The Dangers of Chemical Exposure at a Pool

By Grant Law Office on April 14, 2021

The last thing most people would worry about in a swimming pool is being burned. But these places of relaxation and fun need constant upkeep from property owners to maintain safe water conditions. Mixing chemicals incorrectly or adding too much can put swimmers at serious risk of suffering chemical burns.

Too Much Chlorine in the Water

Most swimming pools are disinfected through chlorine. It comes in liquid, tablet, and powder form and serves to kill unwanted microbes, remove organic matter, and to inhibit algae growth in the pool. Although effective for disinfecting, chlorine produces harsh byproducts that can wreak havoc on the human skin. Too much chlorine in a swimming pool can cause a variety of skin problems, including chemical burns and ulcerations.

Adding too much chlorine to swimming pool water can cause chemical burns in two different ways:

• Direct contact: Pool disinfection requires regular maintenance. Chlorine is highly corrosive. If it makes direct contact with the person adding it to the pump room, it can cause significant damage to the person’s tissues. The longer the contact goes on, the more severe the chemical burns are likely to be.
• Chlorine gas: Byproducts of chlorine can gas-off in an indoor pool and build up with poor ventilation. Skin that comes into contact with this chlorine gas can develop blisters, rashes, and hives, and skin cells can die. Prolonged exposure to chlorine gas can cause burns. Inhalation is also dangerous.

The Risk of Chlorine Rash

Chlorine rash is a skin conditions that develops when the skin comes into contact with chlorine. It involves raw, swollen skin with an itchy, red rash. If you develop chlorine rash, you may also experience coughing, sneezing, and other signs of respiratory irritation. It occurs most commonly with repeated exposure to chlorine.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction to chlorine exposure. Symptoms of such a reaction may include difficulty breathing and hives that do not go away. In non-emergency situations, see an allergy doctor if you develop a chlorine rash that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, such as hydrocortisone, Benadryl, or diphenhydramine cream.

Who Is Liable for Chemical Burns?

The owner or manager of the pool is typically liable in a claim for chemical burns at a swimming pool. In order to receive compensation, you must prove that:

• The pool owner or manager owed you a duty of care;
• The owner or manager breached that duty;
• The breach of duty caused your injuries; and
• You suffered damages as a result of the pool owner or manager’s actions.

The burden of proof is on the plaintiff in a premises liability claim. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have Grant Law Office handle your case. When you come to us with a premises liability claim, you get an experienced husband-and-wife team of Atlanta personal injury attorneys on your side. Call us (404) 995-3955 to find out how we can help in a free consultation.