THE REAL CAUSE OF SWIMMER'S RHINITIS is not chlorine but chloramines
This is what happens in pool water
Contrary to what you might think, the main cause of rhinitis is not chlorine itself but its "byproduct," namely chloramines that form when free chlorine in the pool water reacts with organic substances like sweat, urine, and other residues released by swimmers.
1. Chlorine is added to the pool
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant widely used in pools to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could thrive in the water.2. Chlorine turns into Chloramines
The problem starts when chlorine in the pool water combines with organic substances like sweat, urine, or cosmetic residues, forming volatile compounds like chloramines.
3. Chloramines cause Rhinitis
Chloramines can irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract. When you inhale these substances while swimming, your immune system may react with an inflammatory response, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, typical of rhinitis.Why do chloramines cause irritation?
During the day, with a higher influx of people, the amount of organic substances in the water (sweat, urine, cosmetics) also increases, leading to more chloramine formation. Chloramines, especially in indoor pools, can accumulate both in the water and in the air above the pool. When swimming, you can inhale the chloramine-laden air or come into direct contact with them through the water. Here are the main reasons why chloramines are irritating:Mucous Membrane Irritation
Chloramines can irritate the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and throat. This occurs because they are more stable and less volatile chemical compounds than free chlorine, meaning they persist longer in the water and air.Prolonged Exposure
Chloramines not only persist in the water, but they can also remain in the air above the pool surface, especially in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Prolonged exposure can worsen symptoms of respiratory and nasal irritation.Allergic Reactions
Some people may develop sensitivity or an allergy to chloramines, experiencing symptoms like rhinitis, coughing, eye irritation, and in more severe cases, asthma.It’s better to swim in the morning if you can
Some believe it’s healthier to swim in the evening rather than in the morning because chlorine levels are lower.As we've seen, the real issue is not chlorine but chloramines.
Therefore, it’s better to swim when there are fewer chloramines in the morning.
Cleaner water and fewer chloramines
Overnight, pools undergo a recirculation and filtration process, where chlorine continues to work to eliminate the remaining organic substances. In the morning, the water is usually cleaner, and chloramine levels are lower.Better ventilation
In some indoor pools, air is often renewed overnight, which can reduce the concentration of volatile chloramines in the air above the water. Breathing less chloramine-saturated air can alleviate respiratory irritation.Less crowding
Pools are generally less crowded early in the morning. Fewer swimmers mean fewer organic substances are released into the water, resulting in less chloramine formation during your swim session.For 100% protection, use NASKA
What if you can't swim in the morning or the facility where you train doesn’t have proper ventilation?
NASKA is the solution to minimize exposure to irritants because it protects your airways throughout your training session:
NASKA is the solution to minimize exposure to irritants because it protects your airways throughout your training session:
- Protects your mucous membranes from contact with chloramines in the water
- Prevents you from inhaling chloramines in the air