Why You Should Shower Before and After Swimming
A quick shower before you swim and another after is one of the simplest pool habits, and it helps you and everyone else in the water.
Why shower before swimming
It keeps the water cleaner
Our bodies carry sweat, skin oils, deodorant, cosmetics and dirt. When these get into pool water, the chlorine used to disinfect it reacts with them. That uses up chlorine that would otherwise be killing germs. The CDC notes that rinsing off for just one minute removes most of the dirt and other things on your body.
It means fewer irritating chemicals
When chlorine reacts with sweat, urine and other substances, it forms chemicals called chloramines. These cause the strong "chlorine smell" at some pools and can irritate the eyes, skin and airways. A cleaner pool usually smells less and feels more comfortable.
It is often the rule
Many public pools ask swimmers to shower before entering the water. It is also simple courtesy; see our swimming pool etiquette guide.
Why shower after swimming
To rinse off chlorine
Chlorine and other pool chemicals left on the skin and hair can cause dryness and irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin or eczema. A rinse with fresh water and a mild wash helps.
To care for your hair
Regular swimmers often find chlorine dries their hair. Rinsing and using conditioner after swimming helps. Wetting your hair with fresh water before you swim and wearing a cap also reduce how much pool water your hair absorbs.
To feel fresh
Especially after an outdoor swim in Singapore's heat, a shower washes off sunscreen and sweat as well as pool water.
Tips for children
- Make the pre-swim shower part of the routine, so it happens automatically.
- Take children to the toilet before swimming and during breaks.
- After the lesson, rinse hair and skin, dry ears gently, and moisturise if their skin tends to be dry. See swimmer's ear.
Other habits that keep pools healthy
- Do not swim if you have diarrhoea.
- Try not to swallow pool water.
- Check and change babies' swim nappies often, away from the poolside.
Pack what you need with our swimming equipment list, and read what to expect in your first swimming lesson.
More in kit and pool life
- Swimming equipment listWhat you need, and what you don't
- Why proper swimming attire mattersSwimwear for comfort, safety and hygiene
- 14 benefits of swimming with finsHow training fins help, and how to use them well
Sources
- CDC, Healthy swimming. Rinsing off for one minute removes most dirt and other substances on the body; do not swim when sick with diarrhoea; avoid swallowing pool water.
Ready for your first lesson?
Tell us the learner's age, their swimming experience and anything the instructor should know. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.