The discoloration of hair, often observed as a greenish tint, after exposure to swimming pools is a common phenomenon. The common misconception is that the element itself is the direct cause. However, the actual culprit is typically copper present in the water.
Copper, acting as an algaecide, is frequently introduced to swimming pools to inhibit algae growth. Furthermore, copper pipes used in pool plumbing can corrode over time, releasing copper ions into the water. This is amplified by pH imbalances in the pool water. These metals bind to proteins in the hair shaft. Blonde and light-colored hair are particularly susceptible due to their lack of darker pigments to mask the discoloration.