What Does “Indoor Pool Air Burns Eyes” Mean?
Indeed, when they say that indoor pool air burns the eyes, then they are referring to a sharp, stinging,g or even itchy sensation that strikes immediately they get into an indoor pool premises. It is the type of irritation that causes the eyes to turn red, water, or experience dryness and pain with the slightest exposure for a few minutes. Most people think that it is merely an excess of chlorine, but the problem is much more complicated and even more dangerous than most would dare to admit.
Simple Explanation of Why Pool Air Irritates Eyes
It is not chlorine in the water that is making your eyes do that; it is what is in the air. Chlorine reacts with the sweat, urine, body oils, and cosmetics to produce gases known as chloramines. These gases end up growing out of the water, and they accumulate in the air directly where human beings breathe, and their eyes are in contact with the air.
Chloramines are irritating. They strike the thin coating of water that covers your eyes and leave you with that agonizingly gritty feel that swimmers are all too familiar with.
What People Mean When They Say Indoor Pool Air Burns
Most swimmers describe it as:
- Eye sting or burning
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Watery eyes
- A strong chemical smell
Such symptoms are neither common nor benign. They report that the pool atmosphere was of bad air quality and a dangerous accumulation of chemicals.
Why This Happens More in Indoor Pools Than Outdoor Pools
The open-air pools also discharge these gases naturally to the open air. They are diluted by wind and fresh air. The indoor pools confine the chloramines in closed areas, which in turn accumulate particularly at the water surface. The air is also toxic without recognition of appropriate ventilation, in spite of the technical parameters of the water.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for:
- Homeowners who have indoor pools.
- Hotel and resort operators
- Managers of gyms and fitness centers.
- Therapy pool and school administrators.
- HVAC and facility engineers
This knowledge will be relevant to any person who has a stake in the safety, comfort, or compliance of the indoor pools.
Why does the indoor pool air burn your eyes?
The air that burns the eyes does not occur accidentally. It is a product of the inability of various systems to collaborate effectively.
Chloramines: The Real Reason Your Eyes Sting
The chlorine and the nitrogen in the sweat, urine, saliva, and personal care products react to form chloramines. The chlorine is not killed but gets chemically used up and turns into a gas, which flies into the air.
These gases:
- Burn eyes
- Irritate lungs
- Cause coughing
- Make that ugly chlorine odor.
The odor of chlorine, however, is a strong smell used ironically to indicate that the pool does not have sufficient free chlorine.
Poor Ventilation and Stagnant Pool Air
The accumulation of chloramines is a result of the absence of a constant supply of fresh air to the pool room. Their mass keeps them floating slightly above the water; it is where the swimmers inhale.
Large Humidity and Off-Gassing of Chemicals
Human humidity does not allow the dispersal of chemicals. Chloramines get suspended in wet air, and this implies that they stay longer in contact with the eyes, skin, and lungs.
Why Chlorine Smell Is a Warning Sign
Chloramines are found when there is a strong smell. An appropriately balanced pool that is well ventilated must not have a foul odor.
Is It Dangerous When Indoor Pool Air Burns Eyes?
Yes. The immediate effect of a health problem is often eye irritation, which is a symptom of an immeasurably greater health problem.
Eye Irritation and Redness
Chloramines also lead to the loss of the natural tear film that covers your eyes, making them dry, inflamed, and prone to infection.
Breathing Problems and Asthma Risk
Inhaling chloramines can:
- Trigger asthma
- Cause coughing and wheezing
- Induce chronic respiratory irritation.
There is the greatest risk to children, lifeguards, and instructors.
Long-Term Exposure for Staff and Swimmers
Individuals working in these conditions and spending many hours daily in them could develop chronic sinus, throat, and lung issues. Others have been found to have occupational lung disease despite being professional swimmers and workers who work in pools.
When Burning Eyes Become a Health Hazard
When several individuals make complaints, when the odor is acute, when the windows fog, and when the surfaces rust, then the quality of the air is already at risk.
Why This Problem Is Common in Indoor Pools
The environment in indoor pools is complicated, and most of them are not well designed or maintained.
Hotels, Gyms, and School Pools
These facilities tend to put the savings on energy rather than air quality, meaning that the ventilation is minimized to save money, which has the effect of trapping contaminants indoors.
Poor HVAC Design in Natatoriums
Regular HVAC systems are incapable of accommodating the moisture and chemicals that are generated by pools. Air-handling units are necessary in natatoriums.
Inadequate Exhaust and Fresh Air Supply
Chloramines build up without the continuous elimination of contaminated air and the substitution of it with external air.
Maintenance and Chemical Imbalance
Inappropriate water testing and chlorination that is either too much or too little aggravates gas formation.
How to Fix Indoor Pool Air That Burns Eyes
This is an issue that can be corrected, but not unless both air and water are considered at the same time.
Improve Ventilation and Air Exchange
The supply of fresh air outdoors should be constant, and the removal of contaminated air should be done on the surface of the water.
Install an Indoor Pool Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers regulate the humidity and remove thermal vapors in the air.
Use a Proper Pool Exhaust System
Low-placement exhaust vents are installed close to the water to trap the chloramines, which would then be drawn into the breathing areas.
Balance Pool Water Chemistry
Shock treatment and the maintenance of appropriate levels of free chlorine.
Remove Chloramines from Pool Air
This involves a blend of:
- Fresh air
- Exhaust
- Dehumidification
- Proper water care
How to Prevent Indoor Pool Air From Burning Eyes
It is always easier to prevent than it is to cure.
Proper Pool Water Management
Showering, swimmer load, and daily water testing should be encouraged.
Fresh Air Requirements
Adhere to ASHRAE standards of ventilation of natatoria.
HVAC and Ventilation Design
Use systems installed in pool environments.
Regular Air Quality Testing
Test the humidity, chlorine, and signs of corrosion.
FAQs
What is the reason why my swimming pool is smelly indoors?
Not because the waters in the pool are pure, but because there are chloramines in the air.
Does the inside pool air cause eye damage?
Yes. The long-term contact can cause long-term eye infection and irritation.
What is the safest air quality for indoor pools?
Dry air, a high supply of fresh air, and low levels of chloramine scent.
What are the indications of poor pool ventilation?
Ventilation is poor when the air smells harsh, when the eyes burn, when there is fog on the windows, and when the metal rusts.
Conclusion
Burning of the eyes due to the indoor pool air is not a trifle inconvenience; it is a reminder of the chemical and ventilation malfunction. An invisible but harmful environment is formed by chloramines, poor ventilation, and high humidity, and influences swimmers, the staff, and buildings. More chlorine is not the solution; less air, less efficient ventilation, and less intelligent pool management are. When such systems are in concert, the indoor pools are what they ought to be: clean, safe, and comfortable swimming places.