If you grew up in a house with a swimming pool, chances are you’ve learned a ton of cool swimming pool facts from your friends, parents, and swimming instructors. However, have you really stopped and wondered how many of those “facts” are actually facts? Probably not!

As one of Virginia’s leading swimming pool experts, Perfect Pools would like to go dispel some of the most common myths and misconceptions that surround swimming pools. Here we go!

The Stronger the Smell of Chlorine, the Cleaner the Pool

Most of the myths that surround swimming pools have something to do with chlorine – a gas that’s used to kill the germs and bacteria in the pool. Chlorine binds to the contaminants in the water to form a chemicals called ‘chloramines’, which then dissipates in the air. 

When you smell a pungent chemical odor in and around your swimming pools, you’re actually smelling the chloramines dissipating in the air, and not the chlorine itself. This means that the water isn’t clean, and that more chlorine needs to be added.

Clear Water Means Clean Water

Nope. This is just another myth. If the water in the pool is clear, it just means that the water is free of any visible algae growth. Otherwise, there would be a green tint to the water or you’d be able to see green slime at the sides or bottom of the pool.

The bottom line is that the clarity of the pool doesn’t tell you much about the amount of microbes it contains or how dangerous they are. If the water tastes or smells strange, it’s an indication that it’s loaded with potentially harmful organisms.

Too Much Chlorine Will Give You Red Eyes

This is perhaps one of the most common pool-related myths. In fact, red eyes means you need to add more chlorine to the water. Itchy skin and red eyes are actually caused by chemical imbalances (pH value) and chloramines.

Chlorine Will Turn Blonde Hair Green

Here’s another instance of poor chlorine getting some more bad rep. However, this is another misconception. It’s actually the copper-based algaecides that changes the color of your hair. The oxidized metals contained in the pool water attach themselves to your hair’s proteins.

However, this is nothing to be concerned about. It can be easily removed with dye-removing shampoo.

One of the leading pool contractors in Virginia, Perfect Pools offer the ultimate one-stop solution to all the pool needs of homeowners in Hamilton, Leesburg, and Ashburn. For more information, call 571-267-7488.