Signs a swimming pool might be unclean
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A truly clean pool should have no noticeable odor. If the smell of chlorine is strong enough to sting your eyes, it could indicate the water is overloaded with chemicals reacting to contaminants. To check if a pool is genuinely safe, look for clear water, proper chlorine or bromine levels, and a balanced pH. Cloudy water, strong chemical odors, or visible debris can signal poor maintenance and potential bacteria growth. Regular testing and proper filtration are key to keeping a pool both inviting and safe for swimmers.
Source
Giampaoli S, Romano Spica V. Health and safety in recreational waters. Bull World Health Organ. 2014 Feb 1;92(2):79. doi: 10.2471/BLT.13.126391. PMID: 24623897; PMCID: PMC3949538.
Additional Reading
https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-to-tell-if-a-swimming-pool-is-actually-clean-or-not/
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250630-how-hygienic-are-public-swimming-pools-really