Pool Woes

As if us pool swimmers don’t have enough concerns with the amounts of chlorine, muriatic acid, and cynuric acid (two being known carcinogens). Now there is a new chemical being tossed into some local pools, and if you don’t ask, they won’t tell.

It goes by the commercial name “Cover Free,” and what it does is retain pool heat and cut down the evaporation of pool water. As we are in a stage 2 drought, this product may have some appeal to pool managers. However, spec sheets list 10 possible short-term side effects that are basically the same as those three other chems: skin and eye irritation, respiratory inflammation, etc. The only thing is, this product has not being properly tested.

While this chemical may alleviate some cost concerns for pool facilities, what may be long-term health effects for swimmers? If this substance is indeed innocuous, why are some Cover Free pools being so hush-hush?

If you are a pool swimmer with concerns, consult your club manager and voice them.