Reasons to Take a Shower Prior to & Following Pool Use

Theswimguide.org reports approximately 40 percent of people say they don’t shower before swimming. And while the Water Quality & Health Council cites a survey showing 80 percent of respondents believe a post-swim shower is more important, some people forego doing this as well. However, there are some reasons you should get into the habit of showering before and after you swim in a pool. The experts from San Diego Pools, one of the premier swimming pool companies in San Diego, explain why.

Chlorine Kills “Bad Things” but Not Everything

Often mixed with other pool chemicals, chlorine is commonly used to oxidize and kill E-coli and other harmful bacteria in swimming pools. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant. Even so, it doesn’t work instantly when it’s applied, nor does it kill everything harmful that can be found in pool water. Showering after you swim provides an added layer of protection against harmful pool water organisms.

Showering First Helps Chlorine Work Better

When chlorine blends with sunscreen, sweat, and other organic matter normally found on human bodies, toxic byproducts are sometimes created. Showering before you swim removes excess organic materials from your body that could otherwise affect how well chlorine works. According to a Dutch study, showering for just 60 seconds eliminates 60 percent of contaminants normally found on the body.

Post-Swim Showers Get Rid of Lingering Bacteria

As mentioned above, chlorine doesn’t kill everything that can be found in pool water, which is why it’s equally important to shower when you get done swimming in a pool. Do the same thing on days when you participate in other pool-related activities, such as playing a water-based game or simply splashing around with friends and family members.

Chlorine Can Irritate Your Skin

Another reason to take a shower after you get done swimming or using your pool is because of the possibility of skin irritation, which can happen if chlorine levels are too high. Excess chlorine doesn’t usually cause an allergic reaction. However, it can cause a type of contact dermatitis, which could contribute to:

• Dry or red skin
• Tenderness
• Inflammation

Pre-Swim Showers Protect Other Swimmers

Many people use various products on their skin and hair, some of which can remain in place long after they’re applied. By showering before you swim, you’ll be rinsing off these products. What this does is reduce the risk of unintentionally contaminating your pool by adding more things to the water. This ultimately creates a safer pool for anyone else who may be using it with you.

Pre- and Post-Swim Showers Can Protect Your Hair

Your hair absorbs the various materials found in pool water, including chlorine. Over time, your hair may become dry and porous enough to be affected by other types of follicle damage, which may include hair discoloration and dryness. Showering before you swim creates a barrier that prevents your hair from absorbing too many harsh pool chemicals, and showering after you swim rinses off any pool chemicals that may be lingering in your hair.

Showering before and after you swim is just one of the helpful tips to follow if you own a swimming pool. If you don’t have a pool yet but you’re ready to add one to your home, reach out to the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. As premier specialists in modern pool design, we’ve been building high-quality pools for more than forty years, and we can build a pool that’s perfect for you and your family. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn how we can build the pool of your dreams.