• Swimming pools are a nice, relaxing way to enjoy the summer.Swimming Pool image by PinkSkyPhotos from Fotolia.com
  
  Chlorine is a very hazardous product and should be used with extreme care in swimming pools. It comes in forms such as liquid, powder, granules and tablets. Allergic reactions are rare; however, chlorine can cause skin irritation if it is not used properly. Having not enough or too much chlorine in your swimming pool can cause several problems. Always use gloves and treat chlorine with extreme care. If you get any in your eyes or on your skin and skin irritation becomes unbearable, you should seek medical attention immediately.
  
  

Bacteria

• Chlorine kills bacteria in the pool that can cause athlete's foot, ear infections and other diseases. The ideal chlorine level in a pool should be 2 to 4 ppm (parts per million), according to AmericanChemistry. This can be tested by using chemical testing strips or pool testing kits, which are available at any pool supply store. In order to keep ideal chlorine levels in a pool, you must regularly add chlorine to the pool and test it daily. When the pool has a heavier than normal use, test more often and add chlorine as needed. If the pool gets below 1 ppm, the pool will need super chlorination. Super chlorination is done by raising the chlorine levels to approximately 10 ppm. Chlorine packages will give you instructions for this procedure.
  
  

Algae

• Three common types of pool algae can be found in low chlorine level pools: green, yellow or mustard and black. Algae forms in the pool when the chlorine levels drop too low. The algae can be cleared up by adding chlorine or using specials chemicals available from your local pool store. Once you identify the type of algae you have, you can figure out which chemicals you need to clear it up.
  
  

Skin Allergies

• When chlorine levels get too high, it can cause skin allergies and irritation in some people. This can present as red, raised or itchy skin. If skin irritations last more than 24 hours, you should seek medical attention.
  
  

Eye Irritation

• Kids typically open their eyes under water, and when chlorine levels are high, this can cause irritation and burning. Even if your eyes are not open, strong amounts of chlorine can cause burning.
  
  

Difficultly Breathing

• Extremely high levels of chlorine can cause difficulty breathing. You should not swim in the pool until the levels come down. Your pool equipment can also be damaged by high levels of chlorine, so always make sure to read the directions and only add the specified amount. A couple of ways to get the levels down fast rather than letting them evaporate on their own is by letting the hot sun directly hit the pool, add fresh water or drain and replace some of the water. Taking the cover off your pool and letting the sun shine directly on the water will allow some of the chlorine to dissipate. This is a natural way and could take a couple of days to lower the levels. Adding water to the pool will dilute the amount of chlorine in the pool.