In almost every garden there is now a smaller or larger pool. Chlorine is often added in the private sector so that the water lasts longer. But what if the chlorine level is too high? How harmful can it get?
Table of Contents
Chlor – Definition
To understand why chlorine should be added to pool water to keep it clean, it is first necessary to explain what chlorine is and the properties of the chemical. In its pure form, chlorine is reactive, which unfortunately makes it toxic, dangerous to the environment and corrosive, especially in the area of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and eyes. Nevertheless, there are also the following positive aspects:
- disinfecting effect against bacteria and germs
- Microorganisms are killed
- Danger of infections from the water decreases
Permissible chlorine content in the water
As a rule, the permissible content in water is given in mg/l. The respective manufacturers usually recommend adding about 0.3 to 0.6 mg/l to the pool water so that sufficient disinfection can be achieved. However, this value can also deviate under the following conditions:
- shock chlorination necessary after heavy rain
- also when you put the water back in
- pH value is not set correctly
- Chlorine then loses its effect
Shock chlorination is a measure when the water in the pool increases due to heavy rainfall, and the chlorine content therefore decreases. The content also drops when new water is added to the pool and must be brought back to the correct level. Then about 5 – 6 mg/m³ of chlorine granulate is given and waited a few hours so that it can be well distributed in the water.
Overdose – how harmful is it?
Various interactions can occur when overdosing, but even normal levels of the chemical in water can cause various reactions in the body. It is already difficult for the skin to cope with the pH value of 7 in the water, since this is 5.5 for the skin. If chlorine is added, the skin is even more stressed and dries out. In addition, the following can happen if you overdose:
- eye irritation
- visible through red eyes
- irritation of the nasal mucosa
- extreme itching on the skin
In these cases it can be harmful to the mucous membranes when swimming for a long time and immediate action should be taken and the level reduced.
Excess chlorine in the water
It is not uncommon for there to be an excess of chlorine in a private pool due to manufacturer information that is not always well marked. If irritation of the eyes or nasal mucosa occurs while swimming, the causes of this should be found immediately:
- measurement or calculation errors
- especially when adding by hand
- automatic dosing systems are malfunctioning
- pH is wrong
pH is important
The pH content in the water is important for the right chlorine content in the water and the ideal effect of the added chlorine. This should be between 7.2 and 7.4 so that the effect of the chlorine can develop properly. If it is too low or too high, then adding the chemical will have no effect, bacteria and viruses cannot then be killed. To determine the correct pH value, there are test strips that you simply hold in the water and which change color accordingly. If the value is wrong, you can react accordingly:
- Lower the pH value with “pH minus granulate”.
- available in specialist shops
- required amount is specified by the manufacturer
- Vinegar can lower the value by about 0.2
- Increase the pH value with “pH Plus Granules”.
- the household remedy washing soda also increases the value
- 5g soda/10m³ water for increase of 0.2
Lower chlorine content
The chlorine content in the water can also be measured with a test strip. If this is too high according to the manufacturer, then action must be taken:
- no further additions of chlorine to the water
- switch off the technical system immediately
- Replace or refill water
- Remove cover
- UV radiation from the sun can accelerate chlorine decomposition
- if the excess is high, sodium thiosulphate is added
- alternatively hydrogen peroxide
- Available in specialist shops as pellets or powder
