Does any one have experience with chlorine free (Copper Ionization) systems? I need to eliminate the use of chlorine in my pool due to severe chlorine rash.
It is likely that you should not assume that without furture data. Most folks that say they are allergic to chlorine just need to change up what levels of ph, cc, etc. they keep their pool at. Post some test results (see my sig for info on test kits etc.) and we may be able to help you sort it out your pool reactions (the shower thing I am not sure of...I would think that is not related to pool water). Also, see this link: http://www.troublefreepool.com/alternative-sanitizers-and-chemical-free-pools-the-truth-t3025.htmlMr. McD said:I started developing a severe rash after a few weeks of swimming. Now I get a mild rash even from taking a shower. I can only assume it is the chlorine.
chem geek said:Is this an indoor or outdoor pool? Is it exposed to sunlight? You keep saying the levels are fine, but when we say that we mean the full set of water parameters including Free Chlorine (FC), Combined Chlorine (CC), pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium Hardness (CH) and Cyanuric Acid (CYA). Do you know what type of chlorine was used in the pool -- Trichlor tabs/pucks, Dichlor granules, Cal-Hypo, chlorinating liquid or bleach, or lithium hypochlorite?
ping said:I have lived with eczema on my hand for the last 10 years. At times it has burned and itched so bad that I honestly wished my hand was cut off. There are many things that can cause eczema to flare up and the shower is one of them. Using the wrong soap and hot water on the eczema are no-nos. There are only a few soaps that are recommended for someone with eczema and I use Dove unscented for sensitive skin. Anything that is anti-bacterial is also a no-no as the alcohol dries out the skin. Certain foods and drinks can also cause flare ups so pay attention if you notice some burning after meals.
I have a SWG, borates, and keep my FC/CYA ratio as prescribed here at TFP. I can swim a few times a week for about 30 minutes each time and my eczema doesn't flare up. If I do much more than this or sit in the spa with my hand underwater then my hand will flare up. I haven't noticed any significant change by adding the borates. I believe the main culprit for my flare ups from pool use is being in the water for too long. I honestly don't think by having a chlorine free system would change a thing for my eczema. I've swam in high FC, 12ppm, with CYA at 60 and did not have any burning.
Salt water does have healing properties for my eczema but it is only at the ocean level of salt that helps me. When my hand breaks open and starts to bleed I soak my hand in my aquarium salt water for 15 minutes, new not used water, and that seals the cracks up in one or two soakings. The salt level used in pools isn't high enough for this to be of benefit for me.
[/quote:1580twcc]Mr. McD said:This is an outdoor pool with full sun exposure. The pool chemistry was tested at a local pool supply and they said everything was OK. They did a full range of tests, I am not sure what all the tests were. I use tabs, and occasionally a powdered chlorine if the level gets out of balance. Currently I am only monitoring the chlorine and pH until we put the pool back in use.
[quote="chem geek":1580twcc]Is this an indoor or outdoor pool? Is it exposed to sunlight? You keep saying the levels are fine, but when we say that we mean the full set of water parameters including Free Chlorine (FC), Combined Chlorine (CC), pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium Hardness (CH) and Cyanuric Acid (CYA). Do you know what type of chlorine was used in the pool -- Trichlor tabs/pucks, Dichlor granules, Cal-Hypo, chlorinating liquid or bleach, or lithium hypochlorite?
For us to be most helpful, we need your test results. They need to be current (within the last few days) and pool store results are notoriously inconsistent (just spend some time reading these forums). You will be best served by getting your own test kit (see my signature below for information).Mr. McD said:The pool chemistry was tested at a local pool supply and they said everything was OK. They did a full range of tests, I am not sure what all the tests were. I use tabs, and occasionally a powdered chlorine if the level gets out of balance.
I mean no offense, but as stated belfore, you do not know it is chlorine causing the problem...again we need some test results that are accurate. The information Ping shared is a another data point that suggests there are other factors than a properly chlorinated pool than could be the problem.Mr. McD said:This is new to me, I just started getting it this summer after several weeks of pool use. I get it the most on my legs and back, but to a lesser extent everywhere. It look and feels like a bad case of poison oak. I am following all the recommendations for treating it. I haven't noticed any food that affect it. Chlorine is the only thing I have identified so far.
linen said:I mean no offense, but as stated before, you do not know it is chlorine causing the problem...again we need some test results that are accurate. The information Ping shared is a another data point that suggests there are other factors than a properly chlorinated pool than could be the problem.
From what you had previously told us, we have no way of knowing you are in a climate that is not warm enough for swimming now...it would help us if you put location in your forum profile and your pool details in your signature.Mr. McD said:I do not have the test results from this past summer but I will test the pool again before I use it this spring and post it here. To do it now would not help. Even if I made changes the water I am not likely to get into a 40 degree pool to see if I am affected.