CSI: Chlorine Scene Investigation - The Case of the Itchy Eyes

Opening Scene: The Backyard Complaint.

The pool is sparkling. The sun is shining. The cannonball was… aggressive.

And then it happens.

The swimmer surfaces, squinting like they just interrogated a suspect under a heat lamp:

“Why are my eyes burning?!”

I slip on the gloves. Pop open the test kit. And begin the investigation.

Because in this case… The usual suspect isn’t guilty.

Exhibit A: “It Must Be the Chlorine…”

Let’s address the most common accusation in pool history:

“Chlorine is making my eyes red.”

Sounds logical. Feels believable. Mostly wrong.

Properly maintained chlorine—especially clean, well-managed liquid chlorine like that from HASA—is actually quite gentle on the eyes when the water is balanced. In fact, your eyes are more comfortable in properly chlorinated pool water than in poorly maintained water with less chlorine.

So, if chlorine isn’t the culprit… Who is?

Exhibit B: The Real Criminal — Chloramines (CAC)

Enter the true offender: Combined Available Chlorine (CAC)—aka chloramines. These are formed when free chlorine (FAC) does its job and attacks:

• Sweat
• Urine (yes, we’re going there)
• Body oils
• Sunscreen
• Cosmetics

When chlorine binds with these contaminants, it becomes “used up” and forms chloramines. And chloramines are:

• Irritating to eyes

• Responsible for that “chlorine smell”
• A sign your pool needs attention

So, when someone says:

“It smells like chlorine!”

What they really mean is:

“There’s not enough effective chlorine doing its job.”

Exhibit C: The Eye Chemistry Connection

Your eyes have a natural tear film with a pH around 7.4–7.6.

When pool water drifts outside a comfortable range—especially too high or too low in pH—it disrupts that tear film.

That’s when you get:

• Redness
• Dryness
• That “sandpaper eyelid” feeling
  

Using tools like the Orenda App, pool pros can precisely manage water balance and keep the LSI and pH in check, protecting not just surfaces—but swimmers.

Balanced water = happy eyes.

Exhibit D: pH — The Silent Accomplice

Even if chlorine is perfect, pH can sabotage everything.

Low pH (acidic water): Burns and stings eyes

High pH (basic water): Feels dull, irritating, and reduces chlorine effectiveness

Ideal range? 7.4–7.6 (right where your eyes like it)

When pH drifts, your eyes notice before your test kit sometimes does. That’s why consistent testing—and communicating those results to your customers—is critical.

Exhibit E: The Bather Load Problem

Let’s be honest…

Pools don’t get contaminated by leaves nearly as much as they do by people.

Every swimmer brings:

• Sweat
• Oils
• Lotions
• Hair products

This creates organic load, which:

• Consumes chlorine
• Forms chloramines
• Leads to eye irritation

This is where products from Orenda Technologies come into play—especially enzyme treatments that help break down non-living organics before they become a problem.

Think of enzymes as your cleanup crew before the crime escalates.

Exhibit F: Air Matters Too (Especially Indoors)

Ever notice worse eye irritation in indoor pools?

That’s because chloramines don’t just stay in the water—they off-gas into the air.

• Poor ventilation traps:
• Chloramine vapors
• Irritating compounds

This affects:

• Eyes
• Skin
• Respiratory system

So sometimes the issue isn’t just in the water… It’s in the air above the scene.

Exhibit G: The CSI Testing Protocol

When investigating itchy eyes, here’s your checklist:

• Free Chlorine (FAC) — Is it sufficient?
• Combined Chlorine (CAC) — Is it building up?
• pH — Is it balanced near 7.5?
• Total Alkalinity — Supporting stable pH?
• Cyanuric Acid — Not over-stabilized?

And remember the golden equation: TAC – FAC = CAC

If CAC is present, it’s time to:

• Shock/oxidize the pool
• Increase circulation
• Address organic load

That’s how you eliminate the suspect.

Exhibit H: Communicating This to Your Customer

Here’s where great pool pros separate themselves.

Don’t say: “Your combined chlorine is high.”

Say: “The chlorine is working overtime because of swimmer waste. We’re going to clean that up, so your eyes don’t burn and the water feels better.”

And if you really want to level up?

Show them:

• Test results
• LSI balance from the Orenda App
• Simple explanations from HASA and Orenda resources

Now you’re not just fixing a problem… You’re educating your client.

Final Scene: The Truth Revealed

The swimmer returns to the pool.

• No redness.
• No itching.
• No complaints.

What’s changed?

• Chloramines removed
• pH balanced
• Organics reduced
• Communication improved 
  
  

Case Summary

Suspect: Chlorine

Real Culprit: Chloramines + Poor Balance

Contributing Factors: pH, organics, ventilation

Solution: Proper sanitation, oxidation, and communication

The water looked innocent.

The chlorine took the blame.

But the evidence told a different story.

In the world of pool care… It’s not what you see. It’s what you test.

Case Closed.

Clear Eyes. Clean Water. Justice Served.

Author: Jim Blanton

Jim Blanton brings a dynamic and diverse background to the pool industry, blending creativity, leadership, and decades of hands-on expertise. After early experiences as a child actor, stand-up comedian, Disneyland cast member, and U.S. Navy veteran, Jim found his long-term calling in the pool industry—where he has spent the past 25 years serving, educating, and advocating for pool professionals.

Currently a Sales Representative and Training Specialist for HASA, Jim is also the Vice Chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association, where he champions safety, innovation, and professional standards. With over 20 years as a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Instructor through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), Jim plays an active role in shaping the future of the industry through education and mentorship.

An award-winning trainer for the world’s largest pool supply retailer and a featured expert on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces, Jim is known for making education engaging, practical, and memorable. His career reflects a deep commitment to empowering pool professionals, improving safety, and leaving the industry stronger than he found it.