My shower (an in-stall water heater) sometimes smells like something rubber is burning. It's a strong acrid smell that I only notice while in the shower and usually only after a sweaty workout. There is no sign of smoke like you would expect with burning rubber. Is this just some sort of weird sweat and treated water chemical reaction? Anybody heard of something like this?
posted by srboisvert on Jul 24, 2009 - 11 answers

i like to swim, but friends have been lecturing me about the dangers of chlorine -- that it's been linked to cancer, that it's god-awful for your health and well-being, even if not cancerous. does anyone have an informed opinion on this issue?
posted by LittlePumpkin on May 30, 2009 - 36 answers

This morning we found a dead bird in our pool -- unfortunately, this pool is half-empty and has been unfiltered and stagnant for a month. Considering that birds carry diseases, do we need to completely empty out the pool or will chlorine be enough to fend off any potential health hazards? [more inside]
posted by spiderskull on Dec 22, 2008 - 12 answers

I have rosacea which is kept in check with daily applications of MetroGel (metronidazole). I also like swimming as exercise. The problem is that swimming in a chlorinated pool leaves my nose area bright red, almost like a chemical burn. It takes at least 2 weeks of extra care on my part to reduce this redness. What are some things I can do to protect my face when swimming? Or will I have to give up swimming altogether? (Note that other types of exertion, such as jogging or cycling, do not result in this type of redness)
posted by needled on Sep 19, 2008 - 11 answers

Anyone ever used the VitaCShower or similar products? Did it work? Did you notice a difference? And did you try the bath tablets too? I'm looking for a shower head filter that will remove chloramine and chlorine. [more inside]
posted by i_love_squirrels on May 22, 2008 - 0 answers

Non-chlorinated winter swimming options in or around NYC? (Sustained swimming, not quick dips like the Polar Bear Club takes at Coney.) Just asking in case there's some idea I'm totally missing, short of "go somewhere warmer."
posted by lorimer on Dec 17, 2007 - 5 answers

If I leave a glass of tap-water out for a few hours, then drink it, I get a strong chlorine taste. Why? [more inside]
posted by Ziggurat on Jun 4, 2007 - 15 answers

I am moving into a house that has a (currently unmaintained) pool. I would like to use it, but I don't want to use chlorine or bleach to keep the pool clean. What are my options?
posted by Jairus on May 21, 2007 - 28 answers

Why did the hot tub turn my white t-shirt blue? [more inside]
posted by iguanapolitico on May 21, 2007 - 14 answers

How can I stop myself getting skin / ear / eye / anything infections after swimming in a dirty pool? [more inside]
posted by TrashyRambo on Feb 21, 2007 - 19 answers

Why is there algae growing in my Britta? [more inside]
posted by mzurer on Feb 4, 2007 - 8 answers

I just moved into a new apartment, and the water (from the sink, shower, etc.) smells a bit like chlorine/bleach. Should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by rorycberger on Feb 2, 2006 - 10 answers

Is there a way to naturally remove chlorine from your skin and hair? [more inside]
posted by lunkfish on Jan 13, 2006 - 8 answers