Understanding Pool Odors: Why Pools Smell Like Chlorine & More

The smell associated with swimming pools is not usually caused by feet, but rather by something called chloramines. Chloramines are a group of chemical compounds that form when chlorine reacts with nitrogen compounds, such as sweat, urine, and other organic matter in the water. The odor of chloramines can be quite pungent, and it is often described as being similar to the smell of chlorine bleach or wet dog.

The formation of chloramines is a normal process that occurs in swimming pools, and it is not generally a health hazard. However, high levels of chloramines can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and they can also cause skin rashes and other health problems. To prevent the buildup of chloramines, swimming pools should be properly chlorinated and maintained, and swimmers should shower before getting in the water.