by S'WET™ Instructor Breanna Anderson
As water fitness professionals, we tend to trust our pool operators/aquatic directors to keep our water healthy. However, the pool operator industry is often unregulated and many folks receive on-the-job training (or learn from Google).
A mentor once encouraged me to learn more about pool chemistry, which is what prompted me to earn my Aquatic Facility Operator certification.
Realizing that the nostalgic scent of chlorine (from childhood) is actually a sign of an unbalanced pool was definitely eye-opening. My husband and I can be confident that our pool water is safe/healthy - not just for us, but for clients as well.
Even with perfectly balanced water, a chlorinated pool can still cause skin irritation and a “perfume” that’s hard to hide. Cold winter weather only exacerbates that post-pool dryness, and our members have asked us for tips to safeguard their skin, hair, and swimwear.
While chlorine may get a bad rap, it’s very effective at sanitizing pools and eliminating microorganisms that can cause illness. Chlorine also oxidizes organic contaminants, "burning up" things like sweat, body oils, lotions, skin cells, and ammonia. By itself, liquid chlorine does not actually have a smell. It's when it reacts with organic materials like skin, sweat, urine, or hair products, that chlorine creates chloramines and produces that bleach-like odor.
An indoor aquatic center that reeks of chlorine is indicative of poor ventilation and/or a lot of organic materials in the water, and those chloramines leave pool users with red, irritated eyes, skin rashes, or even a cough.
So while you and your clients have to trust your pool operator to keep your water safe and balanced, there are many steps you can take to preserve your swimsuits and maintain healthy skin in all seasons.
Here are some recommendations I've compiled from dermatologists and my own personal experience!
BEFORE YOUR POOL WORKOUT:
Take a cool or cold shower immediately prior to entering the pool. Rinsing off removes lotions, oils, and other products that may interact with chlorine and cause rashes, redness, or itchiness. Rinsing off also prevents you from bringing sweat, dead skin cells, and toiletries into the water, reducing the formation of chloramines!
Cool showers will close the skin’s pores and make it harder for your skin to absorb chlorine. This is true for your hair, too; if you have color-treated hair, rinse with cool water (and wear a swim cap if you’re really concerned)!
Don’t dry off completely! If possible, rinse off and head right to the pool!
IMMEDIATELY AFTER:
Take a cool or warm (not hot!) shower. Use a gentle cleanser to remove chlorine from your skin. TRISWIM, TRIHARD and DERMASPORT all specialize in chlorine removal products, but there are many on the market.
Dry off and apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp. Most dermatologists recommend using products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), aloe, and Vitamin C.
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"DETOXING" & OTHER HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN AND SUITS:
Your skin absorbs chlorine, and it can be difficult to get rid of that chlorine "smell." Here are additional ways to neutralize the effects of chlorine:
Sweat it out. Use a sauna, ride your bike, or take a brisk walk on the same day as your water workout.
Taurine supplements. Taurine is an amino acid that binds with chlorine & detoxes it from your body. Take a good-quality supplement on the morning of your swim, and it will remain in your system for approx. 48 hours. (Of course, check with your doctor to ensure this supplement might be right for you!)
Vitamin C powder or tablets. Vitamin C also neutralizes chlorine and helps repair skin. You have a few options: Mix a high-quality Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) powder with water and drink it (detoxing your body from the inside-out) OR add the powder to a spray bottle with water and spritz it on your skin after your water workout but prior to showering. You could also mix a tablespoon of Vitamin C crystals into your body wash or shampoo. Too much work? There are a variety of ready-made Vitamin C sprays available to purchase, too!
Baking soda hair rinse. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and massage it into your hair. Rinse well, then wash with mild shampoo.
Vinegar hair rinse. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water & apply to freshly washed hair, followed by one final rinse.
Take an Epsom salt bath. Add 1/2 cup Epsom salt per 50# of body weight to your bathwater and soak for 15 minutes.
Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Iodine supplements may also assist with reducing chlorine’s effects on the body. Again, be sure to ask your physician first to know if they’re right for you & what dose to take.
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WHAT ABOUT YOUR SWIMWEAR?
Polyester swimsuits hold up best against chlorine. Check the label to look for a suit that’s close to 100% polyester (including the liner!).
Jenni Lynn loves her CHLORINE RESISTANT AQUAMORE suit by SwimandSweat.
Always rinse your suit after your water workout. Wash your suit at least once a week with cold water & a mild detergent (or swimsuit wash). Many swimsuit manufacturers recommend you avoid the swimsuit spinner (and washing machine!) & lay your suit flat on a towel when drying to increase longevity.
You could also soak your suit in a bucket of warm water & a teaspoon of Vitamin C crystals or a small amount of baking soda.
Do you have any tips we can add to our list? Favorite skincare products? Home remedies for chlorine detox? Best ways to extend the life of your swimsuits? We would love to hear your recommendations!
ABOUT AUTHOR: Breanna Anderson, PT has been practicing as an aquatic physical therapist and water fitness instructor for close to 20 years. She earned her Aquatic Facility Operator certification from the NRPA and has managed an indoor pool with her husband & co-owner of Anderson Aquatics, Travis Anderson, for the past decade.
She holds certifications to teach S’WET™ Shallow, ABS Aqua Combat, HiYo, and Aqua Yoga, and she is also a certified lifeguard with the American Red Cross.
Visit Anderson Aquatics to learn more about Breanna and how she's helping the S’WET™ SQUAD change the perception of aquatic fitness!
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