LaMotte Pool Manager Water Quality Handbook - Manual (Page 46)

Eye & Skin Irritations
Eye and skin irritations are another common problem
for swimming pool bathers. Nasal irritations can also be
noticed in indoor pool areas with poor ventilation and
excessive levels of combined chlorine.
There are two basic causes of eye
and skin irritations: an improper
pH, and a chloramine problem.
The human eye is most
comfortable in water with a pH of
about 7.5. Therefore a pH below
7.2, or above 8.0 can become irritating. Low and high
pH levels irritate both eyes and skin.
A chloramine problem is caused when combined
chlorine levels exceed 0.2 ppm as determined by a DPD
test. Though many people incorrectly blame high
chlorine for stinging eyes, it is actually the presence of
chloramines which causes this.
Cause
High or low pH Combined Chlorine
Treatment
Adjust pH to recommended
range & test.
Perform “Breakpoint Chlorination”
as noted on page 24.
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