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Health

17th Aug 2016

The reason why your eyes go red after swimming is vile

Never going to a pool again.

Laura Holland

Never going to a pool again. 

We all know deep down that something very disgusting happens in public swimming pools. Yes, that’s right, you are probably swimming in someone else piss.

Gross, I know, but it’s the unsettling reality. We usually just want to remain blissfully unaware and continue to go for a swim anyway.

That’s fair enough but did you know that it’s actually got a very gross effect on your eyes. YouTube channel Reactions went on a mission to find out if it’s okay to pee in the pool and they prove it most definitely is not.

Most pools are treated with disinfectants such as chlorine or sodium hypochlorite to get rid of microorganisms which can be found in still water. But when these disinfectants mix with organic matter such dirt, sweat, lotion or urine they create compounds called disinfection byproducts which can cause a number of negative health effects on us.

Researchers have found that pools contain 30-80ml of urine per person. Gross right?

To makes matter worse urea in the urine mixes with the chlorine and makes trichloramine and it’s this exact compound that makes your eyes go red after swimming.

It also creates that classic pool smell we’re all so familiar with and has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma.

The advice is to make sure that you have relieved yourself before you go into the pool and have a quick shower to get rid of any sweat or dirt that might be on your skin.

Watch the full explanation here: