How to protect your skin from chlorine in the pool almost seems like we want you to avoid the swimming pool. Not. At. All! The swimming pool contractors from Seahorse Pools & Spas in Fort Worth, Texas know that swimming pool water needs to be sanitized, but they also know swimmers want to avoid chlorine and other chemicals.
The age and condition of your skin and whether you have skin conditions may lead to you suffering rashes, itchy, dry skin and other issues from prolonged contact with chlorine. You can enjoy the pool and still protect yourself from chlorine and other chemicals and it’s not that difficult!
Sanitizing needs: Contaminants in your pool water
Chlorine is necessary for pool water cleanliness and to keep it free of bacteria. Unless you convert your pool to a salt water chlorination system or install a natural pool, chemicals are a fact of life for pool owners.
Chlorine kills and helps eliminate organic matter from the pool water. Organic matter includes body waste, sweat, hair spray, perfume, deodorant, urine (yes, people will pee in the pool) germs, viruses and bacteria.
How to protect your skin from chlorine in the pool
Chlorine performs necessary tasks for your pool water, but it does have downsides and those are — harsh by products.
What can chlorine exposure do?
- You can get dry skin from prolonged swimming.
- Your eyes can turn red
- You can develop a rash
- Your hair could turn green (this usually happens with color treated hair)
- Chemical burns — this is extreme. If you have sensitive skin or a skin issue this could be problematic
How can you protect your skin and eyes?
- Shower as soon as you get out of the pool
- If you have sensitive skin, make sure you use lotion after swimming
- Use Vitamin C on your skin and in your hair.
- Use a rich moisturizer if you have dry skin — don’t wait for a problem to occur
- Keep the pool water chemistry in balance — this is the most important way to protect yourself, your skin and your pool water
If you want to make a move away from using chlorine to clean your swimming pool water, talk with us about installing a salt water chlorination system, a UV filter cleaning system or a natural pool. There are options that will allow you to swim and not suffer skin irritation.