Using Chlorine Tablets to Sanitize Cold Plunge Pools

Using Chlorine Tablets for Cold Plunge Pools

Cold plunge pools have become increasingly popular for their many health and recovery benefits. To keep the water sanitized in these frigid pools, chlorine tablets are often used. However, chlorine can have annoying effects on the body. Here's what you need to know about using chlorine tablets in cold plunge pools.

Benefits of Cold Plunge Pools

Cold plunge pools involve brief dips or swims in chilly water between 50-60°F. The cold exposure provides both mental and physical benefits including:

• Reduced muscle soreness and faster recovery after exercise
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved circulation
• Increased energy and alertness
• Better sleep
• Elevated mood and sense of wellbeing
• Enhanced immunity
• Weight loss

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts are adding cold plunges to their post-workout routines. The cold water immersion helps reduce lactic acid buildup, ease sore muscles, and prepare the body for the next training session.

Maintaining Cold Plunge Pools

To keep cold plunge pools safe, chlorine tablets are dissolved into the water using an automatic feeder or floater system. Chlorine kills bacteria and prevents germ growth. However, being exposed to chlorine can lead to some annoying side effects.

5 Annoying Effects of Chlorine Exposure

Here are 5 frustrating ways that chlorine exposure in cold plunge pools can affect your body:

1. Dry, Brittle Hair: The chlorine strips away protective oils, causing damage protein loss in hair and leaving it coarse and frizzy.
2. Skin Irritation: Chlorine is very drying and can provoke issues like itchy skin, rashes, and eczema flares in sensitive people.
3. Red Eyes: Chlorine fumes irritate the eyes, sometimes causing stinging, burning, or watery eyes after being in the pool.
4. Respiratory Irritation: Breathing chlorine vapors can provoke coughing, sneezing, chest tightness, and aggravate asthma and allergies.
5. Discolored Swimsuits: The oxidizing effects of chlorine cause fraying and bleaching of swimsuits over time.

Preventing Chlorine Damage

While chlorine is important for cold plunge pool sanitation, there are things you can do to prevent and minimize its annoying effects on your body:

• Rinse off quickly after getting out of the pool to remove lingering chemical residues.
• Shower with warm water and moisturizing soap to hydrate skin and hair.
• Swim caps can protect hair from chlorine absorption and damage.
• Goggles provide a barrier to chlorine fumes for sensitive eyes.
• Apply a heavy moisturizer after showering to restore hydration to skin and hair.
• Take oral vitamin C supplements to neutralize toxins in the body.
• Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and chlorine buildup.
• Use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners made for swimmers.
• Rotate swimsuits instead of wearing the same one every time.
• Look for low-chlorine or non-chlorine sanitizing options.

Alternative Sanitizers for Cold Plunges

While chlorine is the most ubiquitous pool and spa sanitizer, other options exist that may reduce irritation:

• Bromine - More stable at low temperatures than chlorine. Less harsh odor and irritating to eyes/lungs.
• Mineral systems - Release metals like copper/silver into water for a residual sanitizing effect.
• Ozone - Ozone gas injected into cold plunge water can kill microbes without chemicals.
• UV light - Special UV bulbs damage DNA of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa for sanitizing.
• Hydrogen peroxide - Breaks down into water and oxygen to destroy contaminants without irritating byproducts.

However, these alternative sanitizers often don't provide a persistent residual disinfecting effect on their own. A combination approach using a lower chlorine level plus an alternative sanitation method may be optimal for reducing chlorine exposure.

After-Swim Skin and Hair Care

Be diligent with after-swim hygiene to counteract chlorine damage to skin and hair. Follow these tips:

• Shampoo and condition hair after each cold plunge to remove chlorine and prevent brittle, dry hair.
• Rinse hair with a vinegar/water mix 1-2 times per week to help remove built-up chlorine.
• Use a deep conditioner or hair mask for extra moisture if hair is especially parched.
• Look for moisturizing body washes with oils to hydrate dry skin after swimming.
• Apply a heavy, creamy body lotion while skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
• Exfoliate with a scrub or loofah 2-3 times a week to slough off dead, chlorine-damaged skin.
• Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers if chlorine causes skin irritation or rashes.
• Dab eye drops in after swimming to soothe red, irritated eyes.

Are Chlorine Tablets Safe for Cold Plunges?

Chlorine tablets are an effective way to sanitize cold plunge pools, but introduce some bothersome side effects. Overall, the level of chlorine used for proper disinfection is quite safe and the irritating effects are temporary.

To enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion while minimizing chlorine damage:

• Shower before and after plunging to remove chemical residue
• Limit total plunge time to 5-15 minutes
• Use goggles for eye protection
• Consider alternative sanitizer options to reduce chlorine levels
• Moisturize skin and hair after swimming
• Take breaks from the cold plunge routine if irritation persists

With some precautions, chlorine tablets allow you to reap the recovery, health, and wellness perks of stimulating cold water plunges without putting your body at risk.

The Bottom Line

Chlorine tablets are the go-to sanitizer for keeping cold plunge pools safely disinfected. But chlorine can have some annoying effects like dry skin and hair, rashes, and stinging eyes. Using alternative disinfectants like bromine, ozone, or UV can help reduce chlorine levels. And remembering to rinse off quickly after plunging while using moisturizing personal care products can alleviate chlorine damage. A few easy precautions lets you enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion without the unwanted side effects of chlorine exposure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.