My neighborhood pool is requiring special swim diapers (the reusable kind that supposedly absorb urine and keep solids in) this season. I am told it is because “high bicarbonate levels” indicate a lot of urine in the pool. Is this true? Could this be caused by 4-6 children with disposable swim diapers?

Question:

My neighborhood pool is requiring special swim diapers (the reusable kind that supposedly absorb urine and keep solids in) this season. I am told it is because "high bicarbonate levels" indicate a lot of urine in the pool. Is this true? Could this be caused by 4-6 children with disposable swim diapers?

Answer:

Typically you would not consider the bather load of 4-6 children sufficient to have a significant impact on bicarbonate levels, even considering the extra urine. Certainly could have an impact on the chlorine demand of the water.