Swimming is one of the best kinds of exercise. Being a total-body workout, it is low-impact and suits almost everyone, including individuals with injuries or medical concerns. Swimming also benefits your physical and mental health due to its soothing and refreshing nature. However, if you swim in pools laden with high amounts of chemicals, you should be concerned about the long-term health effects.
Popular chemicals used in swimming pools
You can use chemical products to treat your pool, which isn’t a good idea. These products negatively impact your health, but many natural alternatives exist. Let’s look at some chemicals you can use that may have damaging implications on your pool.
- Chlorine
Chlorine is your pool’s best, buddy. It is in charge of effectively removing a wide range of pathogens accumulated in the water. It is cost-effective and straightforward to utilize. But you should be aware that there are several forms of chlorine, each of which has a variety of applications and effects.
- Muriatic acid
Muriatic acid is another popular chemical you can use as a natural pool and spa water treatment method. It is a potent substance that controls pH levels and, in most cases, drops your pool’s pH levels. Such an acid might be effective, and a gallon can significantly lower high PH levels and pose no adverse effects on your body.
What are the effects of harsh chemicals and products in spas and pools?
1. Liver and kidney infection
The nature of liver and kidney infections is almost identical. Both may result from ingesting chemically cleaned water and are uncommon. In humans, sodium hypochlorite and other chlorine compounds (present in most disinfectants) can potentially cause liver cancer.
2. Respiratory defects
Your respiratory system is vulnerable to chlorine’s effects. Many victims of chlorinated water claim to have been choked by the toxic vapors surrounding the pool. The situation is made worse by poor maintenance and an insufficient ventilation system. If you are asthmatic, you are likely to be at serious risk.
3. Skin infections
Every year, chlorinated water is responsible for many skin malignancies. If you expose yourself to chemically sanitized water for an extended period, you suffer rashes and other skin conditions. Chlorine reacts with organic matter to produce a poisonous chemical that is harmful to your skin.
4. Eye infections
If your pool is highly chlorinated, you are at a high risk of ocular infection. In most cases, you can complain about inflammation in your eyes; watery eyes are another issue. Eye infections are the most popular defect associated with chlorinated pools.
5. Epiglottitis
Many chlorine compounds have been confirmed responsible for epiglottitis. For instance, a boy from Nebraska 2006 was confirmed to have suffered epiglottis after exposure to harmful gases surrounding a swimming pool. When you suffer from this disease, in most cases, your epiglottis starts to swell.
Conclusion
Your swimming pool offers a great time for relaxation. However, maintaining it can be challenging if unsure of the right cleaning products. Most of the chemicals and products you use to keep tidy have notable effects, and it’s advisable to go for natural treatment methods.
