Let’s be honest, the subject is awkward and uncomfortable, but if you own a pool it’s important to know what your ‘getting yourself into. ’Pretty much anyone who has swam in a pool, has peed in it in their lifetime. So, it’s safe to say basically any pool will has a certain amount of pee in it. Even Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, has admitted to it himself. He stated, “chlorine kills it, so it’s not bad.” However, science is telling us otherwise. Not only is it just gross, but it’s harmful to your health.

In fact, a new study found that chlorine does not kill contents of our urine, but does however react with it to create potentially dangerous chemicals. The research, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, used a technique called membrane introduction mass spectrometry to measure the presence of dangerous byproducts in pools. Uric acid from human urine mixes with chlorine to create the cyanogen chloride (CNCI) and trichloramine (NCl3). CNCI is a toxic compound that can harm organs like the lungs, heart, and central nervous system. NCl3 has been linked with acute lung injury.

You know that familiar “pool smell”? It kind of stings your nose when you breathe in? Well, it’s actually not chlorine, but chloramines. The stronger the smell the more pee there is in the pool and its reacting to the chlorine to give off that smell.

Researchers recommend that all swimmers avoid urinating in swimming pools to prevent these chemicals from forming. The study found that a chemical in urine and sweat, called uric acid, undergoes a chemical reaction with chlorine to produce two substances– cyanogen chloride and trichloramine. This is where the danger begins.

Trichloramine is known for aggravating upper respiratory conditions like asthma, however it’s known for causing them in professional swimmers, because they spend so much time in the water and around pools. Mostly likely you won’t have Olympic trainers in your pool however, chloramines are also known to trigger asthma attacks and make the condition worse. On the other hand, chloramines are irritating to people in good health, however it does sting the eyes and burn the throat.

Often the reason why people do pee in the pool is due to laziness. They simply don’t want to get out of the pool, dry off, go inside and use the toilet. So we recommend posting a sign in your pool area, maybe 2 and encourage your guests to use the bathroom when they do need to go.

Overall, there really is no need to panic if someone does or avoid a pool because you are now paranoid. Don’t let us spoil your fun, go ahead and enjoy the pool, just use jump out and use the bathroom when needed.

You’re ready…the sun is out, you have the day off, your suit is on and you step outside to see a cloudy pool. UGH!!! Well, we are here to help guide you on how to clear your cloudy pool water fast.

Supplies you will need:

Water testing kit, a pool brush and a bottle of clarifier.

Step #1: Turn on your pool pump and filter system. Let it run for 24 hours a day until your pool is clear.

Step #2: Clean your pool! Grab your pool brush and brush your pool walls, behind the steps and the stairs.

Step #3: Test your water. Make sure your pH level is between 7.4 and 7.6

Step #4: You will need a bottle of pool clarifier. Follow instructions on the bottle and entire it into the pool directly. You can add more clarifier daily until your pool becomes clear. It is also recommended that you wait about an hour after adding pool clarifier to the pool before jumping in to take a swim. Typically, after using clarifier, your pool should clear up in 24 hours.

Clarifiers help your pool filter pick up those tiny, little particles that are making your water cloudy. They do this by coagulation. Meaning they take those tiny, little particles and bring them together to form bigger particles so that your filter has a better chance of catching them.

Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes >>> Read More

When I think of pool party foods, the first thing I think of is finger foods. Quick easy to grab and easy on the stomach foods. Refreshing, tasty and easy to make foods. Life is complicated enough, we like to make things easy. So, I searched for some of the best recipes focusing on just those things. These are sure to make your party a hit!

Watermelon, Mozzarella, Basil Skewers – These are so easy to make and SOOO delicious and refreshing at the same time. Cut up some watermelon into squares, the best you can. Also, some fresh mozzarella, balls or cut into squares. Then rinse and tear off a few hands full of basil leaves. Keep these whole, we don’t want to cut them. You will also need some balsamic vinaigrette to top it all off.

  Now you can start to build your skewers. Please a piece of watermelon, mozzarella to follow, then fold a basil leaf and place on the skewer, then repeat over and over and continue onto additional skewer sticks. I like to do about two rotations per stick, but you decide what is best for your party.

Once all have been completed. Lay them down on a pretty plate and then drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over them all. Refrigerate until ready to be placed out when the party begins.

Popcorn Finger Chicken – Simple, healthy pop in your mouth finger food. Depending on how many guests you are having, I like to average about 5-6 per person. Ingredients you will need: chicken breasts, eggs, flour, panko crumbs, salt and pepper. Prepare by cutting your chicken into small bite sizes. Then crack a few eggs into a bowl and whisk the eggs until mixed. Brag another bowl and add some flour in it, and then another bowl for the panko crumbs. I like to add spices to the flour bowl to give the flavor a kick. My favorite mix is salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder and mustard powder. A few dashes of each should do the trick. Also, prepare your baking sheet with a nice layer of oil and set to the side. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Begin by grabbing one chicken bite, place it in the flour bowl and cover it completely with flour. Then move the chicken bite to the egg bowl and cover completely with the egg. Then you move it to the panko bowl and cover it with panko crumbs. Then place it on the pan. Continue with the rest of the chicken bites and place all evenly on the baking sheet. Place in over for about 15-20 or until internal heat is at 165 degrees. Be careful not to overcook.

Once done, put on a plate and add toothpicks to each chicken piece for easy grab and go.

This last recipe is actual quite genius. Who doesn’t love a 7 layer bean dip? But after a few bites, it starts to get mushy, messy and germs from multiple mouths start to add up. So THIS is the perfect solution given to us by https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/individual-seven-layer-dips. For a complete recipe check out the link.

Individual Seven-Layer Dips

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 1 cup guacamole or make homemade guacamole
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo; or make homemade pico de Gallo
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 Roma tomatoes , diced
• 1/2 bunch of green onions , sliced
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can of sliced olives, drained
• 8 (9 ounce) plastic tumblers
• Tortilla chips

You won’t have the leave your pool float for this dip. You can eat it all in the pool. Enjoy!