Bather Comfort Problems

PROBLEM:  Bather rashes and irritations

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Inadequate sanitation caused by insufficient Free Chlorine residual, very low pH readings (below 7.2) or very high chlorine levels

SOLUTION:  Test the Free and Total Chlorine Level keeping Free Chlorine level between 1-3 ppm and Total Chlorine level no more than 0.5 ppm higher than the Free Chlorine. If Free Chlorine level is low, shock with SUN-Burn® Extra, SUN-Burn® 35 or SUN Shock ‘N Clear® Multi-Purpose Shock in order to quickly raise the Free Chlorine level. Make sure the pH is maintained within the 7.2-7.6 range by adjusting with SUN pH Plus or SUN pH Minus as necessary.  

PROBLEM:  Odor Problems (Chloramines)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Poor sanitation leading to algae and bacterial growth, high levels of combined chlorine levels (chloramines) can cause strong chlorine-like odors or urinating in the pool.

SOLUTION:  Test the water for Free Chlorine level and pH to make sure that these parameters are within the optimum ranges. Growth of algae and/or bacteria can lead to odors. See Algae Problems for remedy. This is usually accompanied by the appearance of cloudy water.

Shock the pool with SUN-Brite® Non-Chlorine Oxidizer, SUN-Burn Extra, SUN-Burn 35 or SUN Shock 'N Clear® Multi-Purpose Shock as directed. Combined chlorine levels are much more odorous than Free Chlorine levels — if you smell chlorine, it is probably combined chlorine. Free Chlorine is essentially odorless when used at proper levels in swimming pool water.

PROBLEM:  Dry Skin

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Low pH and/or high Free Chlorine levels

SOLUTION:  Maintain the pH within the 7.2-7.6 range.To help control the pH, maintain the Total Alkalinity in the recommended range of 125-150 ppm with SUN® Pool & Spa Alkalinity Plus or SUN pH Minus and test the water on a regular basis. Maintain a Free Chlorine level between 1-3 ppm.

PROBLEM:  Swimmer’s Ear (inner ear infection)

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Poor sanitation

SOLUTION:  Swimmer’s ear is a medical condition usually caused by the presence of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. Allowing water to remain in the ears after swimming can contribute to the problem. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Make sure that the sanitizer level and water chemistry parameters are maintained in the optimum ranges at all times by testing the water regularly.

PROBLEM:  Red Eyes

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  High combined chlorine levels (chloramines), improper pH: The pH of the eye is approximately 7.5 or poor sanitation.

SOLUTION: Irritation of the eye’s mucous membranes is usually due to the presence of high levels of chloramines. Shock the pool on a weekly basis with SUN-Brite® Non Chlorine Oxidizer, SUN-Burn Extra or SUN-Burn 35.  Addition of 10 times the combined chlorine reading is necessary in order to decompose all of the chloramines.

Test the pH frequently and add the appropriate pH control chemicals (SUN pH Plus or pH Minus), as required, to keep the pH within the optimum range of 7.2-7.6. Conjunctivitis is a medical condition that may result from the same bacterium that causes swimmer’s ear. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

PROBLEM:  Green Hair

POSSIBLE CAUSES:  Presence of copper ions in the water due to: Corrosion of copper pipes or heater components in acidic water (below 7.2); Copper present from natural sources (i.e., well water can contain copper ions); Copper present from applications of uncheleated products.

SOLUTION:  At the chemistry of the typical swimming pool, copper ions can precipitate and cause discoloration. If there is a heater, it is very important to avoid acidic conditions by properly controlling the pH (7.2-7.6) and Total Alkalinity (125-150 ppm). Add a dose of SUN Scale & Metal Control II per label directions when copper is present to chelate with the copper (prevent from precipitating out of solution) and avoid future recurrences. To remove the green discoloration from the hair, try shampooing in the usual manner, followed by a rinse with water containing lemon juice (1 tablespoon per 2 qt of water; follow by rinsing with clear water).