Swimming is a common pastime in Colorado Springs and a great cardio activity. Many swimming pools use chlorine to keep the water sanitary. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant that kills bacteria that can lead to illness. However, frequent swimming in a chlorine-treated pool can lead to skin problems. Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic often sees patients who complain about these side effects. We wanted to share a resource that helps you understand the effects of pool chemicals on your body. This blog explains how pool water affects the skin and provides tips on protecting yourself from chlorine and maintaining good skin health if you swim regularly.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Pool Chlorine Side Effects
Patients who visit our Colorado Springs office often report predictable skin concerns related to swimming, as chemical sanitizers remove organic material from the water. Unfortunately, skin oil counts as organic matter, which often leads to dry skin, itchiness, and tightness in swimmers. Swimmers may also experience eye irritation from time to time, including redness around the eyes and a stinging sensation. This happens when active chlorine interacts with organic material in the water. Chlorinated water can also worsen existing conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The best way to manage these common issues is to rinse off with fresh water and apply skin cream immediately after swimming.
Resource: cdc.gov
Skin and Eye Effects
Chlorine can have lasting effects on your skin and its natural oils. Chlorine is an irritant that strips the skin of its oils. This leads to rapid skin dehydration, which can make your skin feel tight, itchy, and flaky. People with sensitive skin are at greater risk of irritation and inflammation, as chlorine removes the skin’s natural oils. Your eyes are also prone to irritation and injury while swimming in a pool. Pool water changes the pH of your eyes and removes the tear film that keeps your eyes moist. This leaves your eyes vulnerable to chloramines, which are compounds formed when pool chemicals react with sweat, urine, or other substances. The effects may include red eyes, stinging, and blurred vision. Use a rich ceramide moisturizer on your skin and wear goggles to help prevent chlorine-related eye irritation.
Long-Term Chlorine Exposure
Regular swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to long-term skin concerns. Frequent swimming over the years may damage the skin barrier, which can contribute to chronic dryness, premature aging, and increased sensitivity. This can also increase the risk of skin damage from other factors. Ongoing exposure may affect the bacteria that naturally exist on your skin. An imbalanced skin microbiome can make you more susceptible to skin infections. Competitive swimmers and aquatic sports athletes are at greater risk of developing persistent skin changes. Following a post-swim skin care routine can help reduce long-term dermatological effects.
Reduce Chlorine Irritation
A pre-swim and post-swim skin care routine can help protect your body. The first step swimmers should take before entering the water is to rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Rinsing fills the hair with water and saturates epidermal cells, making it more difficult for pool water to enter your pores during swim time.
A barrier product can also help protect your body. Apply a thick layer of water-resistant sunscreen or a ceramide cream to the body and face to protect the epidermis. A silicone swim cap helps protect the hair and scalp from chemicals. After leaving the pool, cleanse your skin with a gentle sulfate-free cleanser.
Chlorine and Hair Damage
Regular use of chlorinated pools can damage the hair. Chlorine is used to disinfect water and, like bleaching agents, removes essential oils from the scalp and hair strands. This causes the hair to become dry and brittle. It may also become more prone to breakage. People with dyed, bleached, or naturally blond hair may be more susceptible. Bleached hair is more porous and can turn green when exposed to chlorine. To protect your hair, pre-treat it before entering a pool. Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to prevent pores from absorbing too much chlorine. Wear a tight-fitting silicone swim cap over the hair to protect it from pool chemicals. After swimming, wash your hair immediately with a gentle cleansing shampoo.
Children and Chlorine Sensitivity
Children are more susceptible to the effects of swimming pool chemicals than adults. They have thinner skin and a less-developed epidermal barrier. This allows chemicals used to sanitize pool water to penetrate the skin more quickly than in adults, which can lead to significant dry skin patches or rashes in infants and children. After a swim, rinse children with fresh water to remove chemicals from the skin and reduce the risk of a reaction. Always apply a hypoallergenic cream to soothe irritated skin. Monitor your child’s skin for any unusual redness or irritation to determine whether a reaction is present.
Signs of Chlorine Allergy
People can develop an allergy to chemicals used in pools, although this is rare. Severe cases may present with similar symptoms because the skin can become inflamed. People who experience adverse reactions usually develop contact dermatitis within minutes to hours of being in a swimming pool.
Symptoms may include:
- Red, itchy skin
- Small blisters
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Congestion
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
Delaying rash treatment can lead to more serious health issues over time. Seek medical attention right away if you develop hives or have trouble breathing after using a chlorinated pool.
Mild skin reactions are generally best treated with:
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams
- Oral antihistamine medications
A Colorado Springs dermatologist can help you determine what you are sensitive to and how to manage it safely.
Maintaining Safe Chlorine Levels
Maintaining proper chemical levels in your pool is one of the easiest ways to avoid skin problems. Facility staff need to check chemical levels multiple times each day. If the right amount of chlorine is being used, it will kill bacteria while remaining gentle enough on human skin. Improperly treated water can cause skin to lose moisture, while under-treated pools may encourage the growth of bacteria and viruses. Home pool owners also have a responsibility to maintain proper chemical levels. Buy a reliable test kit to monitor chemical levels accurately. Adjusting the pH balance along with pool chemicals can also help prevent skin reactions. Regular cleaning and proper air circulation can also improve how pool chemicals affect your skin.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pools
Pool location can affect how badly your skin reacts to chemicals. Indoor pools often have limited airflow, so chemical by-products can remain in the air. This may lead to more dry skin and respiratory irritation. Eye irritation may also be more common in indoor pool areas. Outdoor swimming pools benefit from natural airflow and UV sunlight. This helps irritating by-products disperse more quickly. Sunlight also breaks down chlorine levels, so outdoor pool owners need to monitor chemical levels closely. Sunscreen is essential for outdoor swimmers because they are more exposed to UV rays.
Chlorine Alternative Options
Some facilities offer chlorine alternatives, such as saltwater systems, to help reduce irritation. A saltwater system uses a special machine to turn salt in the pool water into natural sanitizers. The result is water that often feels softer and less drying to the skin. People who use saltwater pools may have fewer eye and skin problems than those who swim in traditionally chlorinated pools. Some pools also use ozone and UV light sanitizing systems. These systems help keep water free of bacteria and debris. Chemical levels may not need to be as high as they are in traditional pools when ozone and UV systems are used. If you are concerned about your skin or have had problems with swimming in the past, look for a local pool that uses one of these alternatives.
Resource: cdc.gov
Next Steps for Healthy Skin
Every skin needs proper care, especially if you swim regularly. Schedule an appointment at Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic for a full skin evaluation. Our dermatologists and specialists can help you create a skin care plan that allows you to keep swimming while protecting your skin.