming pools have many people coming in close contact with each other and the pool is used by many people at the same time. This can make a swimmer really prone to many diseases. This is where Chlorine’s role comes into play. Chlorine is a very effective and strong disinfectant and this makes it perfect to use in swimming pool water as it kills germs and keeps pool water clean and safe for swimmers. Germs like E-Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A, and Influenza, or the flu virus that can make a swimmer sick, are effectively killed by chlorine. Also, chlorine helps keep the swimming pool clean from the dirt which might enter the pool as it is used by many people. So to keep the pool’s water clean and clear chlorine is added to it on a daily basis.

Does Chlorine keep us safe from contracting Corona Virus?

Proper disinfection of swimming pool water with Chlorine kills all kinds of viruses including Coronavirus. So it is safe to go swimming in a properly maintained and chlorinated swimming pool. Besides, there has been no proper evidence of the Corona Virus spreading to people through water. But it would be still advisable to maintain a safe distance from other people and to stay away from crowded pools as this virus can spread with touch, or it might be still active on other surfaces. Furthermore, the social distancing norms have to be followed to keep us safe from contracting this virus.

Is Chlorine harmful in Swimming Pools?

Chlorine has to be added to the water in most pools where people swim. When chlorine mixes with dirt, it forms a chemical called chloramine that can irritate the eyes and lungs. Chloramines are the reason swimmers feel itchy when they get out of the pool. Sometimes skin feels tight because of all the pool chemicals after a swim.

People who have asthma or other lung problems may be more affected by breathing in chloramines than others because their lungs are already irritated from breathing in air pollutants every day. People who have asthma should check with their doctors before going into any body of water that has had chemicals added to it.

Many people find that they can feel the effect of chlorine as they swim in their swimming pool. Chlorine may sting our eyes and make our nose and throat burn a bit when we first jump into a chlorine-treated pool. This is because putting chlorine in the water kills many germs which usually causes those germs to release gases as they die. Chlorine can burn skin, clothes, and hair if exposed for too long so be careful around chlorine! Chlorine can also be dangerous for pets. Dogs, cats or other animals that go into swimming pools or get rinsed with chlorinated water may develop burns on their skin which is known as Chloracne. Chloracne can develop into open sores that cause lots of pain

Can Bromine be used as an Alternative to Chlorine in Swimming Pools?

Bromine can be a great alternative to Chlorine for disinfecting pool waters. Bromine is a chemical that also acts as an oxidizer and sanitiser. It does a great job in killing bacteria and keeping the water clean. Also, it can be a better choice for people with sensitive skin as it is gentler on the skin as compared to chlorine. It does not have a strong smell like Chlorine.

But all this does not mean that Bromine doesn’t have any cons. Bromines like Chlorine can sometimes cause eye and skin irritation. Bromine doesn’t evaporate like chlorine so these types of pools must be monitored more carefully because there could be a larger concentration of bromine in the air around swimmers if there is not enough fresh air in the facility. Also, Bromine is more expensive as compared to Chlorine.

Chlorine acts as a great way to sanitize the pool and kill all the contaminants in it. If you are a pool owner be sure to do tests to make sure the chemicals you add to your pool area are at a safe level neither too high nor too low, so that swimmers can swim in it safely. It is recommended that you have your water tested every time before using your pool for swimming and also check on how often your local pool company keeps testing the water because there may be a lot of dirt or germs coming into your pool due to rain or other weather conditions. It should be a priority to see that swimmers are safe in the pool.