Does your skin react to the chemicals in public swimming pools?
By dreamhealer
@dreamhealer (812)
April 17, 2009 2:41pm CST
Over about the last year, I have really started having a problem with my skin getting really itchy, especially on my legs below the knees. But itching can also occur on the scalp and various other places. After a swim, I really have a thorough shower to try and get rid of all traces of the swimming pool chemicals (chlorine in known to be one chemical used and can be quite carcinogenic I believe). Also, I just don't visit very often, to let my skin have chance to recover.
The alternative is to go swimming in the sea. In England though, it is often pretty cold and just not as convenient, as I live a lot closer to a swimming pool and also where I work has a facility nearby.
When not suffering from a skin reaction, I find that swimming can be a pleasant form of exercise. A Sunday morning can be especially good. Afterwards, I can walk to the town centre for a Cuppachino, maybe a spot of shopping too or even the pub!
Do YOU have any particularly good or bad experiences with public swimming pools?
5 responses
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
17 Apr 09
I have been allergic to "chlorine" since I was about 11. However, it didn't stop my schools dumping me in the water at every opportunity. I didn't mind being in the water, in fact I enjoyed it, it was about 20 minutes after I got out that the problems began! I've tried all sorts of stuff, but I have to accept that I'm going to itch if I swim in a pool. I itch when I swim in the sea too. I wonder if it's the salt as I have quite dry skin especially on my arms and legs.
1 person likes this
@dreamhealer (812)
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17 Apr 09
Yes, I'm usually better off swimming in the sea. The thing here though is that is has to be fairly warm, so then the sun is shining and I have fair skin, so have to cover it with plenty of sunblock, which is a pain and hassle in itself! On balance though it does seem that much healthier then the swimming pool!!
@dreamhealer (812)
•
17 Apr 09
Tis good to have plenty of exercise. It can get a bit boring to do the same one though. Sorry to hear how bad your allergy is though. Yoga once a week is something I have recently started doing. Also go to the gym about once a week too. Thanks for your response. 
@dreamhealer (812)
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30 Apr 09
Whoops, sorry for that! Pressed some wrong buttons somewhere. Hope you'll forgive me.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
7 May 09
I always shower after going in a swimming pool to wash all the chemicals off me. my skin can feel a bit itchy otherwise. I find swimming very relaxing so I wouldn't want to stop doing it. Swimming at my local beach wouldn't be possible because there is sinking mud. I know in any case the water would be way too cold for the experience to be pleasant. Traveling overseas is one of my favorite hobbies and the swimming in the sea around the Seychelles, by comparison, was excellent.
I have just had normal experiences in swimming pools but in the sea I have had some exciting moments. One time I was doing some snorkeling in Samoa. I was having such a fantastic time with my face in the water looking at all the colorful coral and meeting the friendly fish that I was shocked when I looked up. I was out to sea and the shore was a distance away. I realized that the tide was pushing to out. It was pointless to try swimming back in a straight line so I attempted going in a semi circle. I was exhausted from all that swimming by the time I got back to land.
1 person likes this
@dreamhealer (812)
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7 May 09
Thanks for your response! I find that even with showering, that this doesn't necessarily get rid of all the chemicals. But as long as I don't go swimming too often, can keep the itchiness under control. Interesting to hear about your experience abroad in Samoa.
@CrispinoNena (67)
• Thailand
26 Apr 09
Always, I'm just wondering if I stayed for more than 3 hours in the pool. My hands cramps even my legs. I don't why?
1 person likes this
@dreamhealer (812)
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30 Apr 09
Seems a long time to stay in the pool! I usually spent between half and three-quarters of an hour swimming. Have got cramps myself sometimes, so guess the longer you stay in the more likely you are to get cramps. Not looked into the whys and wherefores of this condition, but guess there is plenty of information elsewhere; maybe on this site or elsewhere on the net. Happy myLotting ^*^
^*^ @poolnecessities (1)
• United States
11 May 10
I have the same problem especially in hot tubs since the chlorine content is usually a lot higher. The only solution I could give you would be to use chemical free cleaners in your hot tub or pool such as "crystal clean" www.poolnecessities.com has several different chemical free cleaners for pools and spas.
