We know that chlorine is a must for any swimming pool to manage water quality and keep the germs at bay. Have you ever thought though about what would happen if you added too much chorine in your pool? Would doing this disturb the condition of your pristine pool?

What are the issues of concern?

Aside from upsetting the pH levels of your pool, swimming in over-chlorinated water can be harmful. You’ll certainly feel its effects and see it, after taking a dip. Medical practitioners say you should look out for issues in your respiratory system. You might experience irritations in your lungs, nose and throat, with a cough or wheezing pointing to health concerns as well.

Indications that chlorine levels are too high will be seen in your hair, nails and skin. They will be noticeably drier and itchy with nails feeling brittle.

If there’s exposure to too much chlorine or if you’re spending a lot of time in the pool, you would’ve seen bleached blonde hair take on a green hue. In severe cases, chlorine poisoning can occur. Doctors say if a person takes in too much chlorine, either through the mouth or nose, their symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting and blurred vision. If rinsing the affected area or your body for several minutes with clean, tap water does not work then, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How can I lower my pool’s chlorine levels?

Testing the water is a good place to start. You want to look for the ideal pH range which is 7.2 – 7.6.

If you find your chlorine levels are too high, here are three simple tricks you can try to bring them down.

• Let the sunshine in. Sunlight is amazing and has been known to drastically reduce chlorine levels. So uncover your pool and lets those rays in.
• Refill to dilute. You can add some fresh water to your pool water to reduce the concentration of chlorine. This will pick up your water bill though, so take this into consideration when thinking about trying this idea.
• Use a chlorine neutraliser. This can be a great and effective way to drop chlorine levels. Although sodium thiosulfate is a popular choice, it must be handled carefully. The least expensive alternative is hydrogen peroxide, which decomposes into harmless components.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, give one of our friendly consultants at the Pool Spa a call for some advice.