Is it safe to swim in our pool that is overchlorinated?

Question

our tester is reading the levels at cl= 3.0.. our ph is a tad high, not bad though... is it gonna hurt us to get in?

Answer 1

Most people do not sense chlorine until the level reaches 15ppm.  Good thing you are using your chlorine tester as long as it is fresh, and stored in a cool place, it will read accurately.

Normal chlorine levels are 1-3ppm with 5 max.  If you notice a smell people often associate with chlorine or notice your eyes are burning or red your pool may need to be super chlorinated to burn off accumulated chloramines or combined chlorine.

You are fine, go swimming!

You're welcome!!

Answer 2

You're hair will be dried out - your skin and eyes will burn as if you you had a chemical burn...because that is what it would be.....get that chlorine level down....and get that ph spot on.....ph is really more important than a low chlorine level...........

Answer 3

You said the ph is a tad high. It should be about 7.6-7.8. The chlorine won't burn your eyes or your skin at 3 ppm.  

Answer 4

3.0 is kind of high, but shouldn't hurt you to get in and swim around for a while. I've done full swim practices in pools that were between 4.0-5.0 parts per million and been ok. You might not want to splash water in your eyes or do a lot of laps, but to get in to cool off or play around for a while, it won't hurt you. Just make sure to shower afterwards and you'll be fine! Like I said, I've gone swimming in pools that were 4.0-5.0 before and I'm still standing! 5.0 parts per million is often considered the  saftey limit for private and public pools. Hope this helps! I'll attach a link with some good info, too.