My question involves the regulations and the short-term health effects of swimming in water that contains too much chlorine. The other night, our pool (indoors) measured as follows:
pH: 6.8 - 7.0
Chlorine: 10 ppm
My understanding is that the pH should be in the 7.2 - 7.8 range, and the chlorine should be in the range of 1 ppm - 3 ppm.
My questions are:
1. Is there a safe upper limit for chlorine in a pool?
2. If the pool tests above that limit, should it be closed?
3. What are the short-term health effects of swimming in water
chlorinated to 10 ppm?
Some brief research on my part so far has only shown that our county has an acceptable mininum level (1 ppm), but no guidelines on a maximum level.
Parents
Former Member
Aren't the water quality issue all connected ? High chlorine will create low pH as well may increase the creation of chloramine & chlorine vapors hanging over the water of the pool. I'm sure the low pH create some basic discomfort to peoples skin, hair and inside swimmers mouths, but the vapors seem to be more of a health concern especially for people with asmtha, heart conditions, and other pre-exisiting medical issues.
The regulation and enforcement water quality (chlorine, pH, alkininity, etc) as well as air quality in aquatic facilities seem to vary dramatically from state-to-state, and county-by-county in the states without regulations. I'm sure swimmers are reluctant to report their own facilities to the health department, and they all are probably understaffed.
Seem like a good issue for USMS Health/Safety/Sport Medicine Committe to investigate !
Anthony Thompson
Aren't the water quality issue all connected ? High chlorine will create low pH as well may increase the creation of chloramine & chlorine vapors hanging over the water of the pool. I'm sure the low pH create some basic discomfort to peoples skin, hair and inside swimmers mouths, but the vapors seem to be more of a health concern especially for people with asmtha, heart conditions, and other pre-exisiting medical issues.
The regulation and enforcement water quality (chlorine, pH, alkininity, etc) as well as air quality in aquatic facilities seem to vary dramatically from state-to-state, and county-by-county in the states without regulations. I'm sure swimmers are reluctant to report their own facilities to the health department, and they all are probably understaffed.
Seem like a good issue for USMS Health/Safety/Sport Medicine Committe to investigate !
Anthony Thompson
