Getting itching rashes after swimming

[chip85]

Two of six swimmers in our pool have experienced the same itchy rash. Our chemical readings are fine and the pool is clear. Is there a test that can be performed to determine if we do indeed have Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Also, are there other possibilities that could cause this type of rash?

[JohnT]

Our chemical readings are fine and the pool is clear.

I would bet that 90% or more of the people who post that on this board have a significant chemical problem that they aren't aware of because they got bad information from a pool store. That's why everybody asks for numbers. Unless you know your CYA level, you can't know what level of chlorine is safe, and most pool owners don't have any idea what theirs is.

[chip85]

Well, put me in the 10% then because I know what our numbers are (including CYA) and I gathered them and tested them myself. I don't have tests done at pool stores ...never have, never will. I didn't bother to post them because I know what they are and they are fine and ....I didn't ask for a solution to a chemical problem.

As for the rash ...I suspect the cause is from a new brand of suntan lotion the child is using, but saw this thread and it caught my eye. We have visited other pools, one specifically, where the children broke out in rash within two hrs of being in the pool. The owner uses a non-chlorine solution and we attributed their rash to that fact.

Some people have reactions to chlorine (or other chemicals for that matter). I was looking for a knowledgeable answer to two questions ...Is there a test for Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Are there similar reactions (rash) caused by an alergic reaction to chlorine based pool chemicals?

PaulT ...there are better ways to gather information from people prior to calling them ignorant

[CarlD]

Chip85:

Nobody called you ignorant--I guess the "chip" is the one on your shoulder. JohnT told you EXACTLY what I would have told you: Post your numbers, FIRST, then let's see.

99.99% of the time, there's something in the numbers the poster didn't see, but someone else does. And the solution is usually pretty simple. But once in a blue-moon there's a head scratcher.

We are all here to help each other, but nobody can help you with your problem if we don't have complete information. We ALL start there when we have a problem, even if we've fixed it but are wondering how it started. We don't just put up numbers, we explain what we have done--trying to give whoever is reading it a CLUE to an issue we are not catching.

We start by eliminating the obvious: A problem in the basic numbers. From there, we move on to other possibilities.

You say your numbers are "fine". What does "fine" mean? Some of our users like to run with CYA=60 or 70. For them, they feel that's "fine". But for me, that's most definitely NOT "fine". We have an honest disagreement about what "fine" means.

We'll do what we can, but you, on your side, have to do your part, too. That means posting numbers--complete information. Without that we cannot help you.

At the moment, my hypothesis is that your chlorine levels are off and something is contaminating you and your pool with an irritant. A further stretch of the hypothesis is that you need to shock your pool, and shock it good to destroy the contaminant. If I see your numbers and I see something that says that is possible, I will say so. If I don't, I'll say so too.

[JohnT]

Well, put me in the 10% then because I know what our numbers are (including CYA) and I gathered them and tested them myself. I don't have tests done at pool stores ...never have, never will. I didn't bother to post them because I know what they are and they are fine and ....I didn't ask for a solution to a chemical problem.

As for the rash ...I suspect the cause is from a new brand of suntan lotion the child is using, but saw this thread and it caught my eye. We have visited other pools, one specifically, where the children broke out in rash within two hrs of being in the pool. The owner uses a non-chlorine solution and we attributed their rash to that fact.

Some people have reactions to chlorine (or other chemicals for that matter). I was looking for a knowledgeable answer to two questions ...Is there a test for Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Are there similar reactions (rash) caused by an alergic reaction to chlorine based pool chemicals?

PaulT ...there are better ways to gather information from people prior to calling them ignorant

Excuse me, I wasn't calling you ignorant, just asking for info. Sorry if I offended.