A day at the pool is one of the best ways to cool off, stay active and enjoy summer. But pool water can sometimes leave behind more than wet hair and a swimsuit. Red eyes, itchy skin, clogged ears and even stomach illness can all be connected to time spent swimming.
While chlorine and other disinfectants play an important role in keeping pools safer, they cannot prevent every irritation or illness. Understanding how pool water affects different parts of the body can help you recognize common problems, lower your risk, and know when symptoms may need medical attention.
Properly maintained pools use disinfectants such as chlorine to help kill germs. However, pool water is a shared environment, and swimmers bring in sweat, body oils, dirt, urine, and other substances that can affect water quality. When chlorine reacts with contaminants introduced by swimmers, it can form compounds called chloramines. These compounds may contribute to the strong “chlorine smell” many people associate with pools and can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
Red eyes after swimming are extremely common. Many people assume this simply means there was too much chlorine in the pool, but the explanation can be more complicated. Pool chemicals, chloramines and other irritants can disrupt the tear film that normally protects the surface of the eye. This may leave the eyes feeling:
- Red
- Dry
- Burning or stinging
- Itchy
- Gritty or sensitive
- Temporarily blurry
People who wear contact lenses may be especially vulnerable. Contact lenses can trap water and microorganisms against the eye, increasing the risk of irritation and potentially serious infection.
Water that remains trapped in the ear canal creates a moist environment where bacteria can grow. This can lead to swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal. Early symptoms may include:
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Itching inside the ear
- Mild discomfort
- Pain when the outer ear is touched or pulled
- Drainage from the ear
- Increasing tenderness
Not every clogged ear after swimming is an infection. Sometimes water is simply trapped in the ear canal, or earwax may swell after getting wet and create a plugged sensation.
Chlorinated water can be tough on the skin, especially with frequent or prolonged exposure. Pool chemicals may strip away some of the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, tight or itchy. Common symptoms include:
- Dryness or flaking
- Itching
- Redness
- Tight or uncomfortable skin
- Worsening of eczema or other sensitive skin conditions
This type of irritation is often referred to casually as a “chlorine rash,” although it is not necessarily a true allergy to chlorine. More often, it is an irritant reaction.
One of the less obvious risks of swimming is gastrointestinal illness. Swallowing even a small amount of contaminated pool water can expose a person to germs that cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
Children may be at greater risk of swallowing pool water simply because they are more likely to play with their mouths near or under the surface.
Swimming is a great form of exercise and a favorite summer activity for families. Most people can enjoy pools without a problem, but knowing how recreational water can affect the eyes, ears, skin and digestive system can help you respond early when something does not feel right.
If symptoms after swimming are persistent, painful, or getting worse, Marque Urgent Care is here to help evaluate life’s everyday summer urgencies.
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