Harmful Effects of Too Much Chlorine in a Pool

Minor Dangers

• If you or your family is exposed to too much chlorine, you may suffer from eye and skin problems -- your eyes may feel dry, red and itchy. And some people who are sensitive to chlorine could break out in a rash. In more serious cases, you can get chemical burns if there is too much chlorine in the pool.

Serious Dangers

• High levels of chlorine have been associated with not only causing asthma but inducing its symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to developing asthma and allergies from swimming in over-chlorinated pools, but adults can also be affected as chlorine irritates the airways. Swimming in an over-chlorinated pool may also lead to cancer, according to studies at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. While the results are still inconclusive, researchers found that people who often swim in chlorinated water demonstrated a rise in blood markers that have ties to cancer. However, there has been no evidence of a rise in cancers in swimmers.

Pregnancy Issues

• Too much chlorine can also cause detrimental effects in pregnant women, according to a 2002 study conducted by the Imperial College in London and reported in the journal "Occupational and Environmental Medicine." The same agents that can lead to cancer can also cause birth defects and possible miscarriages. To safeguard against potential birth mishaps, chlorination in pools should be reduced to lowest possible level needed to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the water. Although the evidence connecting miscarriage to chlorine is not conclusive, pregnant women should refrain from swimming in pools that contain high levels of chlorine.

Remedies

• If you own a pool, test your water to make sure your chlorine levels are not too high. The ideal level of chlorine is between 1.0 and 2.0 ppm. Also important are the proper pH levels, which should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If you adhere to these levels, you can keep your pool clear of bacteria and algae at a safe chemical level for your family. Strip tests are available to check the chemical levels of your pool.