How to Protect Against Swimming Pool Chemicals
How to Protect Against Swimming Pool Chemicals
How to Protect Against Swimming Pool Chemicals
Swimming is the fun part, but those swimming pool chemicals? Not so much. Read on for valuable tips and tricks for protecting against pool chemicals.
Keyword(s): swimming pool chemicals
When the weather gets too hot to bear, but you still want to be outside, there's nothing like a quick dip (or a leisurely float, or a long swim!) in a pool. Unfortunately, the chemicals that are necessary to keep pool water fresh and clean can wreak havoc on your hair, skin, and bathing suit.
Read on for tips to protect yourself from swimming pool chemicals, so you can get your swim on, all summer long!
Are Swimming Pool Chemicals Safe?
Yes! You would not want to even dip a toe into any pool that wasn't treated with chlorine and bromine. These protect swimmers from microbes that would otherwise be potential health hazards.
That said, there are some precautions to take. Prevent yourself from post-pool woes like dry hair, skin irritation, wear-and-tear on your swim duds, and even some health problems by following these tips.
Rinse Off -- Before and After
Taking a shower after climbing out of the pool is a must. Wash your hair and body thoroughly. This will help the swimming pool chemicals from lingering on your skin and hair.
Public pools ask patrons to shower before entering the water, and although many people ignore this request, it's in your best interests to comply.
Why?
It turns out that a potentially dangerous compound called chloramine can develop when chlorine reacts with the ammonia from sweat (Chloramine also results from the interaction of chlorine and urine, so please don't pee in the pool!)
Washing off perfumes, lotions and other beauty products before swimming is another way to avoid toxic interactions between the chemicals in those and in the pool water.
Turn to Coconut Oil
The benefits of coconut oil for health have been widely debated, but as a topical skin care product, it does more than just moisturize.
Healthy skin is covered by a thin, somewhat acidic film that protects against alkaline bacteria and viruses. Both soap and chlorine can remove this film, but by applying coconut oil -- which replicates it -- you can add a layer of protection.
Spray on Vitamin C
Did you know that vitamin C neutralizes chlorine and chloramine? After your dip in the pool -- but before your shower -- spritz yourself with a DIY solution of powdered vitamin C dissolved in filtered water. This will prevent the negative effects of swimming pool chemicals.
Take Care of Your Hair
You've heard horror stories about avid swimmers' hair turning green from chlorine.
Even casual swimmers, though, may find that their hair becomes dry or brittle. Use a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment after each swim to help keep your locks healthy and strong. You can also avoid the problem altogether by wearing a swim cap. Bonus: a swim cap keeps your hair dry, too, so that your post-swim beauty routine is greatly simplified.
Lastly...
If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, stay up to date with maintenance and cleaning, and regularly test the waters to make sure the levels of chlorine and other swimming pool chemicals are optimal.
Doing so benefits not only the health of your skin and hair but also your pool.
Need help cleaning your pool so you can get the most out of it this summer? Let's do the job for you. Get a quote!