A summer favorite sport is swimming in a chlorinated pool, but for the majority of people, it comes with an unpleasant side: skin irritation. Chlorine tablets that are used to make the pool water safe and clean are most likely the offending agents. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it is the secret to an irritation-free swim.
How Chlorine Irritates the Skin
The chlorinating pool tablets, when mixed with pool water, release hypochlorous acid, a powerful disinfectant that annihilates the bacteria and viruses that pose harm to an individual. Chlorine, nonetheless, becomes combined with the pool water impurities like sweat, dead skin, personal care products, etc., when it becomes involved in the creation of combined chlorine or chloramines byproducts. The chloramines are not only inhibiting the efficacy of the disinfecting capability of the chlorine but could even be damaging the skin.
Chloramines are relatively less stable than free chlorine and are capable of volatilizing easily from the surface of water and thereafter sticking to the skin. On contact with the skin, they react with proteins in the outer layer of the skin, killing the skin barrier function. The loss of the barrier function of the skin leads to evaporation of moisture off the skin as well as dryness of the skin. Other than that, the chemical nature of chloramines can also cause irritation in certain individuals, quantified as redness, itching, and even rashes. Sensitive skin types, allergy patients, and skin patients such as those with eczema are most susceptible to it.
Exacerbating Factors of Skin Irritation
There are several factors that can enhance skin irritation caused by chlorine tablets. Chlorine concentration in pool water is of utmost concern. Over-chlorination, usually due to improper dosage or poor circulation, will result in an enhanced risk of overproduction of chloramine. Second, pH in pool water also has an extremely vital role to be taken into account. At pH off-range 7.2 – 7.6, chlorine performance is changed, causing more chloramine formation. For example, at more alkaline water (pH > 7.6), chlorine becomes less reactive, and managers react by adding more chlorine, creating a vicious cycle of escalating chloramines.
The frequency and duration of your swimming are also significant.Prolonged exposure to a chlorinated pool exposes your skin to a constant barrage of chloramines. Additionally, not showering prior to getting into the pool results in more contaminants in the water, which makes it easier to form chloramines.
Immediate Relief and Prevention
If the skin becomes irritated following swimming, there are treatments that can also make discomfort bearable. Start by showering with warm water after swimming. Wash the skin gently with a mild soap-free cleanser to clear away remaining chloramines. A lotion containing such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal restores moisture to the barrier function of the skin while soothing the irritation.
To prevent skin irritation in the first place, showering prior to swimming will minimize the introduction of contaminants into the pool and therefore decrease the formation of chloramines. Wearing a swimsuit and a swim cap will also act as a physical barrier to prevent exposure of the skin to chlorinated water. Regular testing and maintaining proper chlorine levels and pH in your pool is required in an attempt to reduce the formation of chloramines.
Skin-friendly Products From QC Industry
For pool managers who want to enjoy clean, disinfected pool water without the worry of skin irritation, QC industry is definitely your best choice. We are the pool chlorine tablets manufacturer, and our chlorine tablets are built with patented technology to significantly reduce the formation of chloramines. By optimizing the chemical reaction process, our chlorine tablets maximize the disinfection efficiency while bringing skin irritating byproducts down to a minimum.
These chlorine tablets can perform well under a broad spectrum of water conditions, provide a consistent chlorine release, and regulate pH. QC industry’s chlorine tablets can offer an effective, skin-friendly disinfection system whether you operate a small backyard pool or a big commercial swimming complex. Bid farewell to the pains of skin irritation and welcome a hassle-free swimming experience with our groundbreaking chlorine tablets.
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