We've all been there: you're having a great time swimming at a pool, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, your eyes start to burn. The familiar burning sensation turns into red eyes, itchy eyes, and sometimes even blurry vision. If you've ever wondered why this happens, you're not alone! There's a common misconception that chlorine alone is the main culprit, but the real answer might surprise you. We’ve been heading to the pool with our swimwear for years, so we thought we’d put together some information for you in this useful post and help you find out what makes your eyes burn in a pool and what you can do about it.
What Makes Your Eyes Burn In A Pool
When people experience irritated eyes after a few laps in the pool or a dip on holiday, many assume it's because of too much chlorine in the water. However, the truth is a bit more complex. While chlorine levels are part of the story, it's the chemical process that happens when chlorine interacts with substances introduced by swimmers' bodies, like sweat, urine, and other organic matter, that can lead to irritation. This reaction forms combined chlorine compounds, also known as chloramines, which are far more irritating to our eyes than chlorine itself. So if you were thinking it’s the chlorine, you aren’t wrong, but it’s not just chlorine which causes your eyes to get a bit sore.
That strong, chlorine smell you sometimes notice in public pools? It's not a sign of a properly maintained pool but rather a warning sign that there's not enough chlorine to effectively manage the waste in the water. If you can smell chlorine, it’s probably likely that the pool needs a bit more chlorine to help balance out the chloramines. The imbalance can result in eye issues, like chemical conjunctivitis, where the delicate tear film on the eye’s surface is disrupted, causing discomfort and redness.
The Pool’s pH Levels
Apart from chloramines, improper pH balance is another major factor that contributes to eye irritation. Pools should maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8, which is within the narrow comfort range for both the water and the human body. When pH levels are either too high or too low, they can upset the balance of the tear film—the thin layer of tears that covers and protects our eyes—leading to dry eyes, a gritty feeling, and even eye discomfort.
This is why swimming pools and leisure centres need to regularly monitor pH levels, and swimmers should be cautious about the water they’re swimming in. In water parks or busy public pools, where many people swim every week, the balance of pH and chlorine can easily become off-kilter, causing more frequent eye irritation. If you are concerned about the quality of the water in your local pool, just ask at reception. Good pools will be tested regularly to ensure their swimmers are safe and protected.
Pool Chemicals and Combined Chlorine Compounds
Pool water can contain various chemical irritants, especially if it’s not properly maintained. PWTAG (the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) is a UK organisation dedicated to setting, maintaining and raising standards for the management of safe pool water. They advise that the public pool should take a water sample before the pool opens to the public, then again every 2 hours during operational hours, and then again after it closes.
Test kits are commonly used by pool operators to check for the presence of free chlorine molecules and combined chlorine compounds. If these compounds build up, it can lead to skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues like asthma attacks, and, in more severe cases, swimmer’s eye infection.
The best way to ensure the water is safe is to look for signs like clear water and no overwhelming chlorine smell. If the water smells too strong, it’s often the result of too much chlorine reacting with organic matter. Swimmer’s bodies introduce contaminants, so pools must go through a process called breakpoint chlorination to remove these harmful chloramines.
Contact Lenses, Pink Eye, and Other Eye Health Risks
If you wear contact lenses, you’re at an even higher risk of eye irritation in pools. Contact lenses can trap chemicals and bacteria against the eye’s surface, increasing the chance of infections like chemical conjunctivitis or even acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious infection that can cause permanent damage to the eye.
Additionally, swimming in improperly maintained pools can increase your risk of contracting pink eye (conjunctivitis), especially if the pool is crowded or not properly disinfected. The best solution is to avoid swimming with contact lenses and instead opt for a pair of prescription goggles if you need vision correction in the pool.
How to Protect Your Eyes While Swimming
Wear Swimming Goggles
This may seem obvious, but the best way to avoid eye irritation while swimming is to wear a pair of swim goggles. Goggles act as a barrier between your eyes and the chlorinated pool water, preventing exposure to irritants.
Check the Water Quality
Always be mindful of the water you’re swimming in. If you notice a strong chlorine smell or cloudy water, it might be a sign that the pool is not properly balanced. Clean, fresh water should not cause extreme eye irritation.
Artificial Tears and Saline Solution
After swimming, you can use artificial tears or a saline solution to flush out your eyes. This can help restore moisture to your eyes, especially if you've experienced dry eyes or a gritty feeling. These drops help replenish the tear film and provide relief from irritation. It's a good idea to always shower after using the pool.
Cold Compress
If you develop itchy eyes or feel discomfort after swimming, a cold compress can help soothe the burning sensation. Applying a compress for a few minutes can reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
Professional Advice
If you experience persistent eye pain, blurry vision, or ongoing irritation after swimming, it’s important to see an eye care professional like a pharmacist, optician or even your family doctor. They can assess any underlying issues, including potential infections or more serious eye problems caused by chlorinated water.
Alternatives to Chlorinated Pools
If you’re regularly battling red eyes and discomfort, you might want to consider swimming in a saltwater pool or fresh water. Saltwater pools use less chlorine and can be gentler on the eyes, as the salt water is closer to the natural composition of human tears. While saltwater pools still require chlorine for sanitisation, the chlorine levels are typically much lower, reducing the risk of eye irritation.
Similarly, swimming in lake water or fresh water can provide a more natural environment for your eyes. Just be cautious of the water quality, as poorly maintained natural bodies of water can contain harmful bacteria.
What Makes Your Eyes Burn In A Pool
The next time you experience eye irritation after swimming, remember that the cause of eye irritation is more complex than just high chlorine levels. Improper pH balance, combined with chemical irritants and chlorine compounds, can lead to burning eyes and other eye issues. Protecting your eye health by wearing swimming goggles, maintaining proper hydration, and taking care of your eyes after a swim are all great ways to prevent any issues from arising.
If you swim often or in public pools and notice persistent eye problems, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a professional. Ensuring that the pools you visit are properly maintained and using the right eye care practices will help you enjoy your swim without the sting!