**Palm Springs Pools: Are Desert Minerals Burning Eyes?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 6, 2025

Forget shimmering mirages. Let’s talk about the real desert mirage: the stinging eyes after a dip in a Palm Springs pool. It’s not some mystical desert curse; it’s science, and thankfully, solvable.

Palm Springs pools, while a welcome respite from the heat, often present a unique challenge: eye irritation. This isn’t just about chlorine; it’s a complex interplay of desert water chemistry and pool sanitation practices. The good news? You can conquer this watery foe.

The root of the problem lies in the water itself. Palm Springs water, like much of the desert Southwest, is naturally hard. This means it’s rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, while not inherently harmful, can react with pool chemicals, particularly chlorine, to form compounds that irritate the eyes.

Think of it like this: chlorine is the hero, fighting bacteria and algae. But in hard water, it’s also battling mineral buildup. This creates chloramines, which are the real culprits behind that burning sensation. Chloramines are less effective sanitizers than free chlorine and have that distinctive “chlorine” smell that’s often mistaken for a clean pool.

So, how do you combat this? It’s a three-pronged approach: balancing your pool chemistry, protecting your eyes, and implementing post-swim care.

First, balancing your pool chemistry is paramount. This isn’t just about dumping chlorine in and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding the specific needs of your Palm Springs pool.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Test your water regularly. Invest in a reliable test kit. Forget the cheap dip strips; get a liquid test kit or, even better, a digital tester. Taylor Technologies kits are a solid choice, readily available at most pool supply stores in the Coachella Valley. Test at least twice a week, especially during peak swimming season.
2. Pay attention to pH. The ideal pH range for a pool is 7.2 to 7.8. High pH reduces chlorine’s effectiveness and can contribute to scale formation. Use muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) to lower pH. Add it slowly, following the product instructions, and retest after a few hours.
3. Monitor alkalinity. Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, preventing drastic swings. The ideal range is 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million). If your alkalinity is low, use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise it.
4. Control calcium hardness. This is where the desert water really comes into play. High calcium hardness can lead to cloudy water and scale buildup. Aim for a range of 200 to 400 ppm. If your calcium hardness is consistently high, consider using a sequestering agent, like HTH Metal Control, to prevent mineral precipitation. In extreme cases, partial draining and refilling with lower-mineral water might be necessary.
5. Shock your pool regularly. Shocking helps break down chloramines and restore free chlorine levels. Use a non-chlorine shock, like potassium monopersulfate, at least once a week, especially after heavy use. This avoids adding more chlorine to the equation and exacerbating the chloramine problem.
6. Consider a salt water system. While it still uses chlorine, a salt water system generates chlorine continuously, often resulting in lower chloramine levels and gentler water. It’s an investment, but many Palm Springs residents find it worthwhile.

A common mistake is neglecting to test the water frequently enough. Pool chemistry is dynamic, constantly changing due to weather, usage, and other factors. Regular testing is the only way to stay ahead of the curve. Another pitfall is adding chemicals without understanding their impact. Always read the product instructions carefully and follow them precisely.

Second, protecting your eyes is crucial. Even with perfectly balanced water, some individuals are more sensitive than others.

• Wear swim goggles. This is the simplest and most effective solution. Look for goggles with a good seal and UV protection. Brands like Speedo and TYR offer a wide range of options.
• Rinse your eyes immediately after swimming. Use a saline solution or eye drops specifically designed for post-swim eye care. These help flush out any irritants and rehydrate the eyes.

Third, adopt a post-swim eye care routine. This is often overlooked but can make a significant difference.

• Use lubricating eye drops. Even if you don’t experience immediate irritation, swimming can dry out your eyes. Use lubricating eye drops, like Systane or Refresh, to keep them hydrated.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing can further irritate already sensitive eyes.
• Consider a warm compress. A warm compress can help soothe irritated eyes and reduce inflammation.

A specific challenge in Palm Springs is the intense sun. The sun can degrade chlorine and exacerbate eye irritation. Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use can help reduce chlorine loss and minimize the formation of chloramines.

Let’s consider a real-world scenario: You own a vacation rental in Rancho Mirage. Guests are constantly complaining about eye irritation. You diligently add chlorine, but the problem persists. By following the steps outlined above – regular water testing, pH and alkalinity balancing, calcium hardness control, shocking with non-chlorine shock, and encouraging guests to wear goggles – you can significantly reduce eye irritation and improve the guest experience.

Another example: You manage a community pool in Cathedral City. You notice a persistent chlorine smell and frequent complaints of eye burn. The problem is likely chloramines. Implement a regular shocking schedule with a non-chlorine shock, educate residents about the importance of showering before swimming, and consider installing an automatic pool cover to reduce chlorine loss.

Don’t fall for the myth that all pool chemicals are created equal. Opt for high-quality chemicals from reputable brands. Cheap chemicals often contain impurities that can throw off your pool chemistry and contribute to eye irritation. Leslie’s Pool Supplies and Pinch a Penny are reliable sources for pool chemicals in the Palm Springs area.

Ultimately, conquering eye irritation in Palm Springs pools is about understanding the unique challenges posed by desert water and adopting a proactive approach to pool care. By balancing your pool chemistry, protecting your eyes, and implementing a post-swim eye care routine, you can enjoy your pool without the sting. It’s not a mirage; it’s achievable.