Chlorinated swimming pools

[Rinda]

We don't let our children swim in chlorinated pools. It's just not a good thing, in our opinion.

We had a friend invite our 2 children to a waterpark for her child's birthday party today. Her daughter and our daughter are best friends. She already knew that we don't let our children soak/play in that kind of water but she asked anyway hoping that we would allow it for just this one time:rolleyes: .

We declined and of course that's our decision. Just curious if any one has opinions about this. Would you let your child, just for this one time?

[Raene]

You know how I feel about "just this one time"? I feel like that is the root of confusion for our kids. They don't understand the just this one time thing.
I was vegan for such a long time as was my daughter and when I started dating someone who wasn't I ate real cheesecake at a restaurant. I also allowed my daughter to have some. So many questions came up "but we don't eat cow" etc and she didn't understand. I mean, I'm sure your kids are older, but still, they get confused. Stand true to what you believe in. Never back down. That's my belief.

[Blazin'Jane]

While appreciate the concern, my 7 children and I spent whole summers poolside when they were growing up. I taught, they learned, and then swam some more, just goofing around and on teams every year. Several of them life guarded and taught swimming through college and beyond, and now their children are swim-teamers, guarders, and teachers. I swim in chlorinated water 2 or 3 times a week. We are a water family , for sure. I can't imagine us not swimming, and I absolutely cherish the many years I had with my growing children as we swam and swam and swam through the summers.

[Raene]

I'm sorry but I don't think that justifies it.
You could just as easily say "I grew up eating meat 3 times a day and look at me I don't have cancer."
Chlorine is poison.

[Conscious Midwife]

Temper everything with moderation.

I totally get the no pool. Though we swim. Just like I get the no vacs an imms. choice though we've immunized our children.

The best parenting is the parenting you feel is right.

Regarding the party. I would have attended the cake and singing part, dropped of a gift took some pics and let my child socialize for 20 min or so until the kids returned to the water.

Friends are the family you get to choose and celebrations are rituals that mark the passage of time, both I believe are important.

[Raw Yogini]

Just this once? Definitely! If it turned into more, I'd be fine w/ that, too.

Water parks are so much fun. I guess in my mind I figure the laughter, stress relief, enjoyment, exercise, bonding w/ friends and family, getting those endorphins going, wonderful memories, etc completely balance out the chlorine. Run home and wash off and wash the swimsuit.

To me it's risks vs. benefits. What is the true risk of swimming occasionally? What is the benefit of having an absolute blast w/ your best friend at a water park? Everything we do could potentially be dangerous (walking somewhere, hiking, riding in a car, an airplane, eating, breathing in a city, playing sports, .....you get the picture).

I think along w/ being active, eating well and having a spiritual connection, embracing life and having fun, being laid back and going w/ the flow is
equally important.

How did your daughter feel about missing the party? If you really believe the risks of swimming once outweighed whatever joy she would get from the party then I'm glad you stood up for what you believe in. If it were me, I'd be at the water park for the day w/ her having fun, too. Oh! We'd also take lots of yummy raw foods to enjoy.

[GoingRAW]

Temper everything with moderation.

I totally get the no pool. Though we swim. Just like I get the no vacs an imms. choice though we've immunized our children.

The best parenting is the parenting you feel is right.

Regarding the party. I would have attended the cake and singing part, dropped of a gift took some pics and let my child socialize for 20 min or so until the kids returned to the water.

Friends are the family you get to choose and celebrations are rituals that mark the passage of time, both I believe are important.

Very well said!

[Davylp25]

I heard that putting castor oil on helps lessen the effects of the chlorine, stop it from absorbing as much. Castor oil is thick!!

[spicyfull]

The Air is Bad for us also...........do we Stop breathing. I take care of My own water and I know how much chemicals go into it because I put them there. Life is for Living and don't be afraid of your shadows. Sometimes when Children are not allowed to do thing, they become More interested and sneak and do these thing when there is No one around and bad things happen.

I totally believe you should raise your Children as you choose. This is a Tough World and you are doing your Best to keep them safe, this is your Job, so you must do it as you feel best. I wish you Nothing but the BEST..............Just another Reporters Openion...and you know what they say about that.

[GlimR]

The Air is Bad for us also...........do we Stop breathing.

Respectfully, breathing is not a choice...allowing your child to steep in water that is full of a toxic chemical that is absorbed thru the skin is totally different and if it is ones belief or knowledge that it is seriously harmful then allowing a child to do it because it is fun is crazy. I know if I took my child to a party and only let them have a "little" of the fun and then left with them knowing the other children were going to be doing something they wanted to do and couldn't it would be worse than missing it altogether. It's a tough job being a parent and doing what you think to be the right thing in your child's best interst...and the choices you make aren't always popular but you have to live with them. Maybe you could invite the best friend to do something special with your child at another time that they would really like..a swim trip to a lake or something like that.

Best wishes to you and yours...it's not always easy~

[Raene]

Respectfully, breathing is not a choice...allowing your child to steep in water that is full of a toxic chemical that is absorbed thru the skin is totally different and if it is ones belief or knowledge that it is seriously harmful then allowing a child to do it because it is fun is crazy. I know if I took my child to a party and only let them have a "little" of the fun and then left with them knowing the other children were going to be doing something they wanted to do and couldn't it would be worse than missing it altogether. It's a tough job being a parent and doing what you think to be the right thing in your child's best interst...and the choices you make aren't always popular but you have to live with them. Maybe you could invite the best friend to do something special with your child at another time that they would really like..a swim trip to a lake or something like that.

Best wishes to you and yours...it's not always easy~

I completely agree. You all make these arguments about how it's not great but it's fun. Well, so is going to Ben and Jerrys. So is going to Chucke Cheese. So is ordering pizza and having it delivered to your door. But WE KNOW BETTER. We can be ignorant and say that it's fun so let's do it...can't deprive our kids...or we can say WELL, chlorine is POISON so it's better to skip this one party and attend the next one at a park. Etc. Sorry but ignorance is only bliss when you DON'T KNOW BETTER. When you do know and you choose to do it anyway, that's just not right.

[garden granny]

What are the effects of swimming in a pool with chlorine?? I don't think I've ever heard anything about that. What if you take a shower afterwards? My grandchildren have a pool and swim all summer. Should I be worried for them, they are 1-1/2 and 3 years old.

[GlimR]

Sorry but ignorance is only bliss when you DON'T KNOW BETTER. When you do know and you choose to do it anyway, that's just not right.

Not to get off track but this is the bottom line of the whole thing. With knowledge comes responsibility towards action.

[Raene]

Study Suggests Chlorine Could Cause Cancer

A new study published in the November 2006 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology has reported a link between exposure to chlorinated water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. According to researchers, ingestion of, and bathing, showering, and swimming in chlorinated water can all lead to increased incidence of cancer.

The study of the Municipal Institute of Medical Research in Barcelona, Spain, found that “long-term THM exposure was associated with a twofold bladder cancer risk” in households with high levels (50 or more micrograms per liter) of THM. (THMs, or trihalomethanes, are chemical by-products of chlorination.) Researchers discovered that these chemicals invade the human body through ingestion of water, by inhalation and dermal absorption. They also believe that THM that is absorbed or inhaled into the body does not go through a detoxification process in the liver, which may make the chemical much more dangerous in those situations.

The results of that study showed that drinking highly chlorinated water raised the cancer risk by 35 percent and that swimming in chlorinated pools raised the risk by 57 percent. Those who took longer showers and baths in THM-contaminated water saw their risk of bladder cancer increase 83 percent.

Found here http://www.friendsofwater.com/No_Chlorine.html

And it also possibly causes asthma and lung problems. Chlorine was used as a poison during the World War 1. It IS a poison.

[garden granny]

And it also possibly causes asthma and lung problems.

My 3 year old grandson has developed asthma and has to use an inhaler & nebulizer when he has an attack. This has been going on for a few months now. He fell in the pool when he was 2 and swallowed water ... luckily his dad was close by and dove in and rescued him (took him to the hospital to be checked out). About 6 months after that he developed asthma, so it now makes me wonder about that pool water.

[SharonC]

Since I learned better, I will not swim in chlorine (also have a shower filter). Even before I knew the dangers, I did not like the smell, how it burns your eyes, and how it dries the skin.

We built a pool about 8 years ago, and I told the guy from the pool company that I wanted to install a non chlorine system called EcoSmarte, and he said that it would not work in Texas. I laughed and said, you don't know me very well, I was not asking! Went on to tell him how many things that I do that I am told will not work such as having a beautiful yard and garden without ever using toxic chemicals.

[SharonC]

What are the effects of swimming in a pool with chlorine?? I don't think I've ever heard anything about that. What if you take a shower afterwards? My grandchildren have a pool and swim all summer. Should I be worried for them, they are 1-1/2 and 3 years old.

A friend of mine had her daughter in daycare/school when she was working outside the home (she was around 2 or 3 at the time). Her daughter developed asthma, and when my friend was telling the daycare workers about her special needs, they said, Oh, we already know all that because half of the class has asthma! She was so alarmed that she decided to stay home and took her daughter out of daycare - the asthma attacks immediately lessened, and I believe completely stopped.

My friend linked it to the DISINFECTENT SMELL of the daycare - protecting the children from germs and poisoning them in the process!!

My Mom has worked in the nursery of her church for about 35 years and is appalled that in the last 10 years or so, they are wiping down everything, including toys with bleach!! She refused, but is the only one who knows better.

[Rinda]

Goodness! Thanks for the comments on this topic!

Well, we DID actually allow our daughter to attend the little party they had before heading to the INDOOR waterpark (it was all contained in one building). The mother had called us again and asked if it would be okay if she came for the little party beforehand. So that was fine. At least they got to be together for a little bit.

We did go look at the waterpark and watch for a little. It looked like it would have been an absolute blast. But, oh my, the chlorine vapors burned the eyes (made them water)!!!! The girl's mother had major eye burning! Now if that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what would.

We all should realize that we can absorb a lot through our skin. How would you figure that someone could put a patch on the skin and use it as a birth control.

I guess we raise our children the best we know and if they decide to do different, once independant, then that'll be their choice. I at least like to give them a good headstart for life. That's fair to them, even though sometimes they might not think so.

I majorly appreciate the support on this decision. I hated to say no, in a way. The mother already knows we don't let our kids have a lot of the usual things that most children eat (artificial, sugar-filled popsicles, candy, gum ......) and probably thinks we are crazy for not letting our children be kids and enjoy the garbage, but so be it. The thought that the fun might outweigh the negative effects did cross my mind but thankfully my husband had the strength to absolutely take his stand on our daughter staying out of the chlorinated water.

Now, we'll just have to hope that some other natural method, rather than chlorine, will become the most accepted way in the future.

[GlimR]

I run a family child care program and it is mandated in the state regulations that I disinfect with a bleach and water mixture every day and for some things multiple times a day. I don't!! But I do use a non-toxic alternative to make sure things are clean. I have discussed it with the liscenser but they will not budge. I keep a non-toxic home and do what I know is right.
You are a very good parent to do all you can to protect your child. McDonald's is a childhood staple for most kids over two but that doesn't mean its ok.

Sharon...thanks for the info...I am in Florida now but will be moving before too long and was wondering what the heck I was going to do when I install a pool as an alternative..

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

At first, I was ready to tell you that you should absolutely let you children have fun with their friends "just this once", but I thought about it and realised my youth was blinding me. If I were a parent, I would have taken the same course of action as you did. I think you made the right decision.

[Gittel]

Rinda, I admire your strength of character.

Gittel

[Pookietooth]

Chlorine is nasty.

[Coconutcutie]

Well what about a salt water pool? We had a salt water system installed on our pool when we moved in. The system generates chlorine from the salt and much lower levels of chlorine and stabilizers are required to maintain the integrity of the water. In this way it is marketed as "safer". I still hate that there is chlorine being used, but at the time we were set on getting an ozone generator to disinfect the pool and were told that wasn't sold in an application for home use so we bought the salt system. We don't swim in the pool very much but it's nice to use it once in awhile.

Before this we tried all kinds of things that didn't work i.e. enzyme systems, etc.

[Pookietooth]

I've heard salt can be a good subsitute for chlorine, although there is still a small amount of chlorine in it from the salt (sodium chloride). I personally am allergic to chlorine, so going to a waterpark is not an option, and I would be pissed if someone invited my kid who knew about the allergy. I know it's different if it's not an allergy, but really, we are all at least somewhat sensitive to the chlorine in those places (some of us just more so). I hate it that they opened a huge one near us that other kids are getting to go to, but my ds will not. Luckily, we have a natural water play area in the mountains nearby that we may go to this summer (our summers are very short here, about two weeks in late July LOL).

[carolg]

My daughter in TX took our 3 year old grandbaby today to the neighbor's pool. Lady tests the cholorine. Well, my very blond grandbaby has "GREEN" tips on her beautiful hair. She's going to try beer, lemon juice or something more Aubrey Swim shampoo to get rid of the GREEN.

Can you imagine what it does to the body?

Grandbaby takes lessons at the city pool.

Just wanted to share.

I read Sharon's post and going to pass this on:

SharonC
Seed Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 132



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"Since I learned better, I will not swim in chlorine (also have a shower filter). Even before I knew the dangers, I did not like the smell, how it burns your eyes, and how it dries the skin.

We built a pool about 8 years ago, and I told the guy from the pool company that I wanted to install a non chlorine system called EcoSmarte, and he said that it would not work in Texas. I laughed and said, you don't know me very well, I was not asking! Went on to tell him how many things that I do that I am told will not work such as having a beautiful yard and garden without ever using toxic chemicals."

==========

Take care.
carolg

[Pookietooth]

I think that epsom salts are supposed to remove chlorine. There is a type of essential oil called Cel-lite Magic sold by Young's Living Oils (http://www.youngliving.us/products.asp) that is supposed to block the absorption of chlorine, although I'm not sure how true those claims are.

[punpkin]

Wish I knew more about this or had reason to know more ( like I was building a pool or something!) but there was an article about a "granny" in London ( I came across it on the Internet and forget where.) I talked about how she insulated her house with sheep's wool and how she had a rain water pool. My idea of absoloute heaven would be to be able to go swimming every single day. It is going on my wish board! Can you tell I am a water sign?:)

[RawDrop]

I have a question....

I need some websites that show/share the long term affects of repeated exposure to chlorinated pools.

I have two beautiful stepdaughters that love keeping busy, and two of those activities are around pools. They are usually in the pools about 5 to 7 hours a week. Their mom keeps them to this strict schedule.

The eldest complains about not being able to breathe when she is in the pool, her skin is getting increasing sensitive and has issues with eye irritation.

The younger one also has skin irriatation, and serious issues with redness of the eyes.

Their mother won't see that while it is good that the girls are active, most of their issues are being caused by the chlorine in the pool.

I need websites so I can teach the kids...

Any help is CERTAINLY welcomed...