6 Silly Swimming Pool Myths Debunked

There are many advantages of inground pools and owning a swimming pool in general. There are also just as many myths about public and custom pools that simply aren’t true.

If you’ve ever considered getting a custom pool, these myths might have actually kept you from doing so. We’ll set the record straight on these six silly swimming pool myths so that nothing stands in your way of getting the custom pool design of your dreams:

1. You have to wait an hour after eating

One of the most common pool-related myths is that you must wait an hour after eating before you can head back into the pool. This is based on the idea that you could get a cramp and drown as a result. In truth, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. You’re no likelier to get a cramp or a stitch immediately after eating than at any other time. Even better, because water is around 800 times more dense than air, you can actually burn more calories in a pool than you can out of it—which means you can easily burn off whatever you eat! Rest assured, you can have a snack and then jump into your custom inground pool right away.

2. A strong chemical smell means the pool is really clean

Actually, the opposite is true. A strong chlorine smell indicates that the pool has a lot of contaminants! This is because toxic chloramines are formed when chlorine comes into contact with body oils, sweat, and urine. It is these chloramines that cause that strong smell. Clean custom pools should have only a very faint smell or no smell at all.

3. Chlorine turns your hair green

Although many people (especially those with blond hair) experience a green tint after swimming in a pool, it’s actually not the chlorine that makes this hue appear. Copper sulfate is the culprit. Copper sulfate is added to many pools to combat algae; however, chlorine is actually more effective at preventing algae, so if your custom pool contains proper chlorine levels, you won’t have to worry about your hair turning green!

4. Pools have urine indicators

Thanks to movies, an astounding number of people believe that if someone urinates in a pool, a dye or chemical will change the color of the water. The reality is that a urine indicator would be nearly impossible to produce. However, it’s still not a good idea to pee in the pool, as it creates an unsanitary environment for other swimmers. Plus, it’s just rude.

5. Chlorine kills all bacteria

Although chlorine in pools kills a great number of bacteria, it doesn’t take care of everything. Chlorine helps prevent some waterborne diseases from spreading, but it doesn’t help when it comes to recreational water illnesses like swimmer’s ear. These diseases are more commonly found in public pools and can cause major gastrointestinal issues, too. You may not have to worry too much in your pool at home, but it’s still not safe to purposely swallow pool water.

6. Custom pools are too expensive

The cost of a quality custom pool will vary depending on the features and size you want, but there are a variety of custom pool design options to fit nearly any budget and desire. Remember: owning a pool is a great investment that will add value to your home. Not only can your family get a lot of enjoyment out of a backyard pool, but if you decide to sell your home, it can entice buyers and add quite a bit to your final sale price. Done right, it’s well worth the cost in the end.

If you’re interested in exploring your custom pool options, contact us today. We’ll work with you to design the perfect backyard oasis that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.