Diving into and Debunking Common Swimming Pool Myths

by Kevin Smith Author

With the best custom pool and spa design in Orlando, FL, you’re ready to beat the summer heat and start partying in your own backyard oasis. However, before you dive right in, there are some things that you should know about pools. In fact, these are some things that you may have believed your entire life and they’re completely false, or at least partially false. Here are some of the myths about swimming pools that you should finally know the truth about.

Wait an Hour after Eating

One of the most popular myths about swimming pools is that you’ll get a cramp if you don’t wait an hour between eating and jumping in the pool. While there is some truth to this, in that less blood is going to your muscles while your stomach is digesting food, you’re usually fine to eat a lighter meal and then making that perfect swan dive into the pool.

The Pool Will Turn Your Hair Green

All over the world, people with light colored hair are rinsing and shampooing their locks vigorously after going for a swim at the risk of their hair turning green. There’s even been specialty shampoos made to keep chlorine from turning tresses green. If the pool is turning your hair green, it’s likely because of copper, not chlorine. Certain algaecides contain copper proteins that attach to the hair. You can avoid this, however, by shampooing and conditioning your hair before you go swimming.

Chlorine Burns Your Eyes Underwater

Many people, old and young, worry about opening their eyes underwater because they fear it will burn their eyes. What burns your eyes underwater is water with an imbalanced pH. So, as long as your pool has a healthy pH between 7.2 and 7.6, you can leave the goggles on deck and explore underwater as much as you want.

Peeing in the Pool Turns Water Blue

You may have heard this one when you were younger, and you may have told your children this at one point or another. A study suggests that over half of adults believe this one, but it is definitely a myth. The idea behind it was that urine turned blue when it came into contact with chlorine. It’s likely that your parents were using it as a scare tactic to keep the kids from using the pool as a toilet.

Getting to know the facts behind the fiction when it comes to your custom pool and spa design in Orlando, FL, is important. Pools are nothing to be afraid of and shouldn’t be causing you anxiety either. Now that you’ve put to rest some of those myths you’ve believed your entire life, you’re ready for that neighborhood pool party.