The Chlorine Conundrum: What’s Lurking in Your Pool?

Chlorine is widely used to disinfect swimming pools and kill bacteria—but at what cost? While it does reduce infectious disease risk, chlorine also reacts with organic matter like urine, sweat, and sunscreen to form a group of toxic byproducts called **disinfection byproducts (DBPs)**.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DBPs such as **trihalomethanes (THMs)** and **chloramines** are linked to health problems ranging from respiratory issues to increased cancer risk.

What Happens When Chlorine Meets Urine and Sunscreen?

Multiple studies confirm that uric acid (found in urine and sweat) reacts with chlorine to produce **cyanogen chloride** and **trichloramine**—both toxic to the lungs and central nervous system.

• Study (Environmental Science & Technology, 2014): Found that swimmers absorb THMs through skin and inhalation, increasing cancer risk with long-term exposure. (Source)
• CDC research: Shows that uric acid from just 30–80 mL of urine can react with chlorine to form nitrogen-containing DBPs that are cytotoxic and genotoxic. (Source)
• Journal of Environmental Science and Health (2006): Identified sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone as major precursors to THM formation in chlorinated water.

Health Effects of Pool Chlorine Exposure

While short-term exposure may only cause eye and skin irritation, long-term or repeated exposure to chlorinated pool water has been linked to:

• Asthma and lung irritation (especially in children and lifeguards)
• DNA mutations from DBPs like haloacetic acids (HAAs)
• Bladder and colorectal cancer risk from long-term THM exposure
• Hormonal disruption from chlorinated sunscreen chemicals

Natural Pool Alternatives: Swim Clean Without Chlorine

Fortunately, there are safer and more eco-friendly ways to keep your pool water clean and clear:

1. Copper ionization

Copper ionization is a powerful and natural alternative to chlorine for swimming pool sanitation. This method works by releasing controlled levels of copper ions into the water, which are highly effective at destroying bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms without the use of harsh chemicals. Unlike chlorine, copper ionization doesn’t produce toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) or strong odors, and it’s gentle on the skin, eyes, and hair. It also maintains residual sanitizing power in the water, meaning it continues to prevent microbial growth over time. As a long-term, eco-friendly solution, copper ionization offers clean, clear water without the health risks associated with chlorine.

You can find it here 

2. UV and Ozone Filtration

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems and ozone injectors disinfect pool water by neutralizing pathogens without chemicals. These systems are often used in combination for superior effectiveness.

3. Natural Swimming Pools

Inspired by nature, these pools use gravel and aquatic plants in a separate regeneration zone to filter water. Completely chlorine-free, they’re both beautiful and safe.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Food-grade hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pool oxidizer. It kills bacteria and algae when combined with UV light or copper/silver ionization.

Tips to Reduce Chlorine Exposure

• Shower before swimming to remove sweat, oils, and cosmetics
• Avoid urinating in pools—encourage kids to take bathroom breaks
• Use mineral-based or non-toxic sunscreens without benzophenones
• Use a pool test kit to monitor chlorine and DBP levels

Conclusion: Swim Smarter, Not Riskier

Chlorine might keep your pool looking clean, but what’s happening on a molecular level is anything but safe. As urine, sunscreen, and sweat mix with chlorine, they create a toxic brew linked to cancer, asthma, and hormone disruption.

It’s time to rethink what “clean” really means. With modern, natural alternatives, you can enjoy swimming without soaking in a chemical soup.

Your pool doesn’t have to be a chemistry experiment—make the switch to safer water today.