The Pros and Cons of Using Bleach in Pools

As a pool owner, keeping your water clean and sanitized is essential. However, the use of bleach as a sanitizing chemical is controversial. While bleach is an effective and inexpensive sanitizer, it also comes with some drawbacks. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of using bleach in pools so you can make an informed decision for your swimming pool.

How Bleach Sanitizes Pools

Bleach is the household name for sodium hypochlorite. When added to pool water, sodium hypochlorite breaks down into hypochlorous acid which kills bacteria, viruses, and algae.

Compared to other sanitizers like bromine, bleach is very fast-acting. It begins sanitizing immediately after entering the water. This quick action makes it useful for giving pool water an instant boost or "shocking" the water after heavy bather loads.

Bleach is also inexpensive compared to other chemical options. A gallon of household bleach costs just a few dollars while specialized pool chlorine can cost four times as much. This makes bleach an affordable way to sanitize, especially for large commercial pools.

Downsides of Using Bleach in Pools

While bleach is a powerful sanitizer, it also comes with some disadvantages:

Bleach is harsh and corrosive for pool surfaces and equipment. It can degrade pool plaster and cause corrosion of metal components.
It has a strong, unpleasant odor that many swimmers find objectionable.
Bleach is less stable than other sanitizers like bromine. Its sanitizing strength rapidly dissipates as it sits in pool water.
It reacts with organic materials brought into the pool by swimmers to form chloramines, which irritate eyes and skin.

These downsides need to be considered before choosing bleach as your primary pool sanitizer.

Using Bleach to Shock Your Pool

"Shocking" is the process of raising the chlorine levels in pool water to quickly kill contaminants. While specialized shock products are available, many pool owners rely on regular household bleach to shock their pools. Here are some tips for using bleach to shock your pool:

Use 1-2 gallons of bleach per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
Always add bleach directly into the pool water around the edges - never pre-mix it.
Run the filter and circulator while shocking to evenly distribute the bleach.
Allow swimmers back in the water after chlorine level drops back to 3-5 ppm.
Shock the pool at least once a week in summer to maintain sanitization.

Shocking your pool regularly with bleach can help keep water clean and prevent algae growth during peak swimming season.

Maintaining Proper Chlorine Levels

To provide effective and consistent sanitization, chlorine levels need to be carefully maintained. Here are recommended chlorine levels for pools sanitized with bleach:

1-3 ppm - Normal level for regular use
3-5 ppm - Shocking level to initially clean water
5-10 ppm - Maximum safe swimming level
<10 ppm - Levels above this may cause irritation

Test chlorine levels with test strips or pool testing kits on a daily basis. Add bleach as needed to maintain your ideal chlorine range.

Bleach dissipates quickly in sunlight and with heavy bather loads. Monitor levels closely and supplement with additional bleach as necessary.

Using Bleach in Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools use chlorine generators to produce hypochlorous acid from salt in the water. However, saltwater pool owners can still use bleach to supplement sanitization.

Adding some bleach helps boost the base chlorine level for the generator. Bleach can also shock a saltwater pool when levels have dropped too low.

Use chlorine test strips to monitor the chlorine level in a saltwater pool. Add small amounts of bleach if the level falls below the ideal 1-3 ppm range for regular swimming.

Tips for Safe Bleach Use in Pools

When used properly, bleach can be a safe and effective sanitizer. Follow these tips for secure use:

Use EPA registered sodium hypochlorite labeled specifically for pools.
Never mix bleach with other pool chemicals - dangerous fumes can result.
Add bleach to water and not vice versa to prevent splashing of concentrated chlorine.
Allow bleach to circulate and diffuse before swimmers enter the water.
Store bleach in a cool, dry, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Take care when handling bleach and educate children and other swimmers about pool chemical safety.

The Effects of Chlorine Exposure in Pools

Chlorine is essential for keeping pool water clean and free of contaminants. However, frequent swimming in chlorinated water can lead to some unwanted side effects.

Here are some of the most common ways chlorine exposure in pools can impact your body:

Dry, Irritated Skin

The hypochlorous acid created when chlorine sanitizes water is powerfully drying for skin. Frequent swimmers often notice dry, flaky, and itchy skin after spending time in the pool.

Chlorine bonds with and strips away protective oils. Over time this can leave skin parched. The drying effect may be more pronounced in cold water pools which already sap moisture from the skin.

Brittle, Damaged Hair

Just as it dries out skin, chlorine also damages hair by removing protective oils. This causes the hair cuticle to open and hair to become brittle and prone to breakage.

Blonde and color-treated hair seems particularly vulnerable to chlorine damage. Swimmers often complain of dry, unmanageable hair and changes to texture and color over a swim season.

Blurred Vision and Stinging Eyes

Chlorine vapors off-gassing from pool water can irritate eyes and cause redness, stinging, and blurred vision.

This effect seems most pronounced in indoor pools where chlorine concentrations build up in the air. But outdoor pools can also lead to eye discomfort when chlorine levels are high.

Respiratory Irritation

In addition to stinging eyes, breathing chlorine fumes from pools can also irritate airways. Symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing are common in swimmers.

People with asthma and airway diseases tend to be most affected by these vapors. But even healthy swimmers often notice some respiratory effects from the chlorine in pools.

Potential Reproductive Issues

Some preliminary research shows potential links between swimming in chlorinated pools and reproductive problems. This is still an emerging area of study but worth being aware of.

For women, greater time spent in chlorinated pools has been associated with changes in menstrual flow. Men who swim frequently in pools may have slightly lower sperm count and motility.

Increased Risk of Chemical Absorption

Chlorine appears to make the skin more permeable and porous. This means other chemical contaminants in pool water like heavy metals, bacteria, and nitrates can more easily be absorbed through the skin.

Frequent swimming may expose you to higher levels of these chemicals than normal which could have health impacts over time.

Ways to Prevent and Remedy Chlorine Discomfort

While chlorine discomfort is common in swimmers, there are things you can do before, during, and after swimming to reduce its impacts.

Shower Thoroughly Before Getting In

Showering removes dirt, sweat, body oils, and other contaminants that react with chlorine and get absorbed through skin. A pre-swim shower means youll carry less chlorine food into the water.

Moisturize Skin and Hair

Apply a rich moisturizing lotion before and after swimming to protect and replenish skin. Coat hair in a moisturizing mask or oil to reduce drying and damage.

Use Protective Eyegear

Goggles form a protective seal around your eyes keeping irritating vapors away. For outdoor pools, you can also wear sunglasses when not in the water for added protection.

Rinse Off After Getting Out

Rinsing in the shower immediately after leaving the pool can remove up to 90% of chlorine residues left on skin and hair. This minimizes ongoing chemical absorption and irritation.

Ventilate Indoor Pool Areas

Proper ventilation through fans, windows, and vents can reduce buildup of chlorine off-gassing. This helps create a more breathable air environment around indoor pools.

Use Swimmer's Ear Drops

Ear drops containing acetic acid balance ear pH after swimming and prevent painful "swimmer's ear" infections. Apply drops after getting out of the pool and gently dry ears.

Being aware of chlorine's effects on your body and taking some simple steps can help minimize dryness, irritation, and damage from swimming in chlorinated pools. With a few precautions, you can continue enjoying the benefits of pool exercise and fun.

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.