Why Do My Eyes Burn While Swimming and How to Prevent It

 Swimming is a popular and relaxing activity that many enjoy during the warmer months or as part of regular exercise. Whether you swim in an above-ground pool, a backyard in-ground pool, or a public facility, one common discomfort many swimmers face is the burning sensation in their eyes after spending time in the water. This irritation can turn an enjoyable swim into an unpleasant experience, leading swimmers to wonder why it happens and what can be done to prevent it.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind why your eyes burn while swimming and provide detailed solutions to prevent it from happening again. Whether you're a regular swimmer or a pool owner, these insights will help you maintain a comfortable and irritation-free swimming experience.

Understanding Why Eyes Burn in the Pool

It’s a common belief that chlorine is solely to blame for eye irritation in swimming pools. However, the reality is more nuanced. While chlorine is an important chemical used to keep pools clean, it isn’t always the root cause of burning eyes. In fact, if a pool is properly maintained, chlorine levels should not cause discomfort. The actual culprits behind eye irritation in pools are often chemical imbalances or the formation of compounds that irritate the eyes and skin. Let’s take a deeper look at the reasons why your eyes might burn while swimming.

1. Chloramines: The Hidden Irritants

Chlorine is added to pool water to kill harmful bacteria and keep it safe for swimmers. However, when chlorine reacts with organic matter such as sweat, body oils, urine, and even sunscreen, it forms chemical compounds known as chloramines. These chloramines are what give pools that strong "chlorine smell" often mistaken for an over-chlorinated pool. In reality, chloramines are a byproduct of chlorine doing its job by interacting with contaminants.

Unfortunately, chloramines are far more irritating to your eyes and skin than chlorine itself. When chloramines build up in the pool, they can cause redness, irritation, and the familiar burning sensation in your eyes. This is especially common in pools that don’t get enough ventilation, such as indoor pools, where chloramines tend to accumulate more easily in the air above the water.

2. Imbalanced pH Levels

The pH level of your pool water plays a major role in determining whether or not it will irritate your eyes. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. The ideal pH range for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. This range closely matches the natural pH of the human body, which is around 7.4. If the pH of the pool water is too low (acidic), it can cause your eyes to sting, while water with a pH that is too high (alkaline) can also lead to discomfort and cloudiness in the water.

Maintaining the proper pH balance is essential for keeping the water comfortable for swimmers and preventing eye irritation. When the pH is out of balance, it can also affect the efficacy of chlorine, leading to the buildup of chloramines.

3. High Chlorine Levels

While chloramines are usually the main irritants, an overabundance of chlorine can also cause eye irritation. Some pool owners mistakenly believe that adding more chlorine than necessary will make their pool cleaner, but over-chlorination can lead to problems. Excessive chlorine can dry out your skin, irritate your respiratory system, and cause your eyes to burn. It’s important to maintain a proper balance of chlorine in the water, as too much can be as harmful as too little.

4. Dirty or Unbalanced Water

If you neglect pool maintenance, you may find that the water quality deteriorates, leading to a higher risk of eye irritation. This is common in pools that don’t get cleaned regularly or have faulty equipment. For example, if you own an above-ground pool and aren’t keeping up with regular cleanings, debris and organic matter can accumulate in the water, leading to imbalanced chemistry. If you find maintaining your pool difficult, searching for above ground pool cleaning services near me can help you find professionals who can handle the job, ensuring your water remains clean and properly balanced.

Preventing Eye Irritation While Swimming

Understanding the causes of eye irritation is only the first step. Now, let’s dive into how you can prevent this uncomfortable problem. Whether you are a pool owner or just someone who enjoys swimming, these tips will help keep your eyes comfortable and irritation-free.

1. Regular Water Testing and Balancing

The key to maintaining a comfortable swimming experience lies in regularly testing and balancing your pool water. By ensuring that chlorine levels are within the recommended range (1-3 ppm for chlorine) and that the pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6, you can prevent most chemical imbalances that cause eye irritation. Regular testing with pool test strips or a pool testing kit will give you a clear picture of your water’s chemistry.

If you’re a pool owner in Gatesville, TX, and need professional assistance with maintaining your pool, searching for pool equipment repair near me can help you find experts who can assess your pool's condition and provide maintenance services. Pool professionals can ensure that your filtration systems are working properly, your chemicals are balanced, and your pool equipment is in optimal condition to prevent water quality issues.

2. Proper Pool Cleaning

Keeping your pool clean is essential for maintaining clear, healthy water that won’t irritate your eyes. Regular skimming, brushing, and vacuuming of your pool should be part of your maintenance routine to remove dirt, debris, and organic matter that can contribute to the formation of chloramines. In addition to this, cleaning the pool’s filters will help ensure that contaminants are being effectively removed from the water.

If you own an above-ground pool, it’s especially important to stay on top of your cleaning schedule, as these types of pools tend to collect debris more easily due to their smaller size. For pool owners who don’t have the time or experience to maintain their pools, professional services can be a lifesaver. A quick search for “above ground pool cleaning services near me” will help you find experienced pool technicians who can keep your pool spotless and your water chemistry balanced.

3. Shower Before Swimming

One of the easiest ways to reduce the formation of chloramines is to shower before you jump into the pool. Showering removes sweat, oils, and other contaminants from your body, which can react with chlorine in the water. Not only does this reduce the likelihood of chloramines forming, but it also helps keep the pool water cleaner for longer.

4. Use Swim Goggles

An immediate and effective way to protect your eyes while swimming is to wear goggles. Goggles create a barrier between your eyes and the pool water, preventing chlorine, pH imbalances, and other irritants from causing discomfort. When choosing goggles, look for those that fit snugly around your eyes without being too tight. If you swim frequently, investing in a high-quality pair with UV protection will provide even greater comfort and safety.

5. Avoid Over-Chlorination

It’s tempting to think that more chlorine equals cleaner water, but this isn’t the case. Over-chlorinating your pool can lead to eye irritation and other issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for adding chlorine, and remember that shock treatments and regular cleanings will help reduce contaminants without overloading the pool with chemicals.

6. Use Pool Shock Treatments to Control Chloramines

Pool shock treatments are an effective way to control chloramine levels and prevent eye irritation. By adding a high concentration of chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidizing agent, pool shock breaks down chloramines and clears up any cloudy or unpleasant-smelling water. Shock treatments are especially useful after heavy pool use or when you notice that your water chemistry is off.

For pool owners in Gatesville, TX, dealing with a pool that’s turned green due to algae growth or poor maintenance, you may want to consider hiring professional services for a full "green to blue" pool transformation. This service, often referred to as green to blue for pools in Gatesville, TX, involves a thorough cleaning and chemical balancing to restore your pool’s water to a clear, sparkling blue. A well-maintained pool is less likely to irritate your eyes and will provide a more enjoyable swimming experience for everyone.

7. Ventilate Indoor Pools

If you swim in an indoor pool, be aware that chloramines can build up in the air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Chloramines are heavier than air, so they tend to hover above the water's surface, making it easier for swimmers to inhale them. This can not only irritate your eyes but also cause respiratory discomfort. Ensuring proper ventilation in indoor pools is key to reducing chloramine levels and keeping the air fresh.

Conclusion

The burning sensation in your eyes after swimming can be traced back to several factors, including the formation of chloramines, imbalanced pH levels, and improper pool maintenance. While chlorine is a vital part of keeping pool water clean and safe, it’s not always the direct cause of eye irritation. By understanding the chemistry behind your pool and taking steps to maintain it, you can prevent eye discomfort and enjoy a more pleasant swim.

For pool owners, regular water testing, cleaning, and chemical balancing are crucial for ensuring that your pool water remains safe and comfortable. If you find it challenging to keep up with the maintenance, seeking professional help through services like “above ground pool cleaning services near me” or “pool equipment repair near me” can make all the difference.

By staying proactive and following these tips, you can keep your eyes free from irritation and ensure that your swimming experience is both fun and relaxing.