It is not uncommon for people to experience eye-burning after swimming. You may have also noticed redness in your eyes or even itchiness. Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent your eyes from burning after pool parties and lap swimming, as well as things you can do afterward to help relieve symptoms. Learn more below about what causes eye and skin irritation after swimming and what you can do about it.
What Causes Eye Burning after Swimming?
You may have heard that the culprit is chlorine and that your eyes burn when there is too much of it in the pool. Actually, chlorine combines with other chemicals (nitrogen or ammonia) and forms a compound called chloramine. These chloramine compounds cause the strong chlorine smell, as well as what has been mistaken as chlorine burning eyes.
Another possible cause of eye-burning after swimming is unbalanced pH levels. The best range for pH levels in your pool is between 7.2 and 7.6 parts per million. If it gets too high or too low, you may experience eye burning or other irritation.
How to Prevent Eyes Burning after the Pool
Contrary to what you may have been told, since it is not the chlorine burning eyes and irritating skin, you do not have too much chlorine in your pool. In fact, the solution is to apply a shock treatment, also known as super chlorinating. By adding roughly ten times the normal amount of chlorine, the chloramine compounds become oxidized and break apart. Once this process is complete, there will no longer be irritants in the water, so you should be able to swim without experiencing redness, itchiness, or other symptoms.
It is also important to regularly test the pH levels of the water in your pool or hot tub to make sure they stay within the recommended range. Make adjustments as needed before taking a dip to keep your eyes and skin from having a negative reaction.
What to Do if Your Kids’ Eyes Are Burning after Swimming
If your kids complain of itchy, burning, red, or irritated eyes after swimming, there are a few things you can do to help them get relief. Usually, simply rinsing the eyes with cool water will remove irritants and help the problem to subside. You can also use a saline solution or cool compress. If you find this is a frequent problem, try having your kids wear goggles when swimming to prevent irritation before it starts.
What Are the Best Chemicals to Use in Your Pool?
It is normal to have questions about pool chemicals when starting out. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you ensure you are applying the right chemicals correctly. When in doubt, check with your spa dealer or the manufacturer of your pool, hot tub, or chemicals.
SpaGuard and BioGuard are great options for simplifying the process of treating your pool or spa. You can even choose from a variety of chemical options. For example, chlorine, bromine, or a soft soak treatment that is less harsh. When it comes to purifying and balancing pH levels, there are also a number of options. Ask your spa dealer about cleaning, sanitizing, shocking, water enhancers, water balancers, and how to prevent mold and algae.
Aqua Rec’s Fireside Hearth ‘N Home
Contact us or stop by Aqua Rec’s Fireside Hearth ‘N Home at one of our convenient locations for personalized assistance creating a chemical plan that works for you.
We can also help you get a new spa or pool and create a relaxing oasis at home. Check out our floor models and ask about our affordable financing options today.