Swimming offers a low-impact, full-body workout that provides significant cardiovascular benefits. However, daily swimming in a chemically treated pool requires a careful examination of the constant chemical exposure. The primary concern is the repeated interaction with chlorine and its byproducts, not the swimming itself. Frequent exposure can create cumulative effects on the skin, respiratory system, eyes, and ears. Understanding these challenges is necessary to mitigate potential drawbacks while still enjoying the physical benefits of the sport.
External Effects on Skin and Hair
The disinfectant chlorine is highly effective at sanitizing pool water, but it acts as a strong oxidant that strips away the body’s natural protective barriers. This involves removing sebum, the natural oil layer that maintains moisture and forms the acid mantle. Daily exposure to chlorinated water compromises the skin’s capacity to retain moisture, leaving it dry, tight, and itchy.
The skin naturally maintains a slightly acidic pH (4.7 to 5.5), necessary for a healthy barrier function. Pool water is usually maintained at a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.2 to 7.8) to prevent equipment corrosion. Repeated exposure to this higher pH disrupts the skin’s natural acidity, increasing sensitivity and worsening existing conditions like eczema.
Hair also suffers from chlorine’s oxidizing action, which breaks down keratin, the protein structure providing strength and elasticity. This leads to brittle, dry hair shafts, increased split ends, and a loss of shine. The greenish tint sometimes seen in lighter hair is caused by the oxidation of dissolved copper ions, not chlorine itself. Chlorine acts as the oxidizing agent that causes copper—introduced via algaecides or plumbing—to bind to the hair shaft’s protein.
Respiratory and Ocular Health Risks
The distinct odor associated with swimming pools is commonly mistaken for chlorine, but it is the smell of chloramines, a disinfection byproduct. Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with organic matter introduced by swimmers, such as sweat, urine, and skin cells. These volatile compounds irritate the mucous membranes in the eyes and respiratory tract, causing chemical conjunctivitis, which presents as red, burning eyes.
Chloramines off-gas from the water and accumulate in the air above the pool surface, particularly in indoor environments with poor ventilation. Inhaling these irritants can trigger or exacerbate respiratory issues, including nasal irritation, coughing, and wheezing, often referred to as “swimmer’s cough.” Prolonged, frequent exposure to high levels of airborne chloramines has been linked to the development of exercise-induced asthma.
Understanding Infection Risk in Communal Water
Daily immersion in communal water carries a risk of exposure to biological hazards, shifting focus from chemical irritation. These are categorized as Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs), spread by swallowing, breathing in, or having contact with water contaminated with germs. Common pathogens that cause gastrointestinal illness include E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, its ability to kill all germs is not instantaneous. Cryptosporidium, a protozoan that causes prolonged diarrheal illness, is highly resistant to chlorine and can survive for days in properly treated pool water. The most common daily issue for frequent swimmers is otitis externa, or “swimmer’s ear,” which is an infection of the outer ear canal. Prolonged moisture softens the skin lining the ear canal, creating a warm, damp environment where bacteria and fungi, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can easily thrive and cause inflammation.
Safe Practices for Frequent Swimmers
To minimize the negative effects of daily swimming, preventative and post-swim hygiene practices are necessary. Before entering the pool, rinsing off with fresh water saturates the hair and skin, reducing the absorption of chlorinated water and the formation of chloramines. Applying a leave-in conditioner or oil to the hair can also create a physical barrier against the water and metal ions.
Protective Equipment
Wearing personal protective equipment is an effective defense against chemical and biological irritants. Goggles protect the eyes from direct contact with chloramines and the imbalanced pH of the water, preventing chemical conjunctivitis. A swim cap limits hair saturation, and earplugs prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear canal, lowering the risk of otitis externa.
Post-Swim Care
Immediately after swimming, shower thoroughly with soap and a clarifying shampoo to remove all chlorine and chloramine residue from the skin and hair. Applying a rich, hydrating moisturizer or barrier cream helps to replenish lost sebum and restore the skin’s protective barrier.