Can you swim in a pool after applying alum?

Alum is a chemical compound that is often used as a coagulant in water treatment plants. It is also sometimes used as an astringent in personal care products, such as deodorant and aftershave.

When alum is dissolved in water, it forms aluminum ions. These ions can react with the chlorine in pool water to form aluminum chloride, which is a skin irritant. Aluminum chloride can also cause damage to pool equipment, such as filters and pumps.

In addition, alum can make pool water cloudy and difficult to see through. This can create a safety hazard for swimmers.

For these reasons, it is best to avoid swimming in a pool after applying alum.