Watchly Safety Review

How much pee is in a pool?

Mark Rober

1:00 · 66.4M views · September 5, 2024

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Minor FlagsReviewed June 2026

1Minor Flag

1No Issues

This short science video is safe and genuinely educational for most kids, using a simple chemistry experiment to explain why pools smell the way they do. The content is age-appropriate and curiosity-driven, with the only mildly crude element being the frank (but scientifically relevant) discussion of urine — which is handled matter-of-factly rather than for shock value. It's the kind of video that might actually inspire kids to think more critically about everyday experiences.

Content Breakdown · 2 Categories

Strong & Crude LanguageA little

The video contains only mild crude content — the word 'pee' is used repeatedly in a scientific/educational context, which is age-appropriate bathroom humor rather than strong or profane language.

See evidence (2)

“'bucket pee (or B)'”

“'Turns out it was just pee.'”

Algorithm-Bait & Disguised ContentNot present

The title 'How much pee is in a pool?' is mildly clickbait-y and designed to provoke curiosity, but the actual content fully delivers on the premise as a legitimate science experiment — there is no meaningful mismatch between title and content.

See evidence (1)

“Title 'How much pee is in a pool?' uses mild shock/curiosity framing”

What Parents Need to Know

This video conducts a real experiment to explain that the familiar 'pool smell' comes from chloramines — chemical compounds formed when chlorine reacts with urine and sweat — not from chlorine alone. It's a legitimate chemistry lesson wrapped in an engaging, slightly gross premise that kids tend to love. The word 'pee' is used casually and repeatedly, which is the only element some parents of very young children might want to be aware of. On the positive side, the video models scientific thinking: forming a hypothesis, designing a controlled experiment, and drawing conclusions from results. There is no inappropriate language, advertising, or harmful content of any kind.

Talk to Your Kids About

1What do you think makes a good science experiment? How did the person in this video make sure the test was fair?
2Did the result surprise you? Why do you think people didn't know the pool smell came from pee before?
3What does this make you think about public pools — does it change how you feel about swimming in them?
4Can you think of another everyday smell or experience you'd want to test with a science experiment like this?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this video appropriate for?

We recommend this video for ages 8 and up. The science concept is accessible to curious kids in that range, and the casual use of the word 'pee' is unlikely to be an issue for most children at that age.

Is this video actually educational?

Yes — it demonstrates a real chemistry concept about chloramines, which are formed when chlorine reacts with organic compounds like urine. The experiment follows basic scientific method principles, making it a good conversation starter about how science works.

Is there any inappropriate language or content?

The word 'pee' is used several times in a straightforward, non-vulgar context. There is no strong language, sexual content, violence, or other concerning material in this video.

Could this video encourage gross or unhygienic behavior in kids?

It's unlikely — the video explains a natural phenomenon rather than encouraging anyone to urinate in pools. If anything, it could prompt kids to think more carefully about hygiene in shared swimming spaces.

Is there any advertising or sponsored content in this video?

Based on the transcript, there are no sponsored segments or product promotions embedded in this video. It appears to be straightforward science content.

Is the science in this video accurate?

Yes, the core claim is scientifically accurate. The distinctive smell associated with pools is largely caused by chloramines, not chlorine itself, and chloramines do form when chlorine reacts with urine and sweat. This is well-documented in chemistry and public health research.