Eyes Burn After Swimming? Here's the Disgusting Truth Behind It

Summertime means it's time to tan, hit the beach, and definitely spend weekends at the pool. I am a pool junky and could even be considered a fish. However, the one thing I can't stand is getting out of the pool and immediately needing a towel because my eyes burn so bad. I would always automatically blame it on the amount of chlorine in the water.

Do you have the same issue? I am sure you place the blame on the chlorine as well, right? Wrong. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is a much more sinister reason behind our red and irritated eyes after swimming. My friends, we have been exposed to...pee.

Yes, you read that right, and there was good reason for momma telling you not to pee-pee in the pool. An associate with the CDC says:

“It’s quite the opposite,” said Beach. “Chlorine binds with all the things it’s trying to kill from your bodies, and it forms these chemical irritants. That’s what’s stinging your eyes. It’s the chlorine binding to the urine and the sweat.”

Even though it does have something to do with the chlorine, by itself, it will not harm you. So mommies and daddies, keep reminding your little ones that going to the bathroom in the pool is not a good idea. If this information weirds you out at all (which I am sure it did), get some goggles and you're ready to go!

Ryan McVay/ThinkStock

Oh, and one more quick fact. That blue/purple color that people are so scared of appearing if they tinkle in the pool is a total myth. However, even though you will not be caught red-handed for it, peeing in the swimming pool, especially a public pool, is something I would say you should stray away from.

That's all for Terryn's Swimming 101 class. Here's to staying pee free this summer!

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