Memorial Day weekend is arriving soon and with it comes the first weekend of “summer” where many families will gather around for a BBQ and enjoy a dip in the family pool. Whether you’re going to venture into a pool or outside this weekend or not, I wanted to share some interesting findings of chemicals in pools and sunscreen.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its findings on chemicals and pools as well as created a recommended sunscreen list just in time for Memorial Day weekend fun. The information is discussing pee in pools and whether or not chlorine really gets rid of those chemicals. Now, as a parent who’s had her fair share of having to remind her younger two sons never to pee in a pool, I can see how this could be a cause of concern.

My younger boys always thought their penis was a cool contraption and well, me being a partial redneck style person, always knew that peeing outdoors could be a thing in the country. Thankfully my boys were taught from a young age to never, ever pee in a pool or any pool of water, to be honest. I believe in having a clean swimming location for my family.

With that being said, EWG simply wants consumers to think about what’s in the pool before they venture out to get a good swim in this holiday weekend and all summer long. Chlorine can kill the containment of many chemicals found within the pool, but when combined with urine this actually creates a disinfection byproduct such as chloroform. Scientists have identified more than 600 disinfection byproducts, some being known to cause cancer and harm to the fetus. Scary stuff. {source}

When it comes to drinking water, we can work to filter it properly but with swimming pools, most filtration options would rid the pool of the necessary chlorine content. This makes it difficult for people to feel safe from dangerous chemicals in their pool during the summer swimming season. 

What Can You do to Reduce Chemicals in Your Pool?

There are a few things to take into consideration and try to do as a means to make sure you have as little dangerous chemicals as possible in your pool this summer season: 

• Don’t overly use chlorine. Yes, you need to use it, but don’t overdo it.
• Know that bromine, often used in place of chlorine, still creates high concentrations of disinfectant byproducts. {source}
• Make signs and be adamant about no peeing in the pool. The main cause of disinfectant byproducts is related to human feces being found in the water. This can be reduced by keeping a watchful eye on swimmers. 
• Look into ultraviolet methods for pools, although I’m not certain they’re available yet, many well systems use these lights to help ensure their drinking water is safe. 
• Read the tips sheet for pool owners released by EWG, here. 

Recommended Sunscreens for Kids

To see the full list of recommended sunscreens for kids, click here. You can find a list of Amazon affiliate links below that will showcase some of the best sunscreen options to keep your kids protected this summer season.