Summary: 5 common pool myths debunked: Pee dye, chlorine smell, red eyes & more. Learn the facts every pool operator should share with guests

Is there a Urine Pool Indicator?

What Every Pool Operator Should Know (and Share)

Do you remember that rumor your big brother, sister, or the neighbor told you about how the swimming pool water would turn a different color if you peed in it? Some people will ask, 'Is there a pool urine indicator dye in your pool?

You may be surprised to hear that rumor is still floating around, in spite of modern health and sanitation regulations. Urban myths are stubbornly persistent. These poolside legends often make their rounds on social media, in casual conversations, or through generations of “well-meaning” advice. They just keep spreading because they always find someone who at least partially believes them. 

But as a public or commercial pool operator, while it's of course important to know the truth yourself, it’s also essential to actively debunk misinformation for the safety and satisfaction of your patrons. These myths are also great opportunities to market and share everything your team does to keep pool water healthy, clean, and balanced. Ahead, we’ll cover 5 of the most common urban myths about pools and how to set the record straight for each.

Pool Myth 1 - Pools Turn Red if You Pee in Them

The Myth: Many kids grow up hearing that peeing in a pool urine indicator dye will trigger a red (or green, or blue) chemical reaction, creating an embarrassing cloud around the culprit.

The Reality: No such “pee indicator dye” exists. This story is pure fiction, either spread by adults hoping to deter inappropriate pool behavior–or by an older kid having a little fun by gently scaring their friend or sibling (perhaps because in at least one survey, 40% of American adults admitted to peeing in the pool!).

How to Set the Record Straight:

Educate your guests through signage or social media by turning the myth into a teachable moment. Lean into the humor of it. Try posting graphics with a message like, “No, the pool won’t turn red…but yes, it’s still gross. It also makes it harder for chlorine to disinfect.” Combine this with encouragement to use bathrooms regularly and enforce proper hygiene policies.

Pool Myth 2 - A Strong Chlorine Smell Means the Pool is Clean

The Myth: Swimmers often associate the distinct “chlorine smell” with cleanliness, assuming a powerful odor means the water is freshly sanitized and safe.

The Reality: That pungent smell actually comes from chloramines, which are formed when chlorine binds with organic substances like sweat, urine, or body oils. A strong odor usually signals poor water quality, not superior sanitation. 

How to Set the Record Straight:

This is a good opportunity to educate your swimmers and advertise the proactive work your staff does to ensure your pool water is clean and balanced. Let your guests know that a clean pool shouldn’t smell much at all. Use pool signage or email newsletters to explain that a strong odor is a red flag and may signal that the pool needs more free chlorine and possibly better ventilation. Include the policies and steps your pool has in place to prevent poor water quality, and promote pre-swim showers to reduce contaminants and keep chloramine levels down. 44% of Americans see pre-swim showers as unnecessary, so this type of education helps them understand why it helps.

Pool Myth 3 -  Chlorine Kills Everything Instantly

The Myth: People sometimes believe that once chlorine is added to pool water, it instantly neutralizes all pathogens, making it impossible to get sick.

The Reality: While chlorine is effective against many harmful microbes, it doesn’t work immediately. Some germs, like Cryptosporidium, can also survive for days even in a well-maintained pool. This is why waterborne illnesses still occasionally occur.

How to Set the Record Straight:

Be transparent about the limits of chlorine disinfection. Educate staff and patrons about additional protections like regular pool shocking, maintaining proper pH, and encouraging sick swimmers to stay out of the water. You might also consider posting real-time water quality data on a visible board to show your proactive maintenance efforts. An app like Pool Shark H2O helps by instantly logging test results and automatically performing the complex chemical math for highly accurate chemical adjustments and Health Department compliance.

Pool Myth 4 - Red Eyes Mean Too Much Chlorine

The Myth: Swimmers often blame red, irritated eyes on “too much chlorine” in the pool.

The Reality: In most cases, red eyes result from chloramines and not high chlorine levels. Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with contaminants like urine, sweat, and cosmetics—so ironically, the irritation may come from too little effective chlorine.

How to Set the Record Straight:

This is another opportunity to encourage better swimmer hygiene. Post poolside info graphics or create email newsletter call-outs explaining the cause of eye irritation and how showering before swimming helps keep eyes clear and the water cleaner for everyone.

Pool Myth 5 - Public Pools Are Always Heavily Regulated and Safe

The Myth: Many people assume that if a pool is public or commercial, it must be regularly inspected and perfectly safe.

The Reality: While inspections do occur, their frequency and thoroughness vary widely depending on jurisdiction. Many pools are only inspected once a year.  Some pools can fall out of compliance between inspections, especially during busy seasons.

How to Set the Record Straight:

Highlight your pool's safety commitment through transparency. Display inspection certificates, maintenance logs, and chemical logs in public view. Offer occasional behind-the-scenes video tours on social media or educational Q&A’s about water testing and pool chemistry. Empower your swimmers to ask questions, and show them you have nothing to hide.

Why Debunking Pool Myths Matters

While some of these myths may seem harmless or even humorous, they can have real consequences. Belief in false safety assumptions can lead to risky behavior, and misunderstandings about water chemistry can undermine trust in your facility.

By proactively educating your community, you can both clear up misconceptions and strengthen public confidence in your pool’s safety and professionalism.

Tips for Pool Operators to Communicate the Truth:

• Turn the “Myth vs. Fact” concept into a fun, ongoing social media series.
  
  
• Train your staff to answer common pool safety questions.
  
  
• Create fun, eye-catching signage that mixes humor with education.
  
  
• Include pool health facts in swim lesson materials, orientation packets, and email newsletters.
  
  
• Partner with local health departments or pool safety organizations for awareness campaigns.

Helping patrons understand what really goes into pool safety protects your swimmers and your reputation.

It also helps to give your staff the tools they need to keep swimming pools and spas clean and compliant with health department regulations. Pool Shark H2O replaces traditional paper commercial pool logs with a simple, easy to implement and manage cloud-based solution that brings you and your team confidence that your pools are being managed right. The Pool Shark H2O app instantly delivers accurate water analysis and chemical dosage recommendations, then locks results automatically in digital log books for 100% Health Department compliance. 

Remote management for all facilities reduces the number of visits to your pools to ensure that pools are being maintained and that pool chemicals are being applied properly, while notifications remind staff when pools need to be tested and alerts inform managers and staff when pools need attention. 

As a result, you can improve risk management, reduce liability, and deliver a sparkling, clean pool experience to all your guests.