The act of peeing in the pool can cause much more than discomfort. Doctors warn of the need to confront children with the risks and health problems that this situation can generate. Understand what happens in the water and how it can affect your experience.
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14/07/2026
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Sor lack of communication – peeing in the pool tends to be a more common practice among children.
However, they are not the only ones to do so. There are no precise numbers on the frequency, but an investigation published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that 40% of American adults have already admitted to peeing in the pool.
In addition to causing psychological discomfort, this practice can also be harmful to health in many ways.
Do you ever get red eyes?
After some dives it is common to blame the presence of chlorine, but the problem may be another: The pee in the pool.
To avoid any irritation in the eyes or skin, recommend that “maintain alkalinity, pH and chlorine levels always balanced for a healthier and more comfortable pool”
What causes the problem?
Do not think that chlorine or any other disinfectant substances in the pools are strong enough to eliminate the problems that urine may cause.
Here's what happens when you pee in a pool
“ When urine combines with chemicals present in pools with chlorine, potentially harmful compounds called disinfection by-products can be formed,” explains MedStar Health toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor to Huff Post.
In addition, it clarifies that the more organic matter in the pool, the more chloramines will be produced.
Urine composition triggers harmful effects
Urine contains compounds such as nitrogen, urea, and creatinine, explains Johnson-Arbor and points out, “these nitrogen-rich compounds can react with chlorine or other disinfectants traditionally found in pools, forming BPDs that can cause harmful health effects. These chloramines can accumulate in the water and release gases into the air.”.
“From the point of view of infectious diseases, urinating in a pool with plenty of chlorine is not a problem, unlike the presence of feces.”.
Nevertheless, chloramines may be a problem, according to Melendy. “When chlorine interacts with organic matter, it produces chloramines and the more chloramines are produced, the greater the risk of irritation in the skin, eyes and lungs.”
According to these experts, this situation is particularly problematic for people with respiratory problems and worsens if the pool is not in a well ventilated place.