Before you dive into daily summer swimming, keep reading for three things you may not know about chlorine and kids, and how to keep your kids healthy while being exposed to daily chlorine.
Swimming and sunblock are the pillars of an Arizona summer, so before using the pool as a replacement for baths and showers (just us?), be sure you’re aware of some of the health impacts chlorine can have on sensitive skin and little bodies and know how to lessen their exposure.
Chlorine can trigger kids allergies and asthma
Swimming in a chlorinated pool can trigger asthma and allergies, especially in younger children.
In fact, the team from Clear Comfort told us about a study that found children who begin swimming in chlorinated water under the age of two are more susceptible to developing asthma, allergies or bronchiolitis (published in the European Respiratory Journal).
This is likely due to toxic compounds created when chlorine interacts with organic materials in the pool such as lotion, cosmetics or even urine. These compounds, called disinfection byproducts or chloramines, also produce pool smell, the heavy chlorine odor we associate with indoor pools.
Breathing disinfection byproducts can cause allergies, asthma or a condition called Lifeguard Lung that results in a persistent cough.
Chlorine can cause kids’ eye and skin irritation
Red, burning eyes and dry itchy skin are common side effects of swimming in a chlorinated pool. If you notice your children coming back from swimming with bright red eyes or skin rashes, this likely means they are being exposed to these toxic compounds.
It’s always recommended to rinse off after swimming, no matter if it’s a public pool or home pool, just to get the chlorine off your skin ASAP!
And encourage kids to wear goggles as much as possible! It’s kind of like a helmet, it’ll keep them
Chlorine doesn’t kill all viruses
Many people believe chlorine kills all germs instantly — in fact, there are illness-causing contaminants that are resistant to chlorine.
A common recreational water illness, called Cryptosporidium parvum, causes serious gastrointestinal illness, can spread rapidly, and is often found in pools.
While illnesses like this are not caused by chlorine, assuming that chlorine will safeguard your child from them is risky.
Like anything else, if your child is experiencing any symptoms of sickness, stay home. Chlorine won’t kill off everything.
Clear Comfort: A Chlorine-Free Pool Treatment
While many people think salt pool systems are chlorine free, they actually used salt to generate chlorine. Today, there is a healthier, sustainable, truly chlorine-free option.
Clear Comfort’s chlorine-free pool system provides clean, clear, fresh water without the toxic disinfection byproducts of chlorine. Patented and independently tested, the system uses an advanced oxidation process that mimics the natural way in which our atmosphere cleans the air we breathe.
