Is indoor swimming at chlorinated pools worse for asthma?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studyhome
Verdict: Use Caution
Yes. Chloramine gas builds up indoors and irritates airways. Outdoor pools or saltwater are gentler.
What's actually in it
Indoor pools trap chloramine gas (the real source of that "pool smell") in the air just above the water. It's a known airway irritant that triggers asthma, especially in kids.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Ann Work Expo Health documented respiratory effects of quat-based irritants in indoor settings. Chloramines act similarly on airways.
For a kid with asthma, outdoor chlorinated pools or saltwater pools are gentler. Shower before swimming (cuts the chloramine-generating organic load). Talk to the pediatrician about inhaler timing around swim practice.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory quats and VOC exposures during residential cleaning. | Ann Work Expo Health | 2025 |
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