Does the chlorine in the pool give you red eyes and irritation?

Chlorine doesn't make you itch

Chlorine does not make you itch

Unless you are allergic to chlorine, this is not the one that irritates your eyes. In fact, chlorine protects you from the germs in the water, so it is an ally for your health.

The problem is cosmetics

Many bathers get into the pool smeared in cosmetic products such as sun creams or oils, which pollute the water.

But the main cause is urine

Sweat and, above all, urine are the cause of eye irritation. Urine has nitrogen, which reacts with chlorine and turns into chloramine, which is an irritant.

If you smell strong chlorine …

Stay out of the water. That is, there have been many people using the pool as a bathroom. And this is what causes eye irritation. Better that in this case you choose to go bathing in the sea, if you have that option.

Chlorine has no superpowers

If there is too much dirt in the water, the chlorine will not be able to fight all the germs and, no matter how high its concentration, the pool water will harm your health.

What can you do?

Remember to go to the bathroom before getting into the pool (contact with cold water always makes you want to urinate).

Take a good shower

Before getting into the pool and also when going out, remember to shower to remove sweat and residue from your skin.

Be careful with the aguadillas

Try not to play excessively with the water and, above all, do not make your friends squirt, since if you swallow water from the pool you are also swallowing germs.

If your eyes are very itchy, wear glasses

With pool goggles you can eliminate the root problem, since you will almost completely avoid contact with chlorine. Remember that they must be tight to prevent water from getting in.

Hydrate well

After a day in the pool, remember to hydrate your hair and skin well so they don't dry out. If you see that your hair is damaged excessively when you go to the pool, you can use a hat to avoid such direct contact with the water.

How we like to go to the pool in summer. Squeeze the heat and what better than a cool swim in the pool, followed by a good read on the lounger, turning you very dark. But despite how much we can enjoy it, for many people a day in the pool frequently ends with irritation of the eyes.

What is the cause of the irritation?

Chlorine is a chemical element that is used to prevent the appearance of germs in bathroom areas. In high concentrations and on susceptible skin, it can cause problems and also severe irritation to the eyes.

In fact, too much chlorine in the eyes can even lead to conjunctivitis. But it is proven that the fault of the irritation is not only the chlorine, but the mixture of this substance with the sweat, saliva and urine of bathers. The nitrogen in these fluids mixes with the chlorine, forming a by-product known as chloramines, which are highly toxic substances that cause irritation.

Check out our gallery to learn about the various causes of irritation to your eyes in the pool and how to prevent it.

If your eyes turn red …

Wear goggles. They will protect you from irritants like chlorine and pollutants like viruses and bacteria. Make sure they fit and hold your head well. They must tighten so that no water enters you. But they don't have to hurt or leave excessive marks.
Before jumping into the water, smell and observe. If the pool smells funny and looks cloudy, it most likely has chloramines in it.
Contributes to the hygiene of the pool. Take a shower for a minute or two before entering the water, scrubbing your entire body thoroughly.
Don't swim with contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses in the pool increases the risk of infection (if you wear swimming goggles, you can get water). And if you put them on after getting out of the pool, be sure to wash your hands well before doing so.