Myth #1: Chlorine will turn hair green

Chlorine is not what turns lighter hair blonde, but actually copper; it is introduced to the pool from certain copper based algaecides. The bleach that is added to a pool may be the culprit in oxidizing the color, but it is not responsible for the color. But don’t fret! You can prevent your hair from turning green if you coat it with conditioner before you take a dip; Rinsing your hair immediately after a dive in the pool can prevent the discoloration as well.

Myth #2: Cloudy water is caused by high hardness

It takes a very high pH (above 7.8) to trigger calcium scale. The chlorine reacts less quickly and reduces efficiency.  If you keep your pH reasonable, you can run your hardness up to 1000 ppm (or more) with clear, non scaly water.

Myth #3: Its okay to urinate in the pool because the Chlorine will take care of it

Peeing in the pool is by no means rare; 1 in 5 Americans admitted to peeing in the pool. However doing your business in a chlorinated pool can create a toxic chemical called cyanogen chloride. It forms when the nitrogen in urine reacts with the chlorine in the pool. Granted it would take a lot of urine for it to kill you, but small levels have been shown to cause acute and chronic negative health effects among swimmers. Just don’t pee in the pool, yeah?

Myth #4: Chlorine pools smell bad/ The heavy chemical smell means the pool is clean

That smell is not caused by the chlorine in the pool, but actually from unhealthy chloramines. Chloramines form when chlorine interacts with contaminants brought in from the bodies of swimmers. These contaminants will be perspiration, body oils and cosmetics (urine perhaps?). These chloramines are the culprits behind red eyes and itchy skin. A well maintained pool will have little to no odor. While many people think the high chemical smell means there is too much chlorine, ironically more chlorine may be needed to rid the smell.