This Is Why You Should Not Pee In The Pool
Cleaning compounds combine with urine and create toxins
No matter your age or where you’re from, it’s very likely that you have peed in a pool at least once in your life. If you have, then stop.
It’s not as harmless as it seems, according to a new video from the American Chemical Society.
Because we treat pools with disinfectants such as chlorine to kill nasty bacteria and other microorganisms that can make us sick, the pool water can react with dirt, sweat, and yes, urine that we bring into the pool.
When the pool water combines with our junk, it can transform into disinfection byproducts, which includes chemicals like chloroform.
Urea, the main waste product found in urine, often combines with chlorine to form trichloramine, which can cause respiratory problems like asthma and, according to the ACS, the red eyes and pool area smell synonymous with so many people’s childhoods.
So shower off and pee BEFORE you get into the pool. On the other hand, the American Chemical Society says peeing in the ocean is fine.