Your Eyes Aren’t Burning Because of the Chlorine in That Public Pool, It’s Something Else

The CDC just released a statement on why you sometimes get red, itchy, or burning eyes when you go swimming in a pool. We all assumed for years that it was a reaction to the chlorine, right? Nope.

It's actually because of all the people urinating in the pool water.

It turns out that chlorine binds itself with the bacteria it's trying to kill and that includes all the bacteria in your pee and your sweat. Those chemical bonds are irritants that sting your eyes.

There's really nothing you can do to avoid it, but you can be part of the solution by showering before you swim. And, you know, having the basic human decency not to pee in the swimming pool.

Source: Snopes