Peeing In A Pool Is Gross, But Is It Really Bad For Your Health?

Surveys suggest up to 40% of adults admit to urinating in swimming pools. While seemingly harmless, this common practice can have significant health consequences. When urine mixes with pool chemicals, it produces potentially toxic disinfection byproducts that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, especially for those with asthma. These chloramine gases build up in poorly ventilated areas and give pools their signature “chlorine” smell. The more organic matter like sweat and fecal matter in the water, the more chloramines are produced, depleting chlorine’s ability to kill germs. Experts say peeing in even a large pool can impact water quality. (Story URL)