SALT LAKE CITY -- Chemicals are mixed into pools to kill bacteria. But the wrong amount of treatment to the water can burn a swimmer’s skin. Chemical burns can irritate the skin, throat and eyes.
Last year nearly 5,000 people were sent to the emergency room because of burns. A majority of these injuries happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day when most people are using their pools.
"It looks just like a burn -- their skin is really red and irritated. Depending on the severity they can have blisters that have fluid in them,” said Jamie Quinlan, Nurse Manager, University of Utah Health Care.
Experts say it's vital to follow directions on chemical labels when treating water.
Those who do come in contact with any chemical are instructed to call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
