Clear Water Can Still Kill, Part 2: The Myth-Busting Conclusion with Dewey Case & Natalie Hood

What if the crystal-clear pool water that looks perfectly inviting could actually be harboring invisible dangers that threaten your family's health? In the conclusion of their eye-opening myth-busting series, pool industry veterans Dewey Case and Natalie Hood shatter one of the most persistent and dangerous misconceptions in aquatic safety: the belief that clear water automatically means clean, safe water.

The Clear Water Deception: Why Your Eyes Can't Be Trusted

One of the most dangerous myths in pool safety is the assumption that if water looks clear, it must be chemically balanced and safe. This misconception has led countless pool-goers into contaminated water, resulting in everything from minor skin irritation to serious infections.

You can't tell if the chemistry is good by looking at it... clear water is not clean water, right? If you walk into an auditorium, indoor pool, right? And you're hitting the face with chlorine stench and your eyes start watering and your nose burns. The best thing you can do is turn around and walk away.

— Dewey Case, Talking Pools Podcast

Case shares a perfect example of this deception during a vacation experience in New Orleans. Despite staying at an upscale hotel specifically chosen for its pool, he discovered the seemingly clear water had dangerously low chlorine levels of just 0.5 PPM. The slight haze that most guests would overlook was actually a warning sign that kept his family safely poolside rather than in the water.

The reality is that harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are invisible to the naked eye. Crystal-clear water can still harbor dangerous microorganisms like E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Pseudomonas – the latter being particularly notorious for causing painful swimmer's ear infections.

The Chlorine Smell Paradox: When "Clean" Smells Actually Signal Danger

Another persistent myth that puts swimmers at risk is the belief that a strong chlorine smell indicates a well-sanitized pool. In reality, that overwhelming chlorine odor is often a red flag signaling poor water chemistry and potentially dangerous conditions.

Natalie Hood experienced this firsthand while searching for swim lesson facilities for her children in Tennessee:

There were so many pools that we visited. And I would walk in there and immediately I just got smacked in the face with chlorine... And my husband was like, well, it smells clean. And I'm like, are you kidding me? Is that not making your nostrils flare? Like my eyes are burning.

— Natalie Hood, Talking Pools Podcast

That overpowering chlorine smell actually indicates the presence of chloramines – chemical compounds formed when chlorine combines with contaminants like sweat, urine, and body oils. These chloramines are what cause eye and nose irritation, not the free chlorine that actually sanitizes the water. A properly balanced pool should have little to no chemical odor.

When you encounter that sharp chlorine smell, it typically means one of two problematic scenarios: either the pool operator lacks proper training and knowledge, or the facility isn't investing adequate resources in proper maintenance. Both situations present potential health risks that no amount of clear-looking water can offset.

Testing Frequency: The Foundation of Pool Safety

One of the most critical aspects of pool safety that's often overlooked is proper testing frequency. Different types of pools require different testing schedules based on bather load, water volume, and risk factors.

Residential Pools:

• Homeowners should test daily, even with weekly professional service
• Pool service professionals should conduct full panel tests on-site during each visit
• Never rely on day-old water samples – chemistry changes rapidly

Commercial Facilities:

• High-use spas may need hourly testing
• Large competition pools require multiple daily tests
• Splash pads need hourly monitoring due to rapid chemical changes

We test it four times a day... Our average bather load is 500 to 700 daily... The splash pad that we have on site, we test it hourly... Those splash pads are like Petri dishes.

— Dewey Case, Talking Pools Podcast

Case emphasizes that regulatory requirements represent minimums, not optimal standards. Pool operators should assess their specific risk profile, user volume, and water body characteristics to determine appropriate testing frequencies.

The Professional's Dilemma: When Pool Pros Avoid Public Pools

Perhaps the most telling indicator of widespread pool safety issues is when industry professionals themselves avoid public aquatic facilities. Case's admission about his spa habits reveals the stark reality of pool maintenance standards:

I don't get in public spas... Even when I had a spa I maintained for 20 years, I got into it a grand total of five times... And each time after a draining clean, and I was meticulous about my water chemistry.

— Dewey Case, Talking Pools Podcast

This professional paranoia isn't unfounded. Hot tubs and spas present particular challenges due to their high temperatures, which accelerate chemical reactions and bacterial growth, combined with typically high bather loads relative to water volume. The warm, moist environment creates ideal conditions for pathogen proliferation if maintenance isn't absolutely meticulous.

Even facilities that appear well-maintained can have serious underlying issues. Many establishments rely on single operators with no backup coverage during sick days or vacations, leading to gaps in proper chemical management. The consequences of these lapses can include disease outbreaks, chemical burns, or respiratory issues from poorly balanced water.

Emerging Challenges: Airbnbs and Pool Rentals

The sharing economy has introduced new challenges to pool safety that existing regulations haven't adequately addressed. Airbnb properties with pools and emerging pool rental services create situations where water quality oversight is minimal or nonexistent.

Hood's experience planning a family vacation illustrates these concerns. Despite family pressure to book accommodations with pools and hot tubs, she opted for properties without aquatic amenities due to uncertainty about maintenance standards. Her instincts align with industry expert concerns about unregulated pool access.

Even more concerning are emerging business models that allow homeowners to rent their pools by the hour to strangers. As Case points out, this creates a regulatory gray area where private pools are essentially operating as public facilities without proper oversight, testing requirements, or safety protocols.

Professional Standards: The Path Forward

For pool service professionals, maintaining high standards isn't just about regulatory compliance – it's about building trust and ensuring client safety. The podcast emphasizes several key practices that separate exceptional service providers from the rest:

• On-site testing: Conduct full chemical panels during each visit, not the next day at the shop
• Thorough documentation: Maintain detailed logs of all treatments and readings
• Proactive communication: Educate clients about proper expectations and safety signs
• Premium pricing for premium service: Don't compete on price alone – compete on quality and reliability

The best marketing strategy for pool professionals is simply being excellent at their job. Clients will pay premium rates for service providers who demonstrate expertise, thoroughness, and genuine concern for safety.

Protecting Your Family: Practical Safety Steps

Armed with professional insights, pool users can take several steps to protect themselves and their families:

Before Entering Any Pool:

• Trust your senses – if you smell strong chemicals or your eyes water, leave
• Look for visible maintenance issues like cloudy water, debris, or staining
• Ask to see recent test logs if possible
• Consider bringing your own test strips for quick verification

For Pool Owners:

• Test daily during swimming season, regardless of professional service
• Learn to recognize proper chemical levels and water balance
• Maintain equipment properly and address issues promptly
• Keep detailed records of all treatments and readings

When Traveling:

• Research accommodation pool maintenance standards
• Pack test strips for quick water quality checks
• Don't hesitate to avoid questionable water bodies
• Consider the source – is this a professional facility or private rental?

Remember that your family's health is more important than anyone's feelings about pool criticism. As Case emphasizes, protecting your loved ones should always take priority over social politeness when it comes to questionable water quality.

Conclusion

The myth that clear water equals safe water continues to put swimmers at risk across the country. Through their candid discussion, Case and Hood have revealed the uncomfortable truth that many aquatic facilities – from high-end hotels to neighborhood pools – fail to maintain proper water chemistry despite appearances.

The key takeaway is that proper pool safety requires vigilance, education, and a healthy skepticism of appearances. Whether you're a pool owner, service professional, or simply someone who enjoys swimming, understanding the difference between clear water and clean water could literally save your life.

By demanding higher standards from pool operators, supporting proper regulation of sharing economy pools, and educating ourselves about water chemistry basics, we can work toward a future where crystal-clear water actually means what it appears to promise – a safe, enjoyable swimming experience for everyone.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction: Why Pool Pros Avoid Public Hot Tubs
• 05:30 The New Orleans Hotel Story: Clear Water, Hidden Dangers
• 12:15 The Chlorine Smell Myth: When Clean Doesn't Smell Right
• 18:45 Testing Frequency Guidelines for Different Pool Types
• 25:20 The Airbnb Pool Problem: Unregulated Water Bodies
• 32:10 Professional Standards and Best Practices
• 38:55 Protecting Your Family: Practical Safety Tips