That Strong “Chlorine” Smell Means Something’s Wrong at the Pool

That sharp, chemical scent that hits you at an indoor pool? It’s not chlorine doing its job—it’s chlorine losing the battle.

The real culprit is chloramines, which form when chlorine mixes with body sweat, urine, cosmetics, and other organic matter people bring into the water. So, the stronger the smell, the dirtier the pool is likely.

Why a Strong Pool Odor Means Less Clean Water

Clean, well-maintained pools don’t actually smell that strong. In fact, chlorine on its own is nearly odorless when properly balanced. When it starts reacting with too many contaminants, chloramines form, and they’re what burn your nose and eyes. Worse, they also mean there’s less “free chlorine” available to actually disinfect the water.

How It Affects Your Health

That smell might be annoying, but it’s also a sign your health could be at risk. Chloramines can cause skin and eye irritation, breathing problems, and even worsen asthma. They’re especially harsh in indoor pools where there’s poor ventilation, letting the chemical vapors hang in the air and affect swimmers and staff alike.

Where the Chloramines Come From

The list isn’t pretty—sweat, sunscreen, hair products, deodorant, pee, and even microscopic poop particles can all end up in the water. Each time someone skips the shower or sneaks in a bathroom break in the pool, they’re feeding the chemical reaction that creates that all-too-familiar stench.

How to Make Pools Safer

Want to avoid swimming in a chemical soup? Start by showering—yes, with soap—before jumping in. Encourage pool facilities to monitor chemical levels closely and ventilate indoor spaces properly. And if a pool smells too strong? That might be your cue to stay out altogether.

What to Remember Before You Dive In

A strong chlorine smell doesn’t mean the pool is super clean—it means it’s probably overloaded. Clean pools shouldn’t have much of a scent at all. That strong odor is a signal that the water might be overused, under-treated, or both. So next time you catch that signature whiff, you’ll know exactly what you’re swimming in.

You might also want to read: Body Odor: Understanding the Unpleasant Smell