If chlorine is harmful, why would they put it in
swimming pools? The nasty yellow-green chemical just happens to be a necessary
evil, especially in the case of public pools. Go overboard with elemental
chlorine or chlorine-generating compounds and you end up with something toxic.
High concentrations of the stuff are poisonous, which is why it was used in the
first-ever chemical warfare agent back during World War I. Doesn’t all this
make you want to swear off swimming in pools ever again?
The amount of chlorine in pools, rest assured, is
safe. Besides turning your hair green (if you’re blond), what it mainly does is
disinfect the water, and disinfection pool water really does need. Why so? Kids
and even some adults pee in there. People spit, sweat, and ooze other bodily
secretions. If you’re never going to go in the pool again, it’s probably for
this discovery and not for the potential toxicity of chlorine.
Chlorine in pool water does have a side effect of
sorts. Don’t worry; it’s not headaches or rashes unless you have certain
sensitivities. Although studies have indicated that exposure to chlorine may
cause breathing trouble and drinking chlorinated water could lead to bladder
cancer, you should be safe if you make sure to shower and avoid swallowing pool
water. As it happens, the other effect chlorine has involved the fiber of your
swimsuit.
Chlorine messes with the durability of your swimwear.
After a few uses in chlorine-treated swimming pools, you’ll find your swimsuit
faded, misshapen, and much thinner. This effect is even more devastating on
women’s swimwear since the ladies typically care more about their swimwear
style. From arriving at the resort or party in attractive beach dresses to lounging
by the poolside donning cute cover-ups to sunbathing or swimming in their
bikinis, they ordinarily intend to paint as pretty a picture as possible.
And then there’s the matter of swimsuit pieces getting
loose and no longer binding to the body. Female swimmers definitely do not want
to risk any indecent exposure; what are they to do then? Drape themselves
around the pool and be purely ornamental? Wade up to thigh-deep water and then
go back? Or resign themselves to just a few uses before replacing? For this,
they should have unlimited reserves dedicated to swimwear purchases.
If you’re worried about what chlorine will do to your
swimsuit, then the logical solution would be to simply buy chlorine-resistant
swimwear. Swimsuits are normally made of lycra, but the market also carries
polyester swimsuits that are resistant to the damaging effects of chlorine. Of
late, knit technology has also given rise to other chlorine-resistant options.
Do you spend much time at the pool? The practical
solution is for you to simply invest in chlorine-resistant swimsuits.
In conclusion, while chlorine may seem like a menacing presence in swimming pools due to its toxicity in high concentrations, its use is essential for disinfecting the water and maintaining hygiene, especially in public pools. Despite concerns about potential health effects from chlorine exposure, such as breathing difficulties and bladder cancer risk, proper precautions like showering before and after swimming can mitigate these risks.
However, one often overlooked consequence of chlorine is its detrimental impact on swimwear. Chlorine can cause fading, distortion, and thinning of swimsuits, particularly those made of lycra. This can be especially concerning for women, who may prioritize style and durability in their swimwear choices.
To address this issue, investing in chlorine-resistant swimwear is a practical solution. Polyester swimsuits and other chlorine-resistant options offer durability and longevity, ensuring that swimwear remains intact even after frequent use in chlorinated pools.
Ultimately, while chlorine is a necessary component for pool maintenance, individuals can protect themselves and their swimwear by taking proactive measures and opting for chlorine-resistant materials. By doing so, they can enjoy their time at the pool without worrying about the damaging effects of chlorine on their health or their swimsuits.
