Does a Swimming Pool Urine Detecting Dye Actually Exist?

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't pee in the pool or the water will change color and everyone will know. Parents have long used the story of a chemical that changes color in the presence of urine to keep their children from peeing in the pool.

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In reality, no such chemical is used, but a new Mason-Dixon survey found that 52 percent of people believe there is a chemical that is added to pools to turn a conspicuous color in the presence of urine.

While the use of a urine-detecting chemical may be the biggest pool myth, other common aquatic urban legends include:

Myth – Swimming is not good for children with asthma.

Truth – Medical experts say swimming in a healthy, well-maintained pool is an excellent physical outlet for swimmers with asthma.  The Belgian Superior Health Council examined the relevant scientific studies and concluded that the available evidence does not support advising children against swimming in chlorinated pools.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other public health experts have asserted that swimming in a well-maintained pool is a healthy form of exercise for people with asthma.

Myth – Chlorine turns hair green.

Truth – An earlier survey by the Water Quality and Health Council discovered that nearly half of respondents believe that chorine is responsible for turning hair green. In fact, the presence of copper in swimming pool water is to blame. Copper may be introduced to pool water in several ways, including metal plumbing or algaecide.

Myth – Swimmer "red eye" is caused by too much chlorine in the pool.

Truth – 87 percent of respondents to the Water Quality and Health Council survey believed that chlorine in pools makes swimmers' eyes red and irritated. In reality, when nitrogen, found in urine and sweat, is combined with chlorine, irritants called chloramines are formed. It is these chloramines, not the chlorine itself, that irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. In this case, more chlorine may actually need to be added to pool water in order to reduce the formation of chloramines.

Myth – When it comes to pool water, clarity means cleanliness.

Truth – Even when swimming pool water is clear, microorganisms too small to be seen with the naked eye can be present. While chlorine destroys bacteria that could put swimmers at risk for disease, it takes time to work. Most germs are killed within seconds in a properly treated pool, but some (such as Cryptosporidium) can survive for days and require more aggressive treatment.

Myth – The strong odor of chemicals indicates a clean, well-treated pool.

Truth – A faint smell is expected, but a strong scent of chemicals could mean trouble. When irritating chloramines are formed by the mixture of chlorine and pool contaminants, such as urine, body oils and other substances brought into the pool by swimmers, a strong smell is released. A healthy pool is one with little to no odor.

Test Your Pool

There are ways to make sure the pool you are swimming in is healthy. Experts recommend using a pool test kit, such as the free kit offered compliments of the Water Quality and Health Council, or even use your five senses to know if the pool you're swimming in is healthy and well-maintained.

Sight – Make sure you can see clearly through the water to the floor of the pool.

Touch – Check for tiles that feel smooth and clean, not slimy.

Smell – Make sure there are no strong chemical odors.

Sound – Listen for the sound of the pool pump.

Taste – Avoid tasting and swallowing pool water!

To order a free pool test kit offered as part of the Water Quality and Health Council's award-winning summer Healthy Pools awareness initiative, go to healthypools.org.

VIDEO: "CRAZY THINGS FOUR-YEAR-OLDS SAY ABOUT SWIMMING"
(TRT 00:02:30) LINK HERE: vimeo.com/69545527

Media Contact:
Zoe Sharron
850.222.1996
[email protected]

SOURCE Water Quality and Health Council