Do You Have to Shower After Swimming in a Pool?

In order to prevent the development of bacteria, algae and fungi in the water, treatment products such as chlorine or calcium hypochlorite are added to swimming pools. Indeed, these substances are the most commonly used because they have excellent disinfecting properties, and are also appreciated for their low price and ease of use.

However, when chlorinated water comes into contact with organic matter brought by bathers (sweat, urine, hair, dead skin, saliva, cosmetics, etc.), monochloramines are formed in the pool. These are chemical compounds resulting from the reaction between chlorine and ammonia and which can cause irritation of the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. They are also the cause of the strong bleach odor that is so characteristic of swimming pools and that permeates the skin, hair, and fabrics. Other factors can also lead to a higher production of monochloramines, such as high water temperature or agitation (whirlpools, waterfalls). During this chemical reaction, volatile by-products (trichloramines) are also formed and released into the air, producing unpleasant odors.

The reasons why you have to shower after swimming in a pool is that on the skin, the water itself and the chloramines formed have harmful effects. Indeed, they modify the composition of the corneal layer which dries the skin. The effects differ according to the duration of exposure:

• For recreational swimming: Skin dryness, itching, erythema, allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria have been identified.

• For repeated swimming or water sports: A wide spectrum of dermatoses have been identified. Xerosis is one of the conditions that most affects swimmers, especially those with sensitive and atopic skin (eczema) because their skin barrier is already sensitized. In addition, among lifeguards and coaches, more warts and fungal infections have been identified due to the humid environment.

Note: Xerosis is a skin condition that refers to dry skin. It occurs when the water content in the stratum corneum is lower than normal. Thus, the hydrolipidic film can no longer ensure its protective role and water loss increases. The skin is therefore dry and rough with sensations of discomfort (tightness, redness, itching).

The chlorine present in swimming pool water also has harmful effects on the hair. Indeed, it scours the hair fiber, causing the scales on the cuticle to lift and no longer play their protective role. As a result, the hair becomes brittle and rough. In addition, chlorine changes the hair's natural color: dark hair can become lighter and blond hair can get green highlights. When swimming frequently, chlorine weakens the corneal layer of the scalp, causing irritation, dryness, and dehydration.

Therefore, you have to shower after swimming and also should wash your hair in order to remove chlorine residues from the skin and hair. In addition, the use of moisturizing and lipid-replenishing products during the shower will help rebalance the skin barrier on the skin and scalp, and restore the cohesion of the hair cuticle.