What are chloramines?

Chloramines are specifically formed when chlorine used for disinfection reacts with ammonia and nitrogen compounds present in pool water. This process results in a combination that serves two main functions: while still having some disinfectant properties, chloramines are significantly weaker than free chlorine, which is the most effective disinfectant used in pools.

In addition to their reduced efficacy as disinfectants, chloramines can cause irritation to swimmers. This irritation manifests as red eyes, skin irritation, and respiratory issues, often leading to discomfort and potential health concerns.

Given these characteristics, it is accurate to identify chloramines as a combination of chlorine and ammonia in pool water, recognize them as weak disinfectants, and note their irritating effects on people. Therefore, stating that all these attributes apply to chloramines captures the comprehensive nature of what they are and their impact on pool sanitation and swimmer experience.