Summers are meant to be enjoyed by the pool, right? Who wouldn’t want to have a fun dip on a blazing hot day and chill by the pool? In fact, an ideal summer’s day would be a dip in the pool, followed by a chilled drink and a book in hand, lounging by the poo! Sounds like a dream day!
However, swimming pools are great yet make you miserable at the same time. The pool is treated with chemicals to keep it clean and avoid hygiene issues. Many of us are bound to suffer from the ill-effects of those chemicals on our body.
Some Signs that you are affected by the Chemicals in the Pool include
- Burning eyes
- Itching skin or hives
- Wheezing
- Allergy symptoms like a runny nose
To avoid being plagued by these symptoms, here are some easy ways to protect yourself from chemicals in the swimming pool
5 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself against Chemicals in the Swimming Pool
Shower Before And After Swimming
We’ve always heard this one, haven’t we? While most of us tend to shower after swimming, it’s important to take a light shower before entering the pool. This helps our skin absorb clean moisture and tends to prevent the body from absorbing chlorinated water.
Chloramine is a compound formed when chlorine comes in contact with sweat and causes adverse reactions. So showering before swimming removes sweat. Of course, it goes without saying that a quick shower after swimming is necessary and removes chemicals from your body.
Use Goggles And Ear Plugs
Using the right swimming accessories like goggles, earplugs and a swimming cap can prevent allergic reactions to eyes and even your hair. Earplugs help avoid those unnecessary ear infections we tend to get when chlorinated water enters our ears.
Some swimmers even wear a mask if they are too sensitive to chemicals. Decide the best accessories to protect you and invest in them. And remember, no heavy makeup or perfumes which worsen reactions.
Apply Topical Vitamin C
Do you know that Vitamin C neutralizes the effect of chlorine on the skin? While we all know that Vitamin C is good for your skin, it also helps protect you against chemicals in the swimming pool.
You can opt for online Vitamin C sprays or buy a powdered source of Vitamin C and mix it with distilled water. Apply this all over your body after a dip in the pool. Then take a light shower and apply some moisturizer or coconut oil and voila, your skin and body will be as healthy as new.
Use Coconut Oil
Many of us might have heard this before but dismissed it off as Grandma’s tales. Yet, it’s true that the acid mantle of our skin is stripped away from chemicals in the pool and only coconut oil can protect it.
This is because your skin becomes alkaline and the slightly acidic nature of coconut oil provides an extra layer of protection. Coconut oil acts as a great moisturizer too and is ideal to maintain a glow in your skin. So it’s a double benefit out there!
Choose Saltwater Swimming Pools
Saltwater swimming pools are a great option for those who experience allergic reactions in the pool. This is because saltwater pools use less chlorine and chemicals and also feels softer. It is easy to maintain with fewer chemicals required and is also beneficial for your health compared to a regular chlorinated swimming pool.
You might also want to opt for outdoor pools compared to indoors to avoid respiratory and other ailments common to an indoor pool.
Follow these simple tips and have a great, allergy-free time at the pool. We are sure they would benefit you and help you enjoy your summer.