Are there any risks when swimming in chlorinated swimming pools?
The chemicals used in a pool are not healthy for an individual, but neither is contaminated water. It is a judgement call. Chemicals can accumulate in the fatty tissues of the body and eventually could harm it. The body’s largest organ, the skin, can easily absorb chemicals. Certainly chlorine and the other chemicals used to “balance” the PH can dry out the skin. Chlorine is toxic, as are some of the other chemicals. But who wants a bad fungis or microbe attack? Chlorine certainly will kill microbes and can be a great disinfectant. It is a judgement call. Trihalomethanes (THMS) are produced when chlorination chemicals combine with organic matter in water supplies. These water supplies include drinking water, both bottled and tap. When absorbed or taken into the body these methanes produced from chlorine’s interaction can pose health risks. THMS have been shown to increase the risk of bladder and rectal cancers and of miscarriages. I am sure that other health risks abound which have yet
There are always risks with swimming (amusing answer from Willythegood!). If the owner is responsible in their maintenance – particularly with chemicals – then chlorinated pools pose a very mild threat, including skin & eye irritation & garment / hair fading (if you dye your hair). Pool chemistry is tricky – if the pH levels are off, then the chemicals produced by chlorine can be come more irritating. If you are overly worried, just inquire about how often chemical & pH levels are checked. For the most part you should be find though!
