Pools promise relaxation, recreation, and in real estate, they often translate into higher home value. But below the surface of that shimmering water lies a complex chemical balance that can affect more than just water clarity. There are some very real health dangers of pool chemicals that every pool owner should understand. That’s what we’ll take a look at today.
Health Dangers of Pool Chemicals
Before installing a pool it’s simply a smart practice to educate yourself. The chemicals we use to keep a pool clean and safe can also have consequences for indoor and outdoor air quality. The impact on the lungs, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated pool areas, is more serious than most homeowners consider. Let’s begin.
Understanding Chlorine
Chlorine, the dominant disinfectant in pools, plays a crucial role in killing harmful pathogens. But chlorine doesn’t just stay in the water. When it reacts with sweat, urine, and other organic matter, it forms a group of byproducts called chloramines.
These substances are volatile and can become airborne, creating a layer of chemical-laced mist just above the water’s surface. When inhaled, chloramines irritate the respiratory system, and repeated exposure is one of the biggest health dangers of pool chemicals over time.
Why Enclosed Pools Carry a Higher Risk
Outdoor pools have the advantage of open airflow, where gases can disperse quickly and dilute naturally. Indoor pools are a different story. Without proper ventilation, the accumulation of airborne irritants becomes unavoidable. People spending long periods around indoor pools often report symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. These are not rare occurrences. In studies of competitive swimmers, who spend significant time in chlorinated environments, researchers have observed signs of decreased lung function and increased asthma rates.
This is especially concerning in residential properties with indoor pools that may lack commercial-grade ventilation systems. An enclosed space containing water treated with high levels of chlorine and other sanitizers becomes a chemical microenvironment where every breath draws in more than just warm, humid air. And unlike visible issues like algae or discolored water, air quality concerns often go unnoticed until symptoms become persistent.
Children and Individuals with Asthma Are Most Affected
The most vulnerable individuals are children and those with preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Children breathe faster and absorb more airborne contaminants relative to their body size. Exposure to high chloramine levels can cause airway inflammation, increase sensitivity, and trigger asthma attacks. Parents may assume symptoms like wheezing or prolonged coughing are related to colds or seasonal allergies, not realizing that pool time could be the underlying factor.
This risk is compounded in homes with poorly maintained pools or outdated filtration systems. If pH levels are off, if chlorine is overused, or if pool equipment fails to circulate water properly, the chemical balance skews toward instability. This leads to higher concentrations of chloramines and an increased likelihood of respiratory effects.
Material Selection and Maintenance Matter
How a pool is constructed also affects chemical behavior. For example, poor plumbing can lead to inefficient water circulation, creating dead zones where contaminants concentrate. Using high-quality infrastructure, including schedule 80 PVC pipe fittings, helps ensure durability and water flow efficiency, which contributes to better chemical distribution and lower buildup of hazardous vapors.
Regular maintenance is more than a checklist for water clarity. It includes monitoring air circulation, keeping indoor humidity in check, and limiting the accumulation of byproducts that off-gas into the surrounding air. Homeowners with indoor pools should consult HVAC professionals to assess airflow and ensure their systems can handle the humidity and chemical load that comes with pool operation.
Whether buying a home with a pool or upgrading an existing one, understanding the full environmental impact of pool chemicals is key. What seems like a small detail can have long-term health consequences if left unmanaged. Paying attention now can prevent discomfort later. For more information, check out the infographic below.
