Do you need chlorine in a private pool?
Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs, but it does not work right away. If used properly, chlorine can kill most germs within a few minutes. CDC recommends pH 7. If chlorine stays on your skin, it strips away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and itchiness. Prolonged exposure can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, making it more sensitive to environmental irritants and increasing the risk of rashes or redness.While it is effective at keeping pool water clean and safe, skin and chlorine don’t go so well together. It can also have some negative effects on the skin. It is commonly known to dry out the skin, which is not good for people who are more prone to dry skin or have skin conditions that cause dryness and sensitivity.Chlorine can irritate the eyes, skin, hair, and teeth. Swimming occasionally doesn’t cause significant side effects. People who swim frequently are more likely to experience chlorine side effects. Chlorinated water is considered safe when pools have the correct concentration of chlorine.Chloramines in the water can turn into gas in the air around the pool, which can irritate the throat and lungs. Skin dryness or irritation. Prolonged exposure to chlorine and chloramines can break down a protective layer on your child’s skin that produces natural oils to keep skin moisturized and healthy.
Do you have to shower after swimming in a private pool?
Even in a chlorinated pool, there’s a possibility of bacteria finding their way into open cuts. By taking a shower after swimming, you can wash away any potential contaminants and reduce the risk of infections in these vulnerable areas. The need for post-swim showers isn’t limited to pool water alone. After swimming, we recommend a warm shower. This helps open up the pores, allowing any residual chlorine to be washed away. We do not recommend the use of soap, nor do we recommend any scrubbing or exfoliating after swimming.In fact, the World Health Organization notes that a common reason for hospitalizations is water-related illnesses. Statistically, a pool without chlorine is more likely to make you sick because of the possibility of being exposed to the things not contained or killed by chlorine.Prolonged chlorine contact may disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in redness and heightened sensitivity. Neglecting post-swim hygiene increases the risk of bacterial skin infections and chronic conditions like eczema.One prevention mechanism for avoiding chlorine rash is applying petroleum jelly, like Vaseline®, or an ointment, like Aquaphor®, to the skin before getting in the water. It will act as a barrier to the chemical, minimizing its interaction with the skin.