How to Prevent Skin Irritation from pool and spa Water

How to Prevent Skin Irritation from pool and spa Water

Skin irritation after a relaxing soak or swim is often a sign of imbalanced water chemistry. Whether you own a pool or hot tub, maintaining the correct balance of pH, chlorine, and other elements is vital for the health and comfort of swimmers. Let’s dive into why balanced water chemistry matters and how to achieve it.

1. Why Water Balance Affects Skin Health

Imbalanced water chemistry can lead to overly acidic or basic water, both of which cause skin discomfort. Low pH levels can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated, while high pH levels can make the water feel slimy and exacerbate irritation. Ensuring the right pH range (7.2 to 7.6) is critical to creating a safe and comfortable environment.

2. The Role of Chlorine and Bromine

Sanitizers like chlorine and bromine play an essential role in keeping water free of harmful bacteria and algae. However, improper dosing can lead to issues such as chemical burns, rashes, or itchiness. Regularly testing and adjusting these levels ensures effective sanitation without overexposure. A reliable digital water testing kit can help you maintain the ideal chlorine or bromine levels for safety.

3. Monitor Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

High TDS levels can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers, leading to poor water quality. This buildup often includes body oils, sweat, and cosmetics, all of which can irritate the skin. Regular water testing helps identify and address TDS issues before they cause discomfort.

4. Importance of Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer for pH, keeping it stable and preventing drastic fluctuations. Low alkalinity can lead to acidic water, while high alkalinity might cause cloudy water and scaling. Maintaining TA between 80–120 ppm ensures balanced water chemistry and minimizes skin irritation risks.

5. Tips for Preventing Skin Irritation

  • Test your water regularly using AquaDoc’s Eagle Ray Digital Water Testing Kit.
  • Keep pH, chlorine, and alkalinity within the recommended ranges.
  • Encourage swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool or hot tub to reduce contaminants.
  • Shock the water weekly or as needed to eliminate organic buildup.
  • Use skin-friendly products like AquaDoc’s hot tub care collection to enhance water quality.

Keep Irritation at Bay

Balanced water chemistry is the foundation of a safe and enjoyable swimming or soaking experience. With consistent testing and proper care, you can ensure the health and comfort of everyone using your pool or hot tub. AquaDoc provides the tools and products you need to maintain pristine water quality, from digital testers to premium care solutions.

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