Can Pool Chlorine Make You Itchy? Causes & Solutions

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Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006C Pool Test Kit , Liquid Chlorine , Muriatic Acid

Quick Answer

Yes, pool chlorine can make you itchy, but it's typically not the free chlorine that's causing the irritation. The main culprits are combined chlorine (chloramines) and improper water balance, particularly incorrect pH levels. When your pool chemistry is properly balanced, free chlorine should not cause skin irritation.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix Itchy Chlorine Problems

1. Test your water chemistry immediately
   Use a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C to measure:
   • Free Chlorine (FC): Should match your CYA level (see FC/CYA ratios in step 5)
   • Combined Chlorine (CC): Should be 0.0 ppm
   • pH: Target 7.2-7.6
   • Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm for regular pools
   • Calcium Hardness: 250-350 ppm for plaster pools
   • CYA (Cyanuric Acid): 30-50 ppm for regular chlorine
2. Address combined chlorine (chloramines) first
   If your combined chlorine is above 0.5 ppm, you need to break point chlorinate:
   • Add liquid chlorine to raise FC to at least 10 times your CC level (this is the minimum breakpoint - additional chlorine may be needed based on water conditions)
   • For example: If CC is 1.0 ppm, raise FC to 10 ppm
   • Run your pump continuously until CC drops to 0.0 ppm
   • Run pump continuously and retest every 2-4 hours. The process typically takes 4-8 hours but may take longer for severe chloramine buildup. Do not consider complete until CC reads 0.0 ppm on two consecutive tests 2 hours apart
3. Correct pH imbalances
   If pH is outside the 7.4-7.6 range:
   • High pH (above 7.6): Add muriatic acid - dosage varies significantly based on total alkalinity levels (consult manufacturer's dosing chart - always add in small amounts and retest)
   • Low pH (below 7.4): Add sodium carbonate (soda ash) - consult manufacturer's dosing chart as amount needed varies significantly based on current pH and alkalinity levels (add gradually and retest)
   • Wait 2 hours and retest before making additional adjustments
4. Balance total alkalinity if needed
   If TA is too high (above 120 ppm):
   • Lower pH to 7.0-7.2 with muriatic acid
   • Run pump for 1 hour, then aerate to raise pH back to 7.4-7.6
   • Repeat until TA reaches target range. Note: This aeration method works best for moderate TA reduction (20-40 ppm). For very high TA (above 150 ppm), multiple cycles over several days may be needed, or consider a partial drain and refill
5. Maintain proper free chlorine levels
   Ensure FC matches your CYA level using the FC/CYA relationship:
   • CYA 30 ppm = FC 1-2 ppm
   • CYA 40 ppm = FC 2-3 ppm
   • CYA 50 ppm = FC 3-4 ppm
6. Run filtration system continuously during correction
   Keep your pump running 24/7 until water chemistry stabilizes, typically 24-48 hours after final adjustments
7. Retest water daily for one week
   Monitor all chemical levels daily to ensure they remain stable and make minor adjustments as needed

Why Pool Water Causes Itching

Combined Chlorine (Chloramines)

The primary cause of itchy skin isn't free chlorine - it's combined chlorine or chloramines. These form when free chlorine combines with organic contaminants like sweat, urine, cosmetics, and dead skin cells. Chloramines are much more irritating to skin and eyes than free chlorine and create that strong "chlorine smell" many people associate with pools.

pH Imbalances

When pH is too high (above 7.6), chlorine becomes less effective and can feel harsh on skin. When pH is too low (below 7.2), the water becomes acidic and directly irritates skin and eyes. The ideal pH range of 7.4-7.6 closely matches your body's natural pH.

Over-Chlorination

While rare with proper water balance, extremely high free chlorine levels (above 10 ppm) can cause skin irritation. However, this typically only occurs when someone adds excessive amounts of chlorine without testing first.

Prevention Steps

1. Test water 2-3 times per week using a reliable test kit
2. Maintain proper water balance at all times, not just when problems occur
3. Shock weekly with liquid chlorine to prevent chloramine buildup
4. Encourage showering before swimming to reduce organic contaminants
5. Clean filters regularly - backwash sand/DE filters weekly, clean cartridge filters every 2 weeks
6. Use liquid chlorine instead of tablets for regular maintenance to avoid CYA buildup. If you do use trichlor tablets, avoid placing them directly in skimmers - as they dissolve, highly concentrated acidic water passes through your pump, heater, and other equipment, potentially causing corrosion damage over time. Use a floating chlorinator or inline feeder instead

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a pool professional if you continue experiencing skin irritation after following these steps for one week, or if you're unable to maintain stable water chemistry. Persistent problems may indicate equipment issues, plumbing problems, or contamination sources that require professional diagnosis.

Safety Warning: Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals. Wear protective equipment when handling pool chemicals and store them properly away from children and pets.