Rash caused by Baquacil??

Jump to latest Follow Reply
R

RJO54

Member
Jul 19, 2022
12
New York State…upstate
Hello…18’ above ground pool put in late August 2021 so we only used it About 3-4 weeks. We use Baquacil.
Opens pool in May 2022 and water was surprisingly clear upon opening. Spoke to my pool dealer and followed his instructions to put a gallon of CDX in after refilling pool. Refilled, ran pump, did reading and added what was needed. Now in July our grand kids are getting rashes upon swimming. We are checking water chemistry 2x a week and topping off as needed. Readings have been consistently good!
What could be causing these rashes? Would it be sunscreen mixing with Baquacil?? Sunscreen used was
Continuous Sport Sunscreen SPF 30.
Help please…Thank-you!
 
Welcome to TFP!!

May I ask, can you post a photo of your water and the readings you’re getting? There is a possibility it’s not the Baqua that’s the issue, rather pool water chemistry. Baqua pools are known here on TFP to be problematic so let’s see what your numbers tell us.
 
  • Like
Reactions: thefloatqueen and anthonypool89
RJO54 said:
What could be causing these rashes?
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear this. I've been using baqua for 22 years and never experienced any sort of skin issues. The whole theory behind Baquacil / Softswim non-chlorine systems is indeed that it is supposed to be more gentle, especially for those that might be sensitive to chlorine. Have your grandkids ever experienced rashes from swimming before? I would speculate that unless your levels were way off, i.e. very high sanitizer / oxidizer level, perhaps that could cause some sort of reaction, but it sounds like you've maintained appropriate levels. Curious as to whether or not you use the pool store for water testing or do your own? Hopefully things get better.
 
RJO54 said:
Spoke to my pool dealer and followed his instructions to put a gallon of CDX
Click to expand...
This sort of popped out at me. That's alot of CDX. Here's a thread that alludes to the possiblity of irritation caused by high CDX levels:
https://www.reddit.com/r/pools/comments/g7lw6k
Click on the "19 comments" to access the thread. Unfortunately, I know of no way to test the CDX level. Even when I was getting pool store testing done, it never included anything on CDX level.

It would be helpful to know how many gallons your pool has. For best advice here going forward - either continuing to use baqua or if you would decide to convert to chlorine - the more info you can list as part of your signature, the better.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: thefloatqueen
I highly recommend switching to chlorine. It is soooo much easier than Baqua and way cheaper! My neighbors have a Baqua pool and are always asking me how I get my water so clear. I tell them my advice will not work unless they switch to chlorine. Skin irritation was one of the reasons they chose to go with Baqua, but I’m not sure if they’ve experienced any issues in that department. Their water, however, is another story! Always cloudy, complaining about mold, etc. And I can’t help them unless they decide to convert!

If you prefer a “softer” water feel, you can’t go wrong with a saltwater chlorine generator (or as you’ll frequently see it mentioned as SWG on this forum)! I personally do not own one, but many TFP members, family members, and friends do and they all seem to love it. You’re only one year in so you can still switch without dumping even MORE $$$ (and headaches) into Bacquacil products! 😉 No pressure!! I’m just sayin.

P.S. - It is possible to have an allergic reaction to certain sunscreens, just like with any product that goes on the skin. I have super sensitive skin and I’ve never had a rash or bad reaction to sunscreen — and I’ve used everything from the high-end $50 ones to the dollar store brands lol. I am willing to bet your skin issues were caused by water chemistry issues.
 
Last edited:
thefloatqueen said:
You’re only one year in
Click to expand...
I believe you referring to the OP, being that I've been using baqua for 22 years. Thanks for the advice and encouragement though. I used to have cloudy water issues, but hardly ever anymore, as well as nearly a complete absence of mold and slime. I attritute that to the weekly use of non-chlorine shock. Really my only complaint of the past few seasons has been short filter cycles, and with having replaced the grids I'm currently on a cycle that has gone over a month - so it'll be interesting to see how long it lasts.
 
anthonypool89 said:
I believe you referring to the OP, being that I've been using baqua for 22 years. Thanks for the advice and encouragement though. I used to have cloudy water issues, but hardly ever anymore, as well as nearly a complete absence of mold and slime. I attritute that to the weekly use of non-chlorine shock. Really my only complaint of the past few seasons has been short filter cycles, and with having replaced the grids I'm currently on a cycle that has gone over a month - so it'll be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Click to expand...
Yes I was referring to the OP. I apologize for the mixup.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
anthonypool89 said:
No problem! I'm used to it LOL In all seriousness, I AM planning a spring conversion. I'd like to find out what all this chlorine hoopla is about 🤔
Click to expand...
It’s all about nothing. No troubles, no extra cash, no headaches, just really boring pool care that doesn’t change much. 😉🤣
 
  • Like
Reactions: anthonypool89, thefloatqueen and Newdude
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply