Problems with my inlaws pool, my kids are suffering!

[kwagner250@comcast.net]

My in-laws went out and bought an above ground pool just for their Grandkids (mine and my Brother in-laws kids), they are very nice people and my father in law is very proud (and half blind to boot). my two boys have been in the pool about 5 times, and each time they come away with some kind of rash. my seven year old had a red rash on the tip of his "you know what", and has had (no lie) both his nipples bleeding. he says , after being in for about an hour or two, that it stings his private parts. both boys have had rashes on their under arms and groin area.
I cannot even open my eyes under the water because it burns! the water does not taste like chlorine, it tastes very tangy, very wierd. can someone give me some advice on how to take care of this without offending a couple of very nice older people?

[waterbear]

Please let us know what they are putting in the water. Also, we need a set of test results. If you do not have a complete test kit take a sample to a pool store and have it tested.
The moderators will probably move this post to an appropriate part of the forum. The Q&A is for questiona about actual forum software useage.

[RavenNS]

WOW! that sucks...
could you take a test kit or some strips with you to check the levels...( or grab a sample for a free pool store testing)
I bet it's way off balance.

I'd also poke around to see what chemicals they are using... ( maybe they bought into the "copper keeps your pool clean" b.s.)

I don't know if there is anything that you could protect your kids with...
super duper waterproof sunscreen might help create a barrier
It may also be time to take them for a check-up @ the doctor... if they've been exposed to high contamenants

In the mean time, I'd give the kids some tylenol for any pain & possibly allergy stuff if you think they are having allergic reactions

Good Luck & I hope the kids feel better soon

[CarlD]

It's hard to tell with out testing, but sour, tangy tastes are signs of excess acidity. Alkalinity taste bitter. And the irritation to genitals and nipples is a VERY bad sign. Either you take on caring for the grandparents' pool or keep your kids out.

"Gee, Mom&Dad, I found this GREAT site called PoolForum.Com that tells you ALL about how to take care of your really easily and cheaply! They have over 20,000 members who are expert in ALL kinds of things about pools, and they are ALWAYS happy to help. Would you mind if I took over caring for you pool so I can try out their methods?"

And order a good test kit--Ben's PS-234, the Taylor 2006, or Leslie's Chlorine FAS-DPD Service Test Kit, then USE it on the pool.

[gerri]

Sounds like a very low Ph problem to me. Before I knew what to do to care for my pool my cousin always complained of his nipples hurting after swimming. My Ph and TA were very low.

[waterbear]

I wonder if your in laws are dosing the pool with muratic acid instead of chlorine!

[waste]

Not for nothing but, my partener heard a similar complaint 2 yrs ago, before I was put on service. I went to the pool in question last year and the pH was well below my (taylor 2005) kit's ability to read ( I added ~20 drops of 'base demand' to get a reading over 7.0). The pool in question had a tri-puck auto feeder, the liner was starting to wrinkle and fade and a look at thier test kit (2- way) showed that it was old and very rarely used. I don't know the bio-chemical reactions, but I'd guess that low pH and high chlorine are the culprits.
As I read this forum, and see what problems 'unattended' puck feeders can cause, I am developing a very strong dislike for them (just a little rant & my $.02)
As everyone else said: PLEASE POST THE CHEM NUMBERS! (K, I welcome all your ?'s, but please help us help you by giving us chem numbers to work with, the folks here have soo much to give, but need info so that they can properly help you) - Waste

[kwagner250@comcast.net]

I am going to get a reading tomorrow, thanks to all for the quick replies. i will post the numbers as soon as i can.
Thanks again.