Swimming in Chlorinated Pools

In this article, we’ll provide advice, hacks and tips on the prevention and treatment of some minor health issues some swimmers may experience while swimming in chlorinated pools.

What is chlorine?

Chlorine is a chemical commonly used in most swimming pools to help disinfect the pool water.

The levels of chlorine that are used in most swimming pools are for most swimmers, usually no cause for concern regarding their health.
According to many health experts, the coronavirus doesn’t survive in chlorinated water.

Minor chlorine induced health problems

However, from time to time some swimmers experience minor health problems caused by swimming in chlorinated pools. These include,

Breathing difficulties

The chlorine levels in some pools may cause some swimmers to have breathing difficulties, especially those with asthma.

Some swimmers find that when swimming in pools with high levels of chlorine; they can develop exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This is more commonly known as exercise-induced asthma.
Swimmers and swimming parents should be aware of the chlorine levels of their pool, by asking the pool manager.
Those who manage the pool should monitor the chlorine levels very closely.
Another contributory factor to swimmers having breathing difficulties in some pools is their poor ventilation/air conditioning.
Those who manage the pool should also monitor their pools ventilation/air conditioning very carefully.

Breathing problems: treatment

According to Asthma UK, swimmers should be able to continue swimming, if properly managed.

Amongst their advice is,

They should take their inhaler onto the poolside/deck
They should check with their health professional, that they are using their inhaler correctly.
For further details please follow the link below
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/exercise/

Dry skin

Regular swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to some swimmers developing dry skin, which can lead to skin irritation.

Dry skin: prevention

Dry skin may be prevented by the swimmer taking a shower before and after each session. Many swimmers with dry skin moisturise afterwards.

For areas that have been affected before, swimmers may wish to apply petroleum jelly as a barrier between their skin and the water.
Some swimmers with dry skin ensure that they consume plenty of foods that are rich in essential fatty acids such as oily fish, certain vegetables, nuts and seeds. (Which should be a part of a swimmer’s diet anyway)

Eczema conditions and chlorine

Some swimmers suffer from eczema.

Although some eczema sufferers may find chlorine irritates their condition, some swimmers may find that because chlorine is a disinfectant, that it actually helps their condition.

Eczema conditions: prevention

To avoid any chlorine-related eczema conditions becoming worse, many swimmers use a barrier of emollient cream before each session.

Eczema conditions may be helped by the swimmer taking a cool shower before and after each session. Many swimmers use a chemical-free soap when showering.
Some swimmers with eczema ensure that they consume plenty of fluid before, during and after each session to help keep their skin hydrated. (Which should be a part of a swimmer’s diet anyway)

Chlorine rash

Regular swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to some swimmers developing a chlorine rash, which is usually red and itchy.

This usually means that the swimmer is not allergic to chlorine, they are just sensitive to it.

Chlorine rash: prevention

Chlorine rash may be prevented by the swimmer taking a shower before and after each session. Many swimmers use a chemical-free soap when showering.

For areas that have been affected before, swimmers may wish to apply petroleum jelly as a barrier between their skin and the water.
Some swimmers with a chlorine rash ensure that they consume plenty of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. (Which should be a part of a swimmer’s diet anyway)

Chlorine rash: treatment

Chlorine rash can be usually treated with creams (usually corticosteroid creams) from your pharmacy/drug store.

As with all forms of medical treatment, before using please seek professional medical advice.

Chlorine damaged hair

Regularly swimming in chlorinated pools can damage hair.

Chlorine can remove the natural oil from our hair, which protects the swimmer’s hair, leaving it dry and damaged.
Certain types of hair can be more susceptible to chlorine damaged hair.
These include dry hair, thin hair, fine hair, previously damaged hair, dyed hair, highlighted hair or permed hair.

Chlorine damaged hair: prevention

Wearing a swimming cap/hat is a great way of preventing chlorine damaging hair.

A swimmer should wash their hair after each session. Many swimmers use a specialist swimming shampoo and conditioner.
Swimmers should avoid using hair dryers after each session as this could add to the damage caused by the chlorine.

Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Some swimmers suffer from the erosion of their tooth enamel due to the chlorine in the pool.

This can leave their teeth sensitive and brittle.
To prevent this, swimmers should brush their teeth as soon as they leave the pool.
Ideally, using toothpaste with added calcium and phosphorus that can better help fight the acid caused by the chlorine.
Some swimmers find using baking soda effective.

Takeaway

Chlorine is a chemical commonly used in most swimming pools to help disinfect the pool water.

The levels of chlorine that are used in most swimming pools are for most swimmers usually no cause for concern regarding their health.

However, from time to time some swimmers experience minor problems caused by swimming in chlorinated swimming pools. These include,

Breathing difficulties
Dry skin
Chlorine rash
Damaged hair

Most are easily preventable and treatable and should not stop a swimmer enjoying the sport they love.

As with all forms of medical treatment, before using please seek professional medical advice.

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