Chlorine can't kill head lice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also report that swimming in a chlorinated pool won't kill lice. Not only are lice able to survive pool water, but they also firmly grip human hair when a person goes under water.

What chemicals kill lice?

Permethrin lotion, 1%;

Permethrin lotion 1% is approved by the FDA for the treatment of head lice. Permethrin is safe and effective when used as directed. Permethrin kills live lice but not unhatched eggs. Permethrin may continue to kill newly hatched lice for several days after treatment.

How long can lice live in a swimming pool?

They also use their claws to crawl down toward your scalp when it's time to feed. Head lice can't fly, hop, or swim. However, lice that are in water like in a bathtub or swimming pool are still tightly attached to the hair, and can survive underwater for up to eight hours.