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:
When chlorine binds with these contaminants, it becomes “used up” and forms chloramines. And chloramines are:
Irritating to eyes
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:
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:
This creates organic load, which:
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.
This affects:
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:
And remember the golden equation: TAC – FAC = CAC
If CAC is present, it’s time to:
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:
Now you’re not just fixing a problem… You’re educating your client.
Final Scene: The Truth Revealed
The swimmer returns to the pool.
What’s changed?
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.